ABSTRACT
The 'vision' for joint working emerged against the backdrop of the National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990, the increase in accountability, 'consumer market choice' and pressure to reduce staff. The way staff are equipped, supported, maintained and encouraged to develop through this minefield of change is crucial. Certain staff within the service had additional anxieties that compounded their needs for support and direction. The context in which restructuring takes place will often impact more on some jobs than on others. Service provision was maintained as consistently as possible due to the shared value base of 'ordinary life principles' held at all levels by both health and social services staff. All professional staff has a professional supervisor and, for each profession, the senior supervisor is the practice adviser for that discipline, with responsibilities to advise both their professional colleagues and management.
