Social Work Research Group

Supporting research which promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people
Male College Student Meeting Talking With Campus Counselor Discussing Mental Health Issues. Advice and guidance.Getty 1218975578
The social work research group takes the International Federation of Social Workers Global Definition of Social Work as the basis for our work:
  • We support research which promotes social change and development, social cohesion, and the empowerment and liberation of people. 
  • Our central principles are social justice, human rights, collective responsibility and respect for diversities. 
  • Our work is underpinned by theories of social work, social sciences, humanities and indigenous knowledge, 
  • Our research engages people and structures to address life challenges and enhance wellbeing.

Advancing social work research for health and community impact

The University of Plymouth’s Department of Social Work has published its 2022–2024 research summary, highlighting significant contributions to social work education, research, and community service. This period saw impactful research on issues like stress in child protection roles, LGBTQ+ youth digital microaggressions, and health interventions during COVID-19, underscoring the department’s commitment to addressing urgent social challenges.
Social Work Research Summary

Plymouth Social Work Symposium 2023: Social Work and the Sea

Social workers and allied professions have a long history of working in coastal communities and with seafarers. However, unlike other fields of social work, the link between social work, the sea, and coastal communities has been under-explored in the literature and in practice. 
This symposium took place at the University of Plymouth on 22–23 June 2023 and was aimed at anyone with an interest in social work or social care.
Aerial view of Plymouth Sound

Group members

Research projects

‘The Sequel to the Prequel: A Novel and Cautious Approach to Curating Mindful Child Welfare Workers and Addressing the Stress Phenomenon within England’s Child Protection System’

The purpose of the study is to investigate whether a brief online mindfulness-based intervention is a feasible, acceptable, and potentially effective approach to preventing or reducing stress among Children and Families Social Workers in England.

No Recourse Early Action Model (NOREAM) – What Works Centre of Children’s Social Care

The NOREAM programme provides support to children and families with No Recourse to Public Funds who currently do not meet the threshold for Section 17 of the Children Act 1989. This new model of practice based on multi-agency support is currently being piloted in Hackney Borough Council.

Peninsula Adult Social Care Research Collaborative (PARC): Embedding research into practice to improve social care outcomes 2

Research questions:

1. Is the embedded Researcher in Residence (RR) model an effective method for sustainably increasing social care research capacity? 

2. Is the embedded RR model an effective method for generating agile, timely and generalisable social care research? 

3. Is the embedded RR model an effective method for improving social care practice in terms of service user and carer wellbeing, and cost-effectiveness.

Stand for Change Evaluation – Trussell Trust

The aim of the evaluation is to work with young people to evaluate:

  • The quality of experience and participatory practice for young people within The Trussell Trust
  • The reach of the project’s educational and public engagement outputs with specific audiences
  • The impact of the project’s educational and public engagement outputs
  • The level of success of the Stand for Change model of delivery and it’s potential as a model of best practice within The Trussell Trust network.

Documents