Evidence

Question your current thinking on evidence and innovation, and reflect upon how you might use both to improve practice.

Executive summary

This report uses theoretical, empirical and practice literatures and case studies to reflect on the links between evidence and innovation in the context of Scotland's social services. It bridges two of the core work streams at Iriss; evidence-informed practice and innovation and improvement.

Response by Apex Scotland to the suggestions generated through the Improving research use in the third sector project.

Below are slides from two workshops conducted as part of a project with Apex Scotland to help improve their research use, and develop wider lessons about supporting research use for third sector organisations. Further details of the project can be found here: Improving research use in the third sector.

Background

One of Iriss's private sector Champions, Aspris Children's Services (formerly Aspire Scotland Ltd), has been shortlisted for an award at the SSSC Care Accolades.

This report presents the results of a small qualitative study undertaken between February and March 2011. It considers the role of evidence in decision making around risk in social work and what affects this process.

The research aims to shed light on the relationship between evidence and practice wisdom (as an evidence type or integrating vehicle) or professional judgement, and how this relationship shapes decision making.