Using research to influence family services and policies: issues and challenges

Morton, Sarah; Phipps, David; Nutley, Sandra

doi:10.1332/204674312x645547

Cited by 9 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 16 publications

(20 reference statements)

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“…They were realistic about their agencies and about how difficult it might be for them to change direction in children and families' social work. For the practitioners, the changes that took place through being part of the KE project happened at a conceptual, rather than an organizational level (Morton et al 2012); they began to think about themselves and their relationship to practice differently, and for most, this meant that the critical reflection workshops were useful, even though they were, in truth, an added pressure in what was already an over-committed work schedule.…”

Section: O N C L U S I O Nmentioning

confidence: 99%

Critical reflection workshops and knowledge exchange: findings from a Scottish project

Cree

MacRae

Smith

et al. 2014

Child & Family Social Work

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In 2013, academics from a Scottish university came together with social work managers and practitioners from two local authorities (LAs) in Scotland to run a knowledge exchange (KE) project co‐sponsored by the Economic and Social Research Council and the LAs. The project's aim was an ambitious one: to contribute to culture change in the children and families' departments in the two partner agencies. The project grew out of an earlier KE venture that had explored ways of engaging better with involuntary service users in social work; it thus both anticipated and reflected wider concerns about services for children that were also demonstrated in Munro's Review of Child Protection. The KE project had three components: training for managers, practitioner research projects and critical reflection workshops. Whether, and to what degree, the KE project changed culture is not the focus of this paper, which is written jointly by academic researchers and practitioners. Instead, one element of the KE project, namely the critical reflection workshops, is discussed. Findings provide strong evidence of the pressures currently experienced by children and families' services in the UK public sector. They also indicate how important good relationships are in building meaningful KE.

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Section: O N C L U S I O Nmentioning

confidence: 99%

Critical reflection workshops and knowledge exchange: findings from a Scottish project

Cree

MacRae

Smith

et al. 2014

Child & Family Social Work

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Or would a more human rights-aware community demand a more humane approach to imprisonment? Research evidence does have a role in this debate, with potential influence ranging from raising awareness, at a conceptual level, all the way to triggering practice and policy changes (Morton et al 2012). As Freiberg and Carsons observe: 'Evidence circulates back into the policy-making process through a communicative, discursive or dialogic approach that seeks to democratise knowledge and its use ' (2010: 161).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The broader question is the perennial issue of whether and how such research can influence policy makers and make a difference to views of the wider community (Morton et al 2012). Governments since at least the 1990s have emphasised the importance of 'evidence-based policy' (Freiberg and Carson 2010: 153-54).…”

Section: Prison Staff and Managementmentioning

confidence: 99%

Researching Human Rights in Prisons

Naylor

2015

Int J for Crime, Justice & Social Democracy

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This paper examines two issues: the author's recent research on the capacity of prisons to incorporate human rights considerations into their routine management; and the methods employed in this research in prisons in two Australian jurisdictions. The first element examines the impact of formal human rights instruments on prison management and on the lived experiences of prisoners, and the potential for the practical application of human rights obligations in this environment. The second gives closer analysis to the specific use of qualitative methodologies in carrying out this research, and the potential implications of methodology for subsequent acceptance of research findings by governments.

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“…Interactive design features from other networks that could also be adapted for use in CAREN are non-competitive digital spaces for interactive exchanges around specific topics between different groups of, or individual, users (Lomas 2005;Morton et al 2012;Nutley et al 2016). For CAREN, these topics are likely to include commissioning decisions, research, policymaking, service development and practice issues.…”

Section: Realising Caren's Potentialmentioning

confidence: 99%

The carer-related knowledge exchange network (CAREN): enhancing the relationship between research and evidence and policy and practice

Larkin

Milne

2020

Evidence &Amp; Policy

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Although there is now an extensive international body of research and evidence about care and carers it is fragmented and disparate. Without synthesis, organisation and accessibility it cannot effectively inform and improve policy and practice with carers. This paper makes the case for an accessible carer-related research and evidence resource for stakeholders in carer-related domains across policy, practice, research to address this systemic deficit in the carers field. The Carer-related Knowledge Exchange Network (CAREN) has recently been established in recognition of this case. This timely resource is a freely accessible knowledge exchange network that provides relevant stakeholders (for example, carers, commissioners, policymakers, practitioners, employers, third sector organisations, researchers and research funders) with access to a regularly updated and coherent database of carer-related research and evidence; offers interactive opportunities to exchange and generate knowledge; facilitates links and information sharing; and disseminates innovative practice, interventions and services. CAREN’s development, dimensions and functionality are outlined. In addition, the paper identifies and explores the challenges of sustaining CAREN and its further development – namely long-term funding and ensuring that it meets the needs of its many and diverse users. It is anticipated that CAREN will make a significant contribution to research, policy development and service and practice improvement with carers, and will enhance the effectiveness of its stakeholders’ activities. The realisation of CAREN’s potential will ensure that it can, and continues to, make a significant, sustained and cost-effective contribution to addressing a critical global issue of the 21st century.<br />key messagesKey stakeholders need accessible, carer–related research and evidence .<br />Lack of synthesis of and knowledge exchange around carer–related research and evidence is a systemic deficit.<br />The ‘Carer–related research and evidence exchange network’ (CAREN) addresses this deficit.Realising CAREN’s potential will enhance the relationship between carer-related knowledge and policy and practice.

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Using research to influence family services and policies: issues and challenges

Cited by 9 publications

References 16 publications

Critical reflection workshops and knowledge exchange: findings from a Scottish project

Critical reflection workshops and knowledge exchange: findings from a Scottish project

Researching Human Rights in Prisons

The carer-related knowledge exchange network (CAREN): enhancing the relationship between research and evidence and policy and practice

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