building on your appetite for improvement

The research in practice Partnership Board, chaired by Andrew Webb (DCS in Stockport), has agreed a programme of expansion for research in practice and the extension work it has built up over the last 12 years.

Our development plans will allow us to provide:

• a wider range of learning opportunities, from face to face to e-learning, from national to local
• in-house mentoring and training for practitioners and managers to evaluate their own services and local needs
• knowledge development support to improvement agencies, including the Government Offices
• training and mentoring for evidence-informed commissioning
• greater input on effective interventions and the conditions needed to ensure they work as intended
• more tailored work with local and national policy makers
• greater support to researchers – to help them secure the funds, use the methods, and disseminate their work in such a way that they are best placed to address the most urgent needs of children’s services practice.

research in practice works as a facilitated and facilitative network that seeks to demonstrate its commitment to the thoughtful use of research evidence – linking research to the promotion (not diminution) of professional knowledge, integrity and independence. It is mindful of (but not driven by) central government, it is from (but not limited to) social care, and it is research-minded while deeply connected to practice. Over half the local authorities in England and all those in Wales are Partners in this endeavour. research in practice has links within Northern Ireland and Scotland – and increasingly in Europe, North America and Australasia – and is seen as a model with international relevance for all those who want to support the practice-led commitment to improvement.

research in practice will continue to be distinguished by its ownership being in the hands of its network of users, its singular focus on evidence-informed practice, and its independence from government. research in practice:

• believes that quality-assured research evidence improves practice, and improves children’s lives
• has front-line practice at its heart, delivering practical tools for research implementation, tailored to the needs of professionals at all levels in our Partner organisations, and to a wide range of learning styles
• brings a breadth of knowledge across children’s services from its roots in social work and social care
• develops and champions cultures that are outcomes-focused and knowledgeable about what works for children
• is more than a service – a participatory, collaborating national network, owned and managed together – driving quality practice.