Network membership
Access high-quality resources, learning opportunities, and specialist support to apply evidence-informed approaches in practice, policy, and strategy.
Membership offers
Our network membership options offer social care, health, and criminal justice organisations access to resources, learning activities, regional and national networking, and member engagement support, designed to put evidence-informed approaches into practice, strategy and policy.
Three membership options to choose from.
Digital resources access
Our extensive library of learning resources and regular updates offers members access to evidence-informed content, designed to support practitioners, managers, and strategic leaders to transfer learning into changes in practice. Informed by consultation with the Partner network to address priority topic areas, content is regularly published, reviewed, and updated.
The Research in Practice website is designed to allow resources to be embedded into local workforce development programmes and to support self-directed learning by individual users.
Learning resources and regular updates
- Multimedia materials – resources in a range of formats such as podcasts, videos and animations, and our unique Learning Pathways, structured self-directed learning journeys with summaries, tools, case studies and reflective questions to build skills and knowledge.
- News and views – articles from practitioners, researchers, policy makers and people with lived experience from across the sector.
- Research, case law and policy – insights, reflections and summaries on case law, key developments in social care policy and research and their implications for practice.
- Written resources – peer-reviewed, quality-assured publications in bite-size and long-read formats, designed to meet a range of learning needs. Includes practice guides, briefings to inform strategic development, evidence reviews on specific topics.
Learning events, facilitating network exchange and peer learning
Bringing together participants from across the Research in Practice network to learn from experts and share knowledge with peers.
Member organisations can book dedicated online learning workshops, chosen from a regularly updated menu of topics.
Delivered to your organisation by expert facilitators, the menu includes core areas of learning, and new topics responding to pressing sector priorities.
Change Projects bring together members from the Research in Practice network and expert facilitators in developmental action learning projects.
Participants explore pressing practice and policy issues and produce and pilot evidence-informed outputs. These are shared with the wider network and aim to support changes in policy and practice.
The annual events programme offers learning activities in a range of formats.
- Knowledge exchange sessions – building cross-sector, peer-to-peer learning and engagement with emergent research findings.
- National networking -
- Leaders’ Forum – leaders from across the Research in Practice network meet for discussion, reflection and challenge on key topics.
- Link Officers’ Annual Meeting – Link Officers from across our partnership to share, learn and connect by exploring evidence and innovative approaches on priority themes.
- Partnership Conference – the flagship annual conference brings the network together to learn from research, the voices of lived experience and cutting-edge practice.
- Regional meetings – online meetings for Link Officers to share engagement strategies in the region.
- Practice pointers – topic-led bitesize learning events that draw together and share key messages from Research in Practice resources on priority topics.
- Support for workforce development leads – a ‘Learn and deliver’ programme for workforce development colleagues. These events help participants to build facilitation skills, apply learning theory to improve impact of local training activities and develop bespoke learning sessions using our resources.
- Webinars – online seminar sessions led by expert speakers.
- Workshops: delivered online – designed for building knowledge and skills in key areas for continuing professional development.
Member engagement activities
Targeted engagement support to meet your organisational priorities and embed content in local learning, delivered via our informative programme offering.
Membership engagement support
We know that professionals value support to target learning and embed content in local learning offers.
Member organisations receive implementation support from our Partner Engagement Team who work directly with you to:
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Embed learning into local workforce development strategies.
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Maximise value from membership through targeted engagement support.
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Connect your organisation with our national network.
Membership engagement programme
Accessible, drop-in, online sessions to support evidence-informed practice and build active use of the Research in Practice offer:
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Launch, embed and grow – initial guidance and ongoing support to raise awareness and build engagement with Research in Practice across your organisation.
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Monitor and build – key people in your organisation can monitor usage and analyse engagement data in real time via a dedicated area on the website.
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How to use Research in Practice – regular online sessions that guide users to get the most out of Research in Practice.
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Inform and develop the programme – opportunities for involvement in user testing, resource development, peer review, and consultation to shape our programme of work, ensuring practice expertise informs and quality assures our outputs.
Member testimonials
At Research in Practice we work with over 210 partner networks across multiple local areas, national organisations and NHS partners to support their local learning journey.
How does Research in Practice membership save your organisation time and money?
In this brief video hear directly from our members about how they use their membership with us and its value.
'Its all in one place, at your fingertips and people can access it really easily.'
Case studies
Read more from our members on what their membership with Research in Practice provides to them, and what support it offers their practice.
'Research in Practice has been consistent for the nine and a half years I have been a Link Officer. The fact I have done so many years with Research in Practice shows that they are a reliable and valuable resource to our borough and the research and development of our workforce. Any training that is delivered is of a high-quality, research evidenced-based and staff always come away impressed and eager for more learning opportunities.
Research in Practice clearly pride themselves in recruiting the best facilitators who come from a wealth of experience, knowledge and accredited across the sector. Meaning you are receiving training and workshops from the cream of the crop. I have seen over the years change with the times to accommodate the changing world, such as online delivery and revamping their website. The resources available online are great and give a variety of ways to engage in research and knowledge.
They are a trusted and valuable organisation.'
Dominque Augustine, Link Officer – Harrow London Borough Council
'Using Research in Practice supports reflective, evidence-informed practice across adult social care. Research in Practice offers a rich library of resources – podcasts, briefings, learning pathways – that are accessible and relevant to the reality of social care practice. Whether it’s exploring legal literacy, trauma-informed approaches, or leadership development, the platform consistently helps us bridge the gap between research and practice.
One of the standout moments this year was a bespoke workshop on cultural humility and anti-racist practice. This session created a powerful space for honest reflection, shared learning, and practical action.
I’d highly recommend it to any organisation looking to embed values of equity, evidence, and continuous learning into their culture.'
Fiona Havord, Principal Social Worker – Oxfordshire County Council
'I wanted to take a moment to share my positive experience with Research in Practice resources. As a Professional Development Co-ordinator, I have found these resources to be incredibly valuable in both my personal and professional growth.
From the outset, the quality and depth of the content available through Research in Practice have been impressive. The materials are well-researched, thoroughly detailed, and presented in a manner that is both engaging and easy to understand.
One of the most noteworthy aspects of Research in Practice is the practical application of the information provided. The case studies, examples, and real-life scenarios included in the resources have helped staff to better understand complex concepts and apply them effectively in their work.
Furthermore, the wide range of topics covered by Research in Practice have allowed staff to explore various areas of interest, broadening their knowledge and skills. Whether it is exploring new methodologies, understanding best practices, or staying updated with the latest research findings, the resources have proven to be an indispensable tool in my professional toolkit.
My experience with Research in Practice resources has been overwhelmingly positive. The high-quality content, practical application, and user-friendly platform have significantly contributed to staff professional development. I would highly recommend Research in Practice to anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills in their respective fields.'
Lisa Wallis, Link Officer – Southampton
'As a newly qualified social worker (NQSW), using Research in Practice has been a game changer and beneficial for me. This has aided in my academic development, as it provided me with the accessible resources that helped me bridge the gap between academic and the real-world practice.
The site supported me with evidence-based approaches and helped me feel more confident when applying research to informed decisions and interventions. It has been useful for my critical reflection and developing my professional judgement early in my career.
What I appreciate mostly is the ability to work through the training materials at my own pace through the podcasts, publications, and news. The content is clear, relevant, and linked directly to real world practice. The real-world examples made it easier for me to grasp. I will highly recommend it to NQSW or new starters who want to strengthen their practice in a flexible and supportive way'
