Written by a carefully selected team of experts, this comprehensive dictionary introduces the major terms, issues and debates in British social policy.

Pete Alcock is Professor of Social Policy and Administration at the University of Birmingham. He is the author of Social Policy in Britain and Understanding Poverty, editor (with G. Craig) of International Social Policy and editor of the Gildredge Social Policy Series.

Angus Erskine is Senior Lecturer in Social Policy at the University of Stirling and is a past chair of the editorial boards of the Journal of Social Policy and Social Policy and Society.

Margaret May is Principal Lecturer in Social Policy at London Guildhall University. She is a past editor of Social Policy Review, editor (with R. Page and E. Brunsdon) of Understanding Social Problems (Blackwell) and (with E. Brunsdon) of Occupational and Commercial Welfare.