Over time - that is, over a period of approximately 20 years in the early descriptions and subsequent ‘development in dialogue’ (HERE) of PIEs - three main broad summaries of the core themes of the PIE approach have emerged.

For those new to this site and this approach, therefore, we recommend taking a quick look at all these; and after that you are quite free to work with whichever format and language seems most relevant to where your service is that.

NB: This website mainly uses the 'PIEs 2.0' account for its pages structure, in order to include as wide a range of interests and perspectives as possible.

The core ingredients are still much the same...

'PIEs One' (HERE)

The first full summary of what being a PIE is all about - known therefore as ‘PIEs One',  or ‘the classic’ formulation -  came together within the first five years after the publication of the original article that first suggested the term, and of the UK government guidance that had immediately adopted it.

In both these, the principle context was that of homelessness services in the UK, and primarily those services with and within buildings of one kind or another. As more services took up the approach, it grew broader.

'PIEs 2.0' (HERE)

A second summary - known therefore as 'PIEs 2.0' - was then developed, as it became increasingly clear that the PIEs approach had far wider applicability, and the account needed to keep abreast of such developments (HERE)

PIEs 2.0 was an attempt to encompass all the specific features of the classic account within the broader picture of services for complex needs, and a wider range of issues then emerging (HERE).

PIEs 2.0 also has greater specificity in focussing on some of the features which had been broadly lumped together in the classic approach; and it aims for a more systemic overview, where needed.

The Pizazz process uses PIEs 2.0 for the full picture.

Hybrids (HERE)

Since the publication of PIEs 2.0 many services, trainers and consultants haver adopted some parts of the full framework, those that are most closely suited to their work, but retained others from PIEs One. The result is a number of ‘hybrids’, or transitional / intermediate formats.

These hybrid or intermediate accounts tend to reflect the particular context in which these discussions took place, and the focus is often broader, but principally focussed on services aiming for therapeutic or other personal growth and recovery.

Of these, the most frequently used currently are those that mean to retain a focus on the centrality of relationships; and often other features from PIEs One, such as paying close attention to any service's use of the built environment.

As it passes on, it changes...

And beyond?

There is also the possibility of another, still 'bigger picture' currently being explored. Dubbed 'PIEs 3?", this aims to take in the work of commissioning and policy-making - in effect, local and national level applications of the underlying PIEs thinking ( See 'Will there be a PIEs 3?': HERE).

There are potentially more accounts besides, as the ideas and the practice continue to develop into new sectors, and may adapt to suit another language or a new balance of themes.

The Swiss Army knife; one tool with many uses.