The Guardian view on new ideas in social work: pioneers are breaking down silos and focusing on relationships | Editorial

Vulnerable users of local services are being helped by innovations that have nothing to do with AIWhen it is not framed around cost savings, discussion of public service reform these days mostly focuses on technology. This is most obvious in healthcare, where medical science drives change all the time: weight loss drugs, genetic cancer tests, and so on. The benefits and risks of AI are another theme, from education to criminal justice. But some of those involved in trying to improve public services are taking a strikingly different tack. Their work centres not on machines but on relationships.This might sound like common sense. Pretty well everyone recognises the value of an inspiring teacher or trusted social worker. Wes Streeting has stressed his support for Labour’s policy of “bringing back the family doctor, so patients can see the same doctor for each appointment”.Do you have an opinion on the issues raised in this article? If you would like to submit a response of up to 300 words by email to be considered for publication in our letters section, please click here. Continue reading...

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