Conclusion: professionals as entrepreneurs in an age of austerity

Abstract

This chapter derives a number of conclusions in consideration of specific evocative themes used to discuss de-professionalism and austerity. These include the following areas of debate: the rise in social inequalities and the impact of neo-liberalism ideology, the role of professionalism and the imperative for a workforce strategy to sustain public services, and the role of regulation, professional autonomy and methodology for achieving best outcomes for users of public services. Additionally they include a demand to harness a set of facts and arguments in support of a proposal that would collectively agree on a need to enhance the skills and expertise of practitioners, to extend their entrepreneurial role; and to design research studies aimed at sustaining ‘the professional project’.