Policy Press

Adult Social Care Law and Policy

Lessons from the Pandemic

By Jean McHale and Laura Noszlopy

Published

Feb 6, 2025

Page count

304 pages

Browse the series

Law, Society, Policy

ISBN

978-1529229868

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Feb 6, 2025

Page count

304 pages

Browse the series

Law, Society, Policy

ISBN

978-1529229882

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Adult Social Care Law and Policy

Available Open Access digitally under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.

This book provides an in-depth socio-legal examination of adult social care law and policy during the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores the tensions between legislation, policy, economy, and practice in what was already an under-resourced and overstretched sector.

The authors interrogate the vision and utility of the Care Act 2014 and explore the impact of emergency legislation and operational changes implemented during the pandemic. Detailing what happened to social care provision during this time of intense stress and turbulence for people who draw on services, for informal carers, and for those who work in the sector, the book highlights fault-lines in the system.

This is an invaluable resource offering timely lessons for social care reform and future pandemic preparedness planning.

“A fascinating and thought-provoking study of COVID-19’s impact on an already-stretched social care system. Its critique ought to be invaluable for those seeking to learn lessons from the pandemic.” Brian Sloan, University of Cambridge

Jean V. McHale is Professor of Healthcare Law and Director of the Centre for Health Law, Science and Policy at the University of Birmingham.

Laura Noszlopy is Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham.

1. Adult Social Care in England in a Time of Turbulence

2. Foundational Paradigms in Adult Social Care Law and Policy

3. Legal Regulation of Adult Social Care Provision in England

4. Pandemic Preparedness Planning and the Development of Emergency Legislation in the Light of the COVID-19 Pandemic

5. ‘Easing’ the Care Act: Responding to COVID-19 in the West Midlands

6. Pandemic Legacies: ‘Living With COVID-19’ in Adult Social Care

7. Adult Social Care Law and Policy: Learning Lessons from the Pandemic