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Partners in Care has a long history of supporting research initiatives in the social care sector. We are currently involved in an NIHR-funded programme, and this webpage will act as a hub for current opportunities and resources to help organisations become more research-led. By engaging with research, providers can build evidence-based practice, strengthen their services, and improve outcomes for the people they support.


Why Social Care Research Matters


There are still many myths about social care research - for example, that it's only about frail older people, or that it always involves statistics and data collection. In reality, research in social care is broad and inclusive. It often looks at:


  • People's experiences, rights, independence and wellbeing.
  • Qualitative insights as well as numbers.
  • Approaches co-produced with those who use care services and those who deliver them.

Ways to Get Involved


Taking part in research doesn't always mean running a large-scale project. Organisations can contribute in many ways, such as:


  • Hosting interviews, surveys, or focus groups with staff and people who use services.
  • Joining steering groups or advisory panels.
  • Testing new approaches to care in practice.
  • Sharing learning and outcomes across the sector.

With NIHR and national partners committed to placing social care research on an equal footing with health research, there has never been a better time to get involved.


Useful Links


Please see below the opportunities to become more involved in supporting research from NIHR:


  • 1. SCFI study - for care homes

    Colin, a Research Associate at the University of Bristol, is leading a project on rapid point-of-care UTI testing and is inviting care home managers, staff, residents, and families to take part through interviews, workshops, and activity packs (with expenses covered and staff time reimbursed), to help shape early research that could inform future practice—contact him at colin.housegorowe@bristol.ac.uk

    Please click here to view the patient information sheet

  • 2. Survey into the use of Technology in Care Homes.

    The NIHR Healthtech Research Centre (HRC) for Community Care is surveying care home staff, managers, owners, and NHS/local authority colleagues to understand current use of technology and gather ideas on how health tech (devices, apps, kits, machines, tests) could improve care for residents, with findings guiding future industry engagement and technology evaluations-please complete the survey click here if relevant to your work.

  • 3. Study discussing plant-based meals and their potential provision in care homes

    We are conducting an interview study (45−60 mins) with care staff, managers, caterers, chefs, nurses, and family members to explore current meal provision in care homes and the potential for plant−based options, to help shape future research − contact s.whyton@surrey.ac.uk to take part or learn more.

For more information

or to attend future meetings, please contact Partners in Care at or call 01202 205847.