The 16th Kilbrandon Lecture (University of Strathclyde, 22 November 2018): a fifty year journey: what have we learned? Reflections on the 50th anniversary of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968

Minister, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen: it is an immense honour to be invited to deliver the Kilbrandon Lecture, particularly in this, the 50th anniversary year of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968. As many of you know, the statute was passed to promote social welfare, including the implementation of the crucial reforms on child justice and welfare recommended by Lord Kilbrandon's Committee. I speak with well-deserved trepidation, following many years of outstanding lectures from experts on the Children's Hearing System and child development and in an audience full to the brim with similar experts.
It is also a real pleasure to return to my alma mater. An infectious passion for the study of law and dedication to their students has left me with a profound debt of gratitude to the members of the Law Faculty of this great University.