Episode 7 - How the NIHR supports social care research - Research Programme for Social Care (RPSC)

Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into the crucial role of the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) in supporting social care research. If you’ve ever wondered how evidence-based improvements in social care come about or how researchers get the funding and support they need, this episode is for you.

 

We’ll explore how NIHR helps bridge the gap between research and real-world practice, ensuring that the best possible evidence informs social care services. Whether you’re a researcher, a social care professional, or just curious about how these vital services evolve, you’ll get valuable insights into the funding, collaboration, and resources available.

 

Join us as we speak to Bethany, Lucy & Jenni,  Let’s get started!

 

	Senior Research Manager, NIHR Coordinating Centre
	VIVALDI Social Care Coordinator, The Outstanding Society
	Communication & Partnerships Lead, The Outstanding Society

 

If you are interested about finding out more about RPSC & NIHR here are some useful resources.

• RPSC email address: RPSC@nihr.ac.uk 
• RPSC Pre-submission form
• RPSC Logic Model (the logic model was created to visually represent RPSC, its intended outcomes, and the way in which it aims to bring these about).
• RPSC Research Webinar: 7th April 2025 10-12. This is the Eventbrite Link (which includes the Zoom joining instructions)
• RPSC and our work with Charity organisations and the RPSC charity eligibility summary document (attached as a word version).
• RPSC and our work with Local Authorities
• RPSC/NIHR Research Inclusion Strategy
• Opportunities/career development grants for Social Care practitioners who want to start out in research (NIHR Academy). We also have a Research Support Service (specialist social care centre) who help people wanting to get into research/help with all aspects of the application process etc.
• The NIHR Social Care Core Slide Deck was created to give an overview of all social care work/opportunities across all of NIHR. A summary of this document is the Social Care Leaflet.

• RPSC: Eligibility for Charities and third sector organisations - refer to the guidance document here