Save the Date and Call for Abstracts
11 March 2026. All day Event
Venue: Riddel Hall, 185 Stranmillis Road Belfast, BT9 5EE
Theme
“Innovating today – while preparing for tomorrow“
In today’s society change is inevitable. Change is the only constant we have. Whilst this may be disruptive and unsettling it also offers individuals and organisations opportunities for growth, progress, innovation and transformation.
There are no quick fixes. The challenge is to embrace change in ways that matter.
The Northern Ireland Social Care Council (the Social Care Council) is delighted to host this event. The conference offers valuable opportunities for networking and the sharing of innovative ideas and best practices in social work, social care and related disciplines. It provides a platform for profiling current research, connecting policy; practice, education and lived experience.
We particularly welcome research, evidence and innovations that explore the sub themes as below:
- The role of leadership in driving and managing progress and change.
- Building capacity, knowledge and skills to embrace change.
- Intersectional perspectives, innovative practices, and cross-sectoral collaborations.
- Levering technology for responsible, human and ethical innovation.
- Psychological safety, inclusion, equality and diversity at a time of change.
Confirmed keynote speakers include
Dr Donald Macaskill (Scottish Care), Dr Kenneth Burns, Dr Fiachra Ó Súilleabháin, Olwen Halvey and Amy Bradley (University College Cork) Professor Paul Best, Dr Gerry Marshall (Queens University Belfast) and Carole Kirk (Northern Health and Social Care Trust).
Got a question
If you require assistance in submitting your abstract, please contact Andriana Alkiviadou, at: SWSCResearchConference@hscni.net.
The closing date for applications is: 5:00pm on Friday 19 December 2025.