Not just a day at the beach: challenges experienced by social workers in England's coastal communities

Hanley, J and Wegrzynek, P (2026) 'Not just a day at the beach: challenges experienced by social workers in England's coastal communities.' British Journal of Social Work. (Forthcoming)

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Abstract

This article presents findings from interviews with current and former social workers in coastal communities in England, with a focus on the challenges faced. These findings form part of a larger research project looking at the recruitment and retention of social workers in coastal communities. Following an introduction to the context and limited existing literature on coastal social work, including outlining the reasons why coastal social work may face additional challenges, the research methodology is outlined, utilising a critical realist framework. Interviews were carried out with 23 social workers and former social workers, and data analysed using data-driven thematic analysis. Three dispositional themes are used to frame the findings: the neglect of coastal communities, the specific neglect of the social work workforce in these same communities, and the experiences of global majority and international social workers. These themes are then analysed with reference to existing literature and models of workforce management under the headings of demands, control and support. The article concludes by examining how this research can feed into later strands of the ongoing research project, as well as policy initiatives and investment in these areas.

Item Type:	Article
Keywords:	coastal, social work, retention, recruitment, critical realism
Divisions:	School of Sciences
Date Deposited:	15 Sep 2026 08:09
Last Modified:	15 Sep 2026 08:10
ISSN:	0045-3102
URN:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/17935

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