The International Consortium for Social Development (ICSD) is deeply saddened by the passing of Professor James Midgley.  James  was one of the world’s foremost scholars in social welfare and social development.  His work shaped the field over more than five decades. Through his groundbreaking scholarship, influential books and extensive body of research, he helped establish social development as a recognised field of social enquiry and practice internationally.

Professor Midgley was among the most prolific scholars in social work and social development, authoring and editing over 40 books, publishing over a hundred and fifty chapters in books and  more than one hundred peer-reviewed journal articles, and contributing extensively to international debates on poverty, inequality, social protection, social policy and social justice in the Global South. He also showed through his writings how the lessons learnt from the Global South were pertinent to finding solutions in the Global North. Professor Midgely was a mentor to many and a thought-leader.  His work influenced generations of scholars, practitioners and policymakers across the world and will continue to guide the field for years to come.

For more than 40 years, Professor Midgley was a dedicated member of the ICSD community. He served with distinction on the Management Board of the ICSD’s journal, Social Development Issues   and was one of its longest serving book editors. His wisdom, leadership, intellectual generosity, and unwavering commitment to social development will be deeply missed.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife, Khadija Midgley, his family, friends, colleagues, former students, and all who were privileged to know and work with him.