Practitioners as researchers – experiences of four people working in hybrid roles in two local authorities and a university

Abstract

This paper focuses on experiences of four professionals working in Adult Social Care Departments (ASCDs) and university researchers. Objectives were to explore research capacity building using a Community of Practice (CoP) model, for CoP Associates to promote research in workplace settings and for practitioner/researchers to produce actionable findings. Data were obtained from semi-structured interviews, conducted twice, fully transcribed and analyzed using Framework Analysis. Research training was provided before commencement, and academic supervision throughout. CoP Associates included local authority professionals, and experts by experience. Training was not phased to support hybrid workers with sequential stages of the research process, who also felt more guidance was needed with ethical review. A ‘disconnect’ remained between ASCD staff and research, evidenced by a lack of interest among front-line staff, of support for fieldwork, and non-attendance of professionals at CoP meetings. Spontaneously created meetings between hybrid workers did resemble a CoP model. Combining research and practice roles was challenging. Suggestions are offered for the optimization of hybrid roles, including the need for universities to maintain links with ASCDs and offer short, focused training to help staff interested in research.

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