We’re looking back over the most popular Research in Practice campaigns of 2024 on topics such as culture, identity, communication needs, neurodiversity, domestic abuse and continuing professional development.
Our programme of evidence-informed resources share the latest research and information. These have included:
- Open access resource collections including Staying in touch: Contact after adoption and the Equity: Change Project.
- 22 publications including our updated Practice Tool on using genograms and radical safeguarding toolkit for homelessness.
- 12 podcasts exploring topics such as reflective supervision, minoritised children and young people in care, and organisational resilience.
- 18 new video learning resources. The most popular ones include supporting neurodivergent practitioners and understanding autism to support children and young people.
- 91 event deliveries as part of our national programme to support professional learning.
- 46 blogs that explore topics such as peer reflection and CPD, neurodiversity in social care, and anxiety in social work.
The below articles are a selection of the most popular Research in Practice features and stories of 2024.
Supporting culture, diversity and identity
Culture and identity is a way of talking about the way people live their lives – encompassing different traditions, beliefs and values. It is intertwined with religion, socioeconomic status and ethnicity.
In an open access podcast and briefing we conceptualise culture and what this means for the way that we support people from a range of backgrounds. Our open access resource collection developed from the Equity: Change Project considers support and systems change by exploring intersectionality, equity, allyship and justice in adult social care.
What practices, attitudes and actions are needed to overcome barriers, challenge oppression and increase equity? Open access learning resources support systems change by exploring intersectionality, equity, allyship and justice in adult social care.
How can we provide support for communities in our culturally diverse society? Research in Practice resources seek to conceptualise effective practice when working across cultures.
Race, identity and narrative play a significant role in social care. Research in Practice resources explore individuals’ identities and experiences.
Neurodiversity, autism and social care practice
We all think, act, communicate and process information in many different ways. Neurodiversity as a concept helps us to see these differences as a natural part of humanity.
A blog and series of videos explore common assumptions about neurodiversity and provide effective examples for practice. To support people with autism a series of short films explore the importance of building a positive and constructive understanding.
Research in Practice resources explore how organisations can support neurodivergence in the workplace.
How can we support autistic individuals to thrive? Research in Practice resources explore the importance of building a positive understanding of autism.
Learning disabilities and communication needs
Communication difficulties are a core characteristic for people with a learning disability. A four-part practice guide aims to enable decision-making by children and young people with speech, language and communication needs (SLCN). A co-published resource by Research in Practice and the Council for Disabled Children explores the challenges faced by disabled children and families.
Explore a four-part practice guide that aims to enable decision-making by children and young people with speech, language and communication needs.
Explore open access resources to support professionals working with disabled children, adults with learning disabilities and their families.
Strengthening social work recruitment, retention and CPD
Recruiting and retaining experienced social workers is a key priority for social care. A collection of Research in Practice resources explore organisational resilience, retention and assurance.
To support with continuing professional development (CPD) Research in Practice run an annual campaign in line with the Social Work England renewal period. Resources and guidance provide an understanding of the recording, registration and regulation of CPD.
Research in Practice resources explore and support people working in children’s and adults’ services to consider what it means to build organisational resilience.
Research in Practice learning resources support you to use evidence and to develop in your role. If you have an account you can easily keep a record of your continuing professional development (CPD).
As part of their annual registration renewal with Social Work England, social workers need to upload a minimum of two different pieces of CPD. This blog outlines key information on peer reflection to support social workers.
Participation, identity, adoption and care leavers
Everyone should participate in issues that affect them, reflect on their personal history and build a future where they can flourish.
Our open access resource collection explores good practice for children and adults when supporting post-adoption contact plans. The resources explore connection to family, religion and culture as well as supporting children into adulthood.
Additional Research in Practice resources explore narrative practice, constructing genograms and providing effective support for minoritised children and care leavers.
An open access resource hub for practitioners working with individuals to maintain meaningful relationships after adoption.
Research in Practice resources support practitioners in using genograms throughout their practice with children, young people and families.
Identity can be understood as an individual’s concept of who they are and how they define themselves. An open access Research in Practice publication and podcast supports identity development with minoritised children and young people.
What is narrative practice and why is it important? A new briefing explores narrative practice approaches in direct work with children, young people, families and adults.
What can we do to improve the experiences of young people leaving care? Research in Practice resources explore the conditions needed for care leavers to thrive.
Safeguarding, domestic abuse and trauma-informed practice
It is important that we understand and respond to people experiencing harm in a trauma-informed way. A collection of open access resources explore innovation in response to risks.
Research in Practice resources also seek to understand and respond to the impact of domestic violence and abuse.
How can we ensure that our services, policies and procedures are set up to avoid harm? New open access Research in Practice resources explore innovation in response to extra-familial risks.
Domestic abuse has far-reaching implications that affect every member of a household. Explore new resources that seek to understand and respond to its impact.
An open access toolkit offers a new approach to safeguarding adults experiencing homelessness and multiple disadvantage, rooted in social justice.
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