No Secrets, No Shame no Blame & the protection of Whistle Blowing. |
The above Sub-Headline Focuses upon the important issues in Human Rights and Employment Legislations. The underlying principles and legal Guidelines encompassed by these 'concepts' are because of culpable failings of Social Institutions, both in terms of their employment responsibilities and in providing the services they are charged to provide. The Abuses and their effects are similar and just as harmful as any in life.Hi, My Name is Terry Couchman and I sometimes include my personal experiences, in order to illustrate some problem or other. I have written in more detail, else where, about the social experiment I have been undertaking over the last half century. It is only in the last 30 years that it has been more formalised as 'Operational Research'. It is only in the last 5 years that I have again gotten down to some serious academic writing and also, some more 'popular' forms of writing (at Service User's requests).Basically, this experiment involved continuing to work as a 'front line' Professional (Returning from being a Team Leader & Service Manager) and engaging with the Community as an 'empowered' Service User. No personal experience was excluded from this experiment and it has sometimes been quite dangerous (for myself) at times. I though that with my early childhood experiences that I was wary and experienced in handling abusive situations. I was wrong. What happened to me was quite overwhelming.These are all valid outcomes of the experiment, which are gradually being drafted into (hopefully) interesting and challenging reflections on the experiences. Little did I know what would befall me and the dramatic effects these experiences would have on my life. I can now say that I am a 3 or 4 times survivor, depending how you do the sums. I the last two experience i followed my own guidelines an feel that i just about survived the experience.The Social Experiment:
My remit has been to remain as 'ordinary' as possible and experience the conditions and frustrations of my colleagues and my professional clients, within the 'institutional' services. In contrast to this, I have also run small 'empowering' support networks for the more disenfranchised service users. This did not mean I could not continue to play a positive role, as a member of the professional teams I worked in, but this arrangement did sometimes produce conflicts and misunderstanding. This conflict need not be negative however. I had already gained very early experience of the problems that Team Leaders and Line Managers experienced, in attempting to provide an adequate service, often in very difficult circumstances. Early management experience and constructive relationships with Executive Managers, allowed me valuable insight into some of the best practices and some of the worst. I filtered out the best, of course, but recorded the worst also. Working from a 'radical' standpoint, one is always under close scrutiny, even from 'friends' and encouraging managers. I saw these management experience as an equally valid part of the experiment. I was fortunate enough to have senior managers who were very open to my own (and others) more idealistic initiatives and allowed me to formalise and promote these ideas, under their expert advice and guidance, into effective and empowering services. I learned early and I learned quick. I had to. As someone in my 20's the experience of management responsibility was sometimes quite intimidating, especially as I took this very seriously. Working from a 'radical' standpoint, you are always under close scrutiny, even from 'friends' and encouraging managers. Some of these early community service and therapeutic social care developments, generated such professional antagonism, one almost had to resort to subterfuge. Fear of natural community change was as great then as it is now. Some of these early community service and more therapeutic social care developments, generated professional antagonism. Fear of natural community change and empowerment of service users, was as great then as it is now. There are also significant professional jalousies and resentments; due to the disruption of comfortable and sometimes complacent attitudes. Fear of Risk is key to the insights that I gained. Thankfully, we were still able (collectively and individually) to establish Community Care as the appropriate context for 'social work' practice. In those early Community Care days, the big issues were news worthy and people could make a name for themselves by the dramatic disclosures. It is the same today. This is valid action, of course, assuming everything possible is done, professionally and institutionally, to resolve the problems. We should always highlight the big failing which have disastrous effects upon peoples lives. My interests is in the smaller failing which, like Chinese Cater Torture, eats away at the resolve of professionals, service users and communities alike. This 'social experiment' is quite simple. It is to observe, record, comment and theorise, on the challenging circumstances found within the professions, within the communities in which we live, within the small community projects I support and even within my personal life. Nothing is sacred. Each of these circumstances acted as the 'reference group' for the other. Like so many social experiments, one has to be careful not to be seduced by powerful groups, or over react to emotional trauma's. These influences have to be engaged and Ethically dealt with in Holistic, human ways, but 'filtered' in the Research process and its findings.Experiences as a Service User:
That said, I recently became a 'Service User' again, in a number of profound ways which, if I did not have the resolve and insight into institutions, or the 'social' entrepreneurial spirit that I have, would have completely overwhelmed me and produced very serious, permanent mental and physical health problems. I became the victim of some of the more incompetent, abusive and neglectful aspects of the institutions I have been studying. I suffered, like our client's, the impact of the insidious Institutionalisation of community services, including 'head games'.The 'experiment' is now over. I was already very aware of the 'suffering' that many others had experienced from this prolonged institutional incompetence, but more recent personal events are now some of the most valid experience I have ever had. I would not have chosen this but it does mean that my research is now complete. Lets get on with the changes; 'In Service User terms'. My own story (history) is inextricably linked with those of the people I have tried to help and nearly failed, by not protecting myself, from these pernicious institutional effects. Then, just as now, the big issues are news worthy and people can make a name for themselves (and often do) by the more dramatic disclosures. These are valid of course, assuming everything possible was done, professionally and institutionally, to resolve the problem. We should always highlight the big failing, which have had disastrous effects upon peoples lives, whenever we become aware of them. My interests was in the smaller failing, the ones that, like Chinese torture, dig away at the resolve of professionals, service users and communities alike. These undermine the quality and accessibility to services and help.Now, normally I do not include my 'professional' roles (and the conflict within these roles) in the stories that are described on some of these pages. The reasons for this are a bit complicated, but basically I feel this can tend to 'subvert' the opinions and perspectives of the the Service Users of our Professional & Community Services. These perspectives are fundamental to my research, they give me the 'external' overview of the accessibility and responsiveness of the institutions we fund and the professional and other community services we seek to provide. I occasionally act as an Advocate, in particular instances, but I usually encourage 'self advocacy, with informed choice'.Ok, that said, I recently became a 'Service User' in a number of profound ways which, if I did not have the resolve and insight into institutions, or the 'social' entrepreneurial spirit that I have, would have completely overwhelmed me and produced very serious, permanent mental and physical health problems. I became the victim of some of the more incompetent, abusive and neglectful aspects of the institutions I have been studying. Until recently, I have maintained the same polite approach to advocacy for myself, that I had for the people I support. I must now make a stand. Historical personal perspectives and experiences, adjusted through 'reflection' and recovery from traumas, are legitimate forms of material for Research. Such experiences are legitimate, provided we are able to see the events in the wider perspective. This is only possible and such experiments can only be safely and effectively conducted, in the context of stable reference groups. These groups (for myself) include Service User Volunteers, Project Clients, Professional Colleagues I have worked with and good Friends who understand the purpose of the experiment. The Experiment is Over:
Basically, the formal experiment is now over. I have collected enough evidence, and I am being provided with so much more, that I have just enough time to write up the conclusions and concentrate upon my own personal and social 'recovery'. I would not have chosen the extreme nature of the recent experiences, as part of the original experiment. I was very aware of the suffering that others had experienced from these prolonged experiences, but they are now some of the most valid experience I have ever had. The research is now complete. Lets get on with the changes; 'In our terms'. My own continuing story will be uploaded soon. For academic and legal reasons, the latest experiences are a bit technical at present but, as is usual with this website, this will evolve as friendly critics reflect upon the material and make available their own stories. I apologise for the 'logical' and sometimes 'intellectual' character of the material. Academically, this can not be avoided, it must follow scientific protocols. As promised, the more 'entertaining' and 'emotional' reflections on our collective experiences, will be presented as 'Headliners', over the next few months. As I get published elsewhere, I will keep you informed. My mild dyslexia is currently 'agitated' by these recent, distressing experiences and there is still a tendency to leave conceptual gaps, which I know can somewhat confound you at times. I am still re-reading, listening to criticisms and re-writing the material as quickly as I can. I also have a good friend who is beginning to see the pattern and providing useful 'external' reflection. I feel that it is important that it is here though, even in its inadequate form. People have suffered enough:
Clients and dedicated professionals alike and we have to take every opportunity to reduce that suffering. All we can do, at present, is open up a few more people's minds and give permission and legitimisation, to those minds that remain open. Social advancement is often a case of two steps forward one step back. We are those steps forward. The good news, for me, is that my poor health, which was largely related to 'unacceptable levels of work stress (institutional in form, not from client work) has now been largely overcome. These experiences confirm, to my own and others satisfaction, along with the wealth of evidence accumulated, that much of the poor physical and mental health, of clients and of supportive professionals, is due to inappropriate institutional practices; which I have been observing in our institutions and have been politely challenging as an issue for some time. As I have said. No experience need be wasted and all experiences can be turned to the benefit of all concerned, including those who generate the unacceptable stresses. Ethical Practice and Whistle Blowing is 'Damaging to Your Health':
Even now, with legislation to protect us, this is the sad fact. Even with 'formal' channels for clients to express their complaints and for professionals to expressing their suggestions and concerns, there is real fear in the hearts and minds of many people to make any kind of complaint. Sometimes this is due to the belligerent responses of those in 'control', but more often it is because of 'relative' ignorance of the 'trained' professional staff and managers, who have a disproportionate power and influence in the managing and distribution of professional services. Early 'embarrassing' complaints are often dismissed, or effectively ignored, more assertive complaints are challenged for their legitimacy and dismissed by 'formal' excuses (often finances). Formal complaints are dealt with by intimidating processes under the guise of required 'Formality' and 'Impartiality'. I fully support those colleagues who remain, or become, silent for now, for fear of the repercussions from their less sensitive colleagues and managers, who do have the same Ethical standing and interest. They understand that their professional integrity does not extend to all professionals, at any level. Those who have the courage to persevere, in spite of the challenges and health risks, know who they are. Those who maligned and undermine those who stick to their ethical principles also know who they are. The people who most need their 'eyes opening' are those who simply can not see and refuse to hear, the distress that is being caused by protectionist, institutionalised, prejudice and prescriptive practices, packaged as a 'new improved product', with the same old caustic ingredients (Bad & Pretentious Attitudes). As I have said. No experience need be wasted and all experiences can be turned to the benefit of all concerned, including those who generate the unacceptable stresses, provided no permanent damage has been done. This is now my further intention. © Terry Couchman, June 12th; July 22nd 2009  This page is in a further stage of preparation.
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