SSKS blog

The use of evidence to inform practice and services is seen as key to promoting positive outcomes for people who are supported by social services. But who is best placed to provide this evidence?

This workshop explores the role of people who are supported by services, particularly children and young people, in generating research and evidence which can be used to evaluate, change and improve the services offered to this group, as well as adding to our knowledge about the issues facing this community in general. We look at the positives, challenges and practicalities of community research with input from young people who have been involved in running research projects.

Entitled, Effectively involving young people in research, the workshop is being held on Friday 25th March 2011, 10am – 4pm, at The Lighthouse, Glasgow. It is a free event and will be relevant to those working in children’s services and to anyone with an interest in community research.

For full details and registration please see our booking page: http://whatworks25march.eventbrite.com/

This workshop series is part of IRISS’s Evidence-informed Practice programme (www.iriss.org.uk)

For further information contact ellen.daly@iriss.org.uk / 0141 228 6373

There are over 100,000 staff employed as support workers in the health and social services sectors.  The consultation which underpinned Scotland’s health and social services knowledge management strategies –  Enabling Partnerships: Sharing Knowledge to Build the Mutual NHS (NES, 2010) and  Sharing Knowledge, Improving Practice, Changing Lives’ (NES and IRISS, 2010) indicated that this workforce group is not sufficiently supported by existing knowledge services, and that  they require new knowledge solutions  tailored to their needs.  A common driver among support workers is  the registration requirement to undertake health and social services SVQs, levels two and three.  NHS Education for Scotland is commissioning a needs analysis to define knowledge solutions for support workers in Scotland’s health and social services. Click here  for further information

Innovation…

 Good Morning Glasgow is a befriending service for vulnerable, older people, in North Glasgow.  This telephone-based service calls clients daily to chat and provide an alternative way of supporting individuals. It connects in with existing services such as community activities, GPs and close families and friends.

…Think you can do better?

IRISS is sponsoring the SSSC Care Accolades Innovation Award. We want to ensure that the innovation running through the social services is recognised.  Tell us about how you are thinking outside the box and inspire others to follow your lead.

Not only do we want to put your ideas and innovations on the map, we want to support you to develop more! The winner of this prestigious award will be offered a package of support that includes: 

• coaching and mentoring
• workshop facilitation
• ideas generation
• social networking/social media

Visit the IRISS website to find out more