An initiative aimed at strengthening research capability within adult social care has been launched at the ¾¢±¬´ó¹Ï.
The REAL course (Research, Evaluation, Audit and Literature) in Social Care Practice is a key part of the ¾¢±¬´ó¹Ï's contribution to improving outcomes for people in the care sector.
Funded by the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, the course brings together frontline social care staff and university researchers.
Those taking part include practitioners from local authorities, care providers, and third sector organisations across the South-Central region.
Over six months they will be supported to undertake a project which ‘makes a difference’ to those using and working in social care.
Unlike other research training programmes that are designed for health and clinical professionals, REAL is specifically tailored to the social care workforce.
It is believed to be the only course of its kind in the UK offering hands-on research experience through a step-by-step approach, with each participant working in partnership with an academic from the ¾¢±¬´ó¹Ï.
This model will enable social care staff to lead meaningful, real-world research projects—something not offered by other training courses.
In a significant endorsement of the programme’s importance, Professor Cathy Bowen, Deputy Director of NIHR ARC Wessex attended the course’s opening session to meet participants.
Prof Bowen commented: “It was fantastic to see the ¾¢±¬´ó¹Ï REAL course get underway. Seeing dedicated professionals from across Wessex begin their journey into applied health and social care research was incredibly inspiring.
“This investment, made possible through ARC Wessex's Social Care Research Capacity Funding, is already demonstrating its value in strengthening the social care sector. The commitment and expertise on display are promising significant improvements in the quality and effectiveness of social care services across the region. We are excited to see the positive impact this training will have.”
Dr Rachel Harrison, Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care at ¾¢±¬´ó¹Ï and lead for the REAL course, said: “REAL is more than a course – it's a movement to grow and embed research culture within adult social care settings. Having Professor Bowen join us speaks volumes about the national significance of what we’re building here at Winchester.”
Among the research projects being undertaken are:
Giving a Voice to All: Investigating Barriers to Total Communication Use in Charity Services
An ARC Wessex-funded internship is supporting a groundbreaking project with a learning disability charity to uncover why staff are not using Total Communication training—despite significant investment. The research aims to remove barriers to implementation so that people with learning disabilities can shape the services they use.
Pioneering a National First: Creating a Quality Outcomes Framework for People with Profound Disabilities
A team of ARC Wessex-funded interns is working with a local authority to design a Quality Outcomes Framework for individuals learning disabilities in day services. The framework, the first in the UK, will support better monitoring of individual progress and promote dignity, learning, and wellbeing. A core element is the introduction of personalised learning plans for all service users.
Unlocking Research Potential: How Occupational Therapists Can Access Funding to Lead Innovation
An Occupational Therapist is leading a project exploring how OTs can tap into research funding. Many are unaware of available opportunities to conduct research that can improve practice. This project aims to boost innovation, raise the profession’s research profile, and enhance care for those they serve.
Smarter Services, Better Lives: Mapping Inclusive Activities Across Hampshire
A team of social workers is conducting a review of activities offered to disabled people across Hampshire. The goal is to expand and improve the county’s resource database—matching people’s needs more effectively while saving public money.
Supporting the Next Generation: Improving the Transition for Newly Qualified Occupational Therapists
This project examines how local authority teams can better understand and meet the needs of newly qualified Occupational Therapists. By developing improved induction and supervision pathways, the work will help new professionals flourish—improving workforce retention and reducing delays in care.
Breaking the Stigma: Tackling Resistance to Specialist Toileting Equipment in Day Services
A day service project is investigating staff resistance to using high-cost specialist toilets—equipment vital to the dignity and hygiene of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities. This research seeks to remove cultural and practical barriers, ensuring essential personal care is delivered as intended.
Protecting the Frontline: Understanding the Impact of Challenging Behaviour on Support Staff
This study is exploring how challenging behaviour affects frontline staff in care settings. By better understanding these experiences, the project aims to inform strategies to improve staff wellbeing, reduce burnout, and promote safety and compassion across the board.
Pictured top: Dr Rachel Harrison, Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care at ¾¢±¬´ó¹Ï and lead for the REAL course (fifth from left) pictured some of the first cohort to take the course. Also pictured is Professor Cathy Bowen, Deputy Director of NIHR ARC Wessex (seventh from left).
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