In Pursuit of Excellence: Developing a Research Strategy for Social Work and Social Care in Northern Ireland

In 2013 the social care leadership in Northern Ireland reached an agreement to develop a strategic social work research strategy for Northern Ireland. This was based on the recognition of the need to foster a visible... [ view full abstract ]

In 2013 the social care leadership in Northern Ireland reached an agreement to develop a strategic social work research strategy for Northern Ireland. This was based on the recognition of the need to foster a visible commitment to practice based research and evaluation activity at managerial level and within the culture of the various health and social care organisations. The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of the first research strategy for securing a step change in social work research amongst the social care sector in Northern Ireland. Initial challenges related to terminology for social work research, its scope and coverage, the range of practical priorities to be identified and timescale. The presentation will examine how these were addressed.
A particular strength in Northern Ireland is the close partnership and working relationship between all the relevant key stakeholders including the government department, the social work registration body; commissioners and providers; universities; the voluntary sector as well as other employers of social workers. The lesson learned from the development of the strategy is that all stakeholders had a part to play in its development. Equally all will have a part to play in its implementation if our vision “that the social work profession in Northern Ireland becomes a confident player in the areas of research, evidence and knowledge transfer knowing our strengths and unique contribution in the pursuit of excellence in service user and carer outcomes” is to be realised.
Based on the experience in Northern Ireland over this past year, this presentation will raise key issues for reflection on the development of research strategies for social work and social care in other countries in Europe.