Iriss: Better lives for people, workers and communities

Our approach to partnering innovation

Discover how we work, and the rhythm and processes to expect when working with us on an innovation project.

Latest news

a top down photograph of some students walking with one stood facing up towards the camera

Creative (re)presentation

‘Creative (re)presentation - Telling stories through a participatory and voice-led approach and the making of the film Healing Pitch' - is a free online session focused on including people's authentic experiences in creative…

Events 01 Sep

the text no room for racism above a multicoloured selection of minimalist portraits

First National Survey on Anti-racism in Social Work

Iriss has published the first National Survey on Anti-racism in Social Work. Commissioned by the Scottish Government, the survey polled attitudes and experiences of racism across social work professionals in Scotland. The…

News 12 Aug

Introduction to data analysis for social work and social care

This free online event is a welcoming, but practical introduction to data analysis, carefully crafted to compliment the particular demands of social work and social care professionals.

Events 06 Aug

Iriss blog posts and project updates

a man in a luminous orange vest reading from a script

‘Healing Pitch’, authentic voices and improving practice

At our second Iriss Skills Session, Dr Emily Whyte shared the creative and multi-disciplinary approach to working alongside care experienced young people, developed…

Big picture 06 Oct

a lady in a yellow raincoat with hair blowing in the wind looking out to sea

Adult Support and Protection belongs everywhere

At the start of the summer, I wrote a blog about a new Iriss project I’m co-leading, all about professional curiosity in Public Protection. It’s been a few months…

Adult Support and Protection 16 Sep

Leading innovation: Join our Board!

We’re looking for curious, thoughtful people to join our Board. Here at Iriss we want to create the conditions for social work and social care support to flourish…

Inside Iriss 09 Sep

Featured resources: Iriss now, then and next

Iriss impact publication open at centre pages

The impact of Iriss 2024/25

After a successful first year focusing on evidence-informed innovation (identifying the right thing to do) to help partners make changes, we decided to continue some of these projects, and invite more partners for 2024/25…

Reports 2025

Iriss work plan 2025/26

Our 2025/26 work plan, devised with feedback and input from voices across the sector. We'd like to thank everyone who contributed as well as our partner organisations that collaborated with us in the past…

Reports 2025

The progress we've seen

It’s easy to get bogged down in worries for the future, feel like everything is against us and forget to see the whole board. There can be no change or innovation without hope and ambition…

Reports 2024

ASPire Hub

The ASPire Hub is a place for everyone working in Adult Support and Protection in Scotland to access and share resources. It is regularly updated and we welcome feedback and new additions!