It is important that as regulator we also stay up to date with relevant published research to inform our work.
There are a number of publications, collaborative research and a wide range of other literature that we collect, publish and share provided below.
In this section you will find links to Social Care Council newsletters and reports, information on research strategy and protocols for the conduct of the research as well as information on other collaborative research.
Other reports, strategies and publications that are not directly related to research are available from the Social Care Council’s main publications page.
Research strategies and forms
Social work and social care research strategy 2026-2031.
Social work and social care research strategy 2020-2025.
The outcomes of this work built upon the previous Social Work Research and Continuous Improvement Strategy that was launched in 2015 for the period 2015-2020.
Health and Social Care Trust collaborative research and protocols
Special Interest Group – European Social Work Research Association (ESWRA)
The European Social Work Research Association (ESWRA) was founded in 2014 to create a hub for social work research development, collaboration and exchange across Europe.
ESWRA has over 30 active Special Interest Groups (SIG)s. These Groups, led by SIG convenors, enable ESWRA members to network and collaborate on specific issues.
You might want to find out some more about these Special Interest Groups.
Find out more here.
About Evidence into Practice Special Interest Group
The co conveners are Anne McGlade Social Care Research Lead (NI Social Care Council) and Kresta Munkholt Sørensen (Copenhagen). Seminar coordinator, Siddhartha Baviskar.
The Aim of EiPSIG
The aim of the Evidence into Practice Special Interest Group is to research and support the effective use of knowledge to inform practice, management, policy, regulation and teaching in the social work profession and social care services for the ultimate benefit of clients, families, communities and societies.
The Objectives of EiPSIG
In relation to identifying, appraising and synthesising knowledge and translating it into practice, teaching, service management, policy and regulation in social work:
- to develop research capacity and learning opportunities;
- to facilitate the development and application of research methods;
- to develop collaboration in research and theory development; and
- to facilitate collaboration in presentations, publications, and teaching materials.
If you wish to join EiPSIG and be added to the mailing list or find out more about the group please email Anne McGlade at: EiPSIG@hscni.net.
Research requests
We have a process in place to consider requests for the Social Care Council to participate and/or promote research, including requests to use our data. Guidance can be found here.