International Symposium on Social Work Practitioner Research: Contribution to Theory and Practice

What’s on offer?

This half-day virtual event will include talks, poetry readings and music, panel and open-floor discussions and a Q&A

• Dr Sui-Ting Kong and Dr Jane Shears to open the event, followed by 'music of practice research' played by Hattie Webb 
• International perspective of social work practitioner research by the European President of International Federation of Social Workers
• Practice and theory focussed panel discussions on topics covering :

evaluating innovation in practice

co-producing practice models

theorising tacit knowing and practice wisdom

participatory approaches to social work research

• Q&A session
• Open-floor discussion for formulating a future agenda for social work practitioner research
• Event close with musical performace by Hattie Webb

What’s it about?

This symposium will bring together social work practitioners, service users and academics to explore the opportunities and the challenges around different kinds of collaborative research that address the issues facing the social work profession, both at a local level and at a global level.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, social workers worldwide have been responding to the virus with creativity and ethical commitment. We have seen innovative practice in social work being developed in the context of unprecedented public health threats, prolonged restrictions on people’s mobility as well as limited access to resources and services. Social workers’ experiences in COVID-19 have again demonstrated their continuous contribution to, not only improve the lives of individuals, families and communities, but also build new practice and theoretical knowledge that address human needs and tackle social inequalities.

Who’s leading the event?

Dr Sui-Ting Kong, (Sociology, Durham University)

Dr Jane Shears, (Head of Professional Development and Education, the British Association of Social Workers)

Open to

Anyone who is interested in social work and social work practice-research collaboration.