To share the experience of implementing an electronic records management system, pointing out the specific problems that can occur.
Abstract
Purpose
To share the experience of implementing an electronic records management system, pointing out the specific problems that can occur.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on actual experience, the paper goes through the process of implementing an electronic records management system from procurement to training. Any particular problems or things to look out for are pointed out along the way.
Findings
In spite of extensive training, most staff never got to grips with the system. This was partially due to three things: (1) staff found the system user unfriendly; (2) the way parts of the system were set up; and (3) having to create complicated business rules to direct staff where the system could not. No electronic records management system can do this beforehand, so that the system automates practice rather than trying to introduce it.
Practical implications
By showing potential problems and failed solutions to those problems, the paper should prevent help those undertaking future implementations from making the same mistakes.
Originality/value
This paper is for any records professional involved in or thinking about implementing an electronic records management system, and is intended to point out areas that are particularly likely to cause an implementation to fail so that these can be avoided.
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Keywords
Sheila Riddell, Lyn Tett, Hazel Christie, Rachael King and Sofia Shan
Nick Johns, Alison Green, Rachel Swann and Luke Sloan
The purpose of this paper, which follows an earlier paper published in this journal, is to explore the shape and nature of plural policing through the lens of New Right ideology…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper, which follows an earlier paper published in this journal, is to explore the shape and nature of plural policing through the lens of New Right ideology. It aims to reinforce the understanding that policy is driven by both neoliberalism and neoconservatism, not simply the former. In policy terms, it uses the vehicle of a faith-based initiative – the Street Pastors – to consider how the strategic line of plural policing may be shifting.
Design/methodology/approach
The research that informs this paper spans 2012 to the present day incorporating a multi-method evaluation, an ongoing observation with informal interviews, and two e-mail surveys directed at university students in Plymouth and Cardiff. In addition, the authors carried out a critical analysis of a research report produced by van Steden and a documentary analysis of national newspaper reports of Street Pastor activities.
Findings
In a previous paper, the authors provided evidence to support the contention of Jones and Lister (2015) that there has been a shift in the landscape of plural policing. The Street Pastors initiative is a movement from “policing by the state” towards “policing from below”. The authors suggest here that there may be evidence to speculate that another shift might occur from “policing from below” to “policing through the state”. Ultimately, the authors contend, such shifts reflect and serve the dominance of New Right ideology in social and public policy.
Research limitations/implications
The research limitations of this paper are twofold. First, the surveys had very small sample sizes and so the results should be treated with caution. The authors have underlined this in detail where necessary. Second, it is informed by a series of related though discrete research activities. However, the authors regard this as a strength also, as the findings are consistent across the range. The implications relate to the way in which policy designed to encourage partnership might lead to off-loading public responsibilities on the one hand, while allowing co-option on the other hand.
Social implications
The practical implications are indivisible from the social implications in the authors’ view. The neoliberal and neoconservative dimensions of the current dominant ideology are using local initiatives to save public money and reify disciplinary features of social and public policy.
Originality/value
The originality of this research relates to the way it was conducted, drawing together the products of discrete but related activities. It adds to the growing research landscape involving the Street Pastors, an important faith-based, publicly backed initiative. But more importantly, it underlines how the two dimensions of New Right ideology come together in practice. The example of the Street Pastors indicates, through the lens of plural policing, how voluntary and local initiatives are being used to refocus the priorities of social and public policy.
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Keywords
Sheila Riddell, Lyn Tett, Hazel Christie, Rachael King and Sofia Shan
Rachel Connell and Darren Johnson
Whilst a great deal of research exists on the effectiveness of treatment with violent offenders comparatively little is known about the experience of treatment providers. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Whilst a great deal of research exists on the effectiveness of treatment with violent offenders comparatively little is known about the experience of treatment providers. The purpose of this paper is to explore the experiences of four prison officers delivering a high-intensity intervention, with violent offenders.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach was used to gain a rich, individualised account of treatment providers’ experiences, with interpretative phenomenological analysis applied by the lead researcher (first author). External auditing analysis was conducted by the second author.
Findings
The analysis generated two superordinate themes: “Impact on Self-Coping” and “With Great Challenge Comes Great Reward” with pertinent sub-themes. The findings support the existing evidence regarding the relevance of individual characteristics and coping style on well-being, regardless of the nature of the offences being discussed. Working with violent offenders could be challenging yet rewarding with adequate support in place.
Practical implications
It is imperative that treatment providers are offered support and encouragement in undertaking their role and that a rehabilitative culture is promoted and reinforced within custodial environments. Additional training for facilitators to develop effective self-coping strategies was recommended in addition to careful management of delivery periods.
Originality/value
These findings add to the evidence base in relation to the impact of high-intensity treatment provision on individual well-being; suggestions are made to support clinical and organisational good practice.