Social Work: An Introduction
Weblinks
Click on the following links. Please note these will open in a new window.
There are a range of web resources that can support your learning across many of the topics and themes covered in Social Work: An Introduction, Second Edition. On each chapter page of this website we have made some specific suggestions about web resources that you might look at. In addition, as a general statement about useful web resources we have repeated a General Resources section on each chapter page (see below). Please note that these lists are not exhaustive and are aimed at providing some starting points from which you might begin to explore what the web has to offer. Remember when using the web that it is important you assess the quality of the material you are looking at. There is much available that is merely personal opinion and much available that is factually incorrect. Accessing reputable websites increases the reliability and validity of the material presented to you. It is also worth being aware of the fact that some websites refer more heavily to legislation and policy in certain jurisdictions of the UK as opposed to others.
General Resources applicable to every chapter
IRISS – Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services; browse the IRISS Learning Exchange resources
Research in Practice The site contains a wide range of resources and publications related to work with children, young people and families. Some resources and publications are open access, but for many a subscription is required.
Research in Practice for Adults This site contains a wide range of resources and publications related to work with adults and carers. Some resources and publications are open access, but for many a subscription is required.
SCIE – Social Care Institute for Excellence Browse SCIE’s Social Care TV series for useful videos to inform aspects of practice
Also see:
SCIE’s Knowledge Reviews which draw on practice and research findings
A general list of all SCIE resources can be accessed via
Agency resources When you are on placement find out if the organisation you are working with has a subscription to information hubs such as,
Community Care Inform (corporate subscription only) or
Care Knowledge (individual subscription available).
Developing your own learning
There are a range of free courses available on web platforms, many of which support aspects of your learning in the topics covered by Social Work: An Introduction, Second Edition.
For example, see the free course catalogue on the Open University’s Open Learn platform and have a look at the short courses available under the tabs for Health, Sports and Psychology; Education and Development and Society, Politics and Law.
Or the ALISON website course subject list
Or explore the Future Learn website and look at courses under the Health and Psychology, Law and Politics and The Modern World categories.
Chapter 9: An introduction to social science research for social work
IRISS
IRISS (2014) IRISS On …Weaving Innovation and Evidence Together. Glasgow: IRISS.
IRISS Toolkit (2015) – ‘Confidence through Evidence Toolkit’. You may choose to dip in and out of this resource to develop your understanding of searching for, assessing and using evidence. The toolkit is designed primarily for those in service management and planning, however, it is equally as applicable to anyone wanting to develop the use of research evidence in practice. The resource can be accessed at: http://toolkit.iriss.org.uk/content/introduction.html
IRISS video – Action research: https://www.iriss.org.uk/resources/videos/how-action-research-can-help-deliver-better-services-video
Joseph Rowntree Foundation The JRF is a social policy research and development charity, that funds a UK-wide research and development programme. The core aims of the organisation are to tackle poverty, build stronger, resilient communities and respond positively to the challenges and opportunities of an ageing society.
Journal Clubs
One possible strategy to build skills in research use has been the setting up of journal clubs. These ‘clubs’ provide a forum for discussion and critical appraisal of research with the associated opportunity to consider how the evidence presented may change practice. Although some club structures are very formal it is possible to have informal clubs; the key aspect being to have some structure i.e. an agreed piece of research and a guide for discussion.
There is a useful presentation on YouTube by two pharmacy students of how to set up and present to a journal club. When you are watching this bear in mind that the club they are discussing is a formal part of their course of study; however, there are aspects that could be taken out of this to develop a form of journal club within, for example, your student group. The presentation can be accessed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHG0mcanscI
LSE Health and Social Care LSEHSC is a research centre comprising the former LSE Health and PSSRU. This website provides access to some of the research undertaken, including research specific to social work service users.
SCIE (2012) Research-mindedness – e-learning resource A comprehensive overview of what it means to be research-minded.
SPRU – Social Policy Research Unit This website provides access to SPRU’s research findings. SPRU’s work has been concerned with the development of policies and the delivery of services to support people made vulnerable by poverty, ageing, disability or long-term, complex health conditions. Most work undertaken has been within the related fields of social work, social care and healthcare, welfare and employment.
The Research Ethics Guidebook This website was developed by the Institute of Education and is funded by the ESRC; it provides a range of resources about research ethics. Much of this material will have most relevance towards the latter years of a social work programme when looking specifically at dissertation research.