Supporting the PSW networks to lead practice

Here Lisa Smith and Susannah Bowyer outline how Research in Practice will be supporting the two PSW Networks to lead social care practice. 

Research in Practice is providing administrative support, hosting network events and ensuring communications reach PSW members. 

We’re pleased to launch new dedicated web pages for the PSW and we are beginning to populate those with news, views and relevant guidance. We are keen to develop a programme of blogs that relate to the PSW role, and invite PSWs to consider writing a blog: perhaps showcasing something that you are doing locally, describing ‘a day in the life of a PSW’ or sharing some of your regional collaborations.

An exciting new element of the support contract is that are developing a programme of monthly CPD sessions for PSWs. These three-hour sessions will be delivered to both adults and child and family network participants online. Information on the next sessions can be found on your web pages

We’ve consulted with the networks on the first topics for these sessions and will continue to do so. We’re aiming to provide opportunities for you to explore important areas of practice and leadership with your peers – using our evidence informed practice approach to bring together research evidence, practice wisdom and the voice of people with lived experience to support you.

In addition to these CPD sessions, Research in Practice will host the network events for both adult and child and family networks, and we look forward to working with you to plan and programme your joint conference in the summer of 2022.

We are working with the network Chairs to develop the communication strategy – both in relation to communication within and across the networks, and the networks’ external communication to the wider child and family and adult sectors and beyond.

As networks and as individual PSWs working at organisational, regional and national levels you hold unique and vital insights into the demands the profession faces, and the hands-on expertise on leading practice, even in the most challenging times. We will do our best to support you to share this knowledge and advocate for your practitioners.

We are keen to support you to build on the work achieved so far, and to continue to grow. The value of the networks and the work of the PSWs has probably never been more important than it is right now. We’re proud to have the opportunity to work with you.

If you want to contact the networks, then contact pswnetworks@researchinpractice.org.uk.