Data Matters: How do social workers for adults engage with working towards better data, and related practices in one local authority?

Background Data form a central pillar supporting significant government reforms with Adult Social Care being identified as an area likely to benefit the most from better data. Complex interrelated transformations are underway with substantial work required over the next five years.

Social workers for adults are expected to develop their knowledge and skills, understand, and implement new policies, and where necessary challenge systems and processes to uphold human rights and promote social justice principles.

Neither data literacy, nor critical data literacy form part of the formal qualifying curriculum or continuing professional development offer. It is acknowledged that data are difficult to define and that this is achieved contextually.

A focus on how social workers for adults contextually conceptualise data and data driven practices, and their agency in relation to these, may therefore inform improved knowledge transfer, transformation, practice, and the curriculum.

Research question Data Matters: How do social workers for adults engage with working towards better data, and related practices, in one local authority?

Aim/Objectives The aim of this research is to explore how social workers for adults engage with work towards better data, and related practices in one local authority.

This will be achieved by asking what can be learned from (1) academic literature and recent empirical studies; (2) ethnographic research in one local authority (3) and using the findings and recommendations to inform interested parties.

Methods The proposed project will include a qualitative evidence synthesis or meta ethnography to gain a more in-depth understanding based on the findings from existing studies. Protocols will be used to document the process and identify concepts, themes, and interpretations.

The findings will inform primary research through focussed ethnography including fieldwork undertaken within a local authority.

The fieldwork will be constructed to include multiple sites where social workers for adults and others converge to consider data and data related practices in different ways.

Observation and participant observation will combine in person and online encounters in keeping with contemporary work practices. Document analysis and interviews will also be undertaken. Evidence synthesis and thematic analysis will be aided using the qualitative data analysis software NVivo.

Timelines for delivery Research will be undertaken between October 2024 and September 2026 with fieldwork throughout 2025.

Obtaining ethical and governance approvals, establishment of an advisory group and evidence synthesis will be undertaken during year one. Fieldwork will be undertaken throughout year two. Analysis, presentation of findings and dissemination will be during year three. Across the three years, I will undertake relevant research training.

Anticipated impact and dissemination The findings from this research and practicable recommendations will be shared with the senior management team within the local authority and their partners. Further dissemination will include formats adapted for different local and national stakeholder audiences.

The findings will also be shared at conferences and submitted to peer reviewed journals.

The intention is that this research will lead to resources for use in social work education, training, and practice to promote data justice in practice whist also being informative in other contexts.