ABSTRACT
This chapter defines the personal social services somewhat narrowly in organisational terms. The focus here is upon the personal social services entitled 'social services departments' within the structure of English and Welsh local government. The chapter unravels the complex web of connections between research and policy in the British scene. It first addresses the recent developments in research funding machinery. In 1973, the Department of Health and Social Security (DHSS) in England and Wales initiated a completely new structure for the support and development of research outside the department. Secondly, the chapter discusses the effects of political attitudes towards the social sciences on research. Then, some critical elements in the relationship between researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners are examined. Finally, the chapter presents some key issues for the future. The 'value critical' stance of most researchers in the personal social services should not be rejected by any developed society concerned about the quality of care it offers.
