Research Programme for Social Care

RPSC Key Information

Director: Professor Martin Knapp

Aim: r

Summary of Panel Observation Tips

Key Issues:

• Team Composition: The panel emphasised the need for teams to include social care expertise, relevant stakeholders, and links with local authorities.
• Clarity and Detail: Applications often lacked clear research questions, detailed descriptions of research methods, and convincing arguments for the research.
• Feasibility Studies: Some studies labeled as feasibility studies appeared to be small trials, lacking clear progression criteria.
• Qualitative Research: Qualitative research proposals often lacked detail and clarity, particularly in sampling strategies and data analysis plans.
• Outcomes and Outputs: Uncertainty existed around appropriate outcome measures, with a focus on health outcomes rather than social care outcomes. Details of project outputs were not always clear.
• Impact and Implementation: Applications often lacked a clear pathway to impact, including considerations of cost, delivery, and scalability.
• Plain English Summary (PIS): PISs were frequently criticized for being too academic, vague, and unclear.

Positive Trends:

• Openness to Diverse Approaches: The panel was open to various research methods and approaches, encouraging applicants to propose innovative solutions.
• Support for Capacity Building: The panel aimed to support less experienced applicants and encourage diverse voices, including early career researchers and non-academic collaborations.
• Emphasis on Strong Partnerships: Strong, authentic partnerships and good research questions were highly valued.
• Focus on Important Topics: Topics such as safeguarding adults, peer support, and carers were considered important.
• Positive View of Previous Work: Projects that built on previous work, had pilot data, or were additions to a trial were viewed favorably.
• Value of Diverse Teams: Diverse teams with appropriate skills, experience, and co-applicants with lived experience were seen positively.
• Emphasis on EDI: The panel welcomed projects with comprehensive plans for equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Clarity and Economic Measurement: Clear writing and the inclusion of economic measurement were welcomed.

Funding Deadlines