Celebrating Social Care Research Ambassadors as part of a new learning scheme

The NIHR Research Delivery Network (RDN) recently hosted an event to celebrate the Social Care Research Ambassador (SCRA) scheme at Hexham Enterprise Hub. The SCRA scheme is a new learning programme rolled out by the RDN and Sunderland University, with support from the University of Cumbria.

The event was an opportunity to celebrate the SCRA scheme and its achievements so far. It started with a short presentation summarising the aims of the scheme, its development and the progress of the current cohort. After this, the cohort had the opportunity to network and share experiences of the scheme.

What is the SCRA scheme?

The SCRA scheme supports social care practitioners in the North East and North Cumbria to develop research experience and skills. It started as a collaboration between the NIHR North East and North Cumbria Regional Research Delivery Network (RRDN; previously the NIHR Clinical Research Network North East and North Cumbria) and the University of Sunderland. Participants complete a university module before receiving a Certificate of Postgraduate Study in Reflexive Practice Research.

The module is interactive and collaborative. Participants and teachers work together to identify, design and conduct a piece of social care research relevant to the region. They then write a research report that feeds back into practice.

The cohort also learns how the NIHR supports social care research whilst receiving 1:1 supervision. This allows them to reflect on how to incorporate and promote research in their Local Authority, teams and areas of work.

The SCRA scheme provides funding to Local Authorities to allow staff the time to take part in the programme. Leading academics and research professionals deliver the course content and support practitioners on their research journey.

Chris Speed, Operations Director for the NIHR North East and North Cumbria RRDN, said: “I am delighted that the Research Delivery Network is supporting the Social Care Research Ambassadors scheme. This iteration sees a new cohort of Ambassadors and a new partnership with the University of Sunderland to deliver elements of the scheme. Whilst we provide the learning environment, it is the practitioners that join us as Ambassadors that bring insight from their real-world experiences and bring the scheme to life.

“As we look to move health and care research away from hospitals and into new settings, it is vital that we invest in the infrastructure to make this happen. At the end of the scheme, we will have another cohort of highly skilled, research ready Ambassadors who will be embedded in their workplace and provide excellent research support and advocacy.”

Introducing the current cohort

The cohort includes social care practitioners from Darlington, Newcastle, Cumberland, and Westmoreland and Furness Local Authorities. Martin Webster from Darlington Council said: “The programme is a great opportunity to focus on research away from the day-to-day pressures of social care, where it can be difficult to set time aside for research. By being involved in the scheme, we’re able to support more staff in their learning and understanding of research, which they can share with their colleagues and wider networks. This ultimately benefits our local communities in the future to improve public health via research.”

Lucy Mortimer and Kate Aspray from Newcastle Council said: “We’ve always been interested in research, but we haven’t had much opportunity to put that interest into practice yet. This scheme provides the space and opportunity away from day-to-day tasks and allows us to actively think about research and what that may look like in practice. We’ve learnt interesting things on aspects of social work, and more about the NIHR and their involvement in research. We’re looking forward to taking this knowledge with us to try and push research more in social work within local authorities.”

The SCRA scheme offers both face-to-face learning and an online learning package.

At the time of the event, the module was being delivered by Dr Lesley Deacon, Associate Professor of Practice Research and Vice Chancellor’s Research and Knowledge Exchange Fellow at the University of Sunderland. Speaking at the event, Lesley said: “This accredited module allows members to understand and deliver research in a way that makes sense to them. The scheme allows them to build research networks amongst each other and build their confidence - hopefully enabling them to begin delivering research in their own work spaces.”

To find out more about the scheme, please contact Clare Aitken, Senior Manager for Social Care Research at the NIHR North East and North Cumbria RRDN.

Find out more about how the NIHR supports social care research.