Our current position
Northern Ireland has a long and
continuous commitment to the
conduct of high quality research
stretching back to the 1990s and
earlier including research organised
by the British Association of Social
Workers Northern Ireland and
conducted by an international team
of academics. Voices of Social Work
Through The Troubles6 explored
how social workers were affected
by the political conflict during the
period 1969-1998 whilst working to
protect people at risk of abuse and
neglect.
The HSC R&D in Northern Ireland
'Research for Better Health and
Social Care' (DoH 2016)7 is the
third strategy since 2002. The 2016
strategy and implementation plan
restate the agency's commitment
to focussing on research evidence.
It addresses priorities for evidence
identified by local policy-makers,
HSC staff and organisations and
the population whilst recognising
evidence generated in other parts
of the globe. It emphasises that
participating in research adds real
value to academic and clinical
careers. Encouraging and
supporting staff early in their
careers through mentorship
and opportunity offers realistic
expectations that they can become
research leaders. This message
applies equally to our social work
professionals.
A particular strength in Northern
Ireland is the close partnership
and collaborative working
relationship between a range of key
stakeholders in the statutory, not for
profit sector and other employers of
social workers who share a growing
commitment to the engagement of
service users and carers. A further
strength is the fact that Northern
Ireland is a small geographical area
with close proximity to the Republic
of Ireland, the United Kingdom and
the rest of Europe which provides
opportunities for multi-site research.
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