What is the NIHR school for social care research (SSCR)?
The SSCR is funded by the National Institute for Health Research and has a total budget of £15 million over a 5-year period from May 2009. We are a partnership between five leading academic centres of social care research in England: the London School of Economics and Political Science, King's College London and the Universities of Kent, Manchester and York.
What does the NIHR SSCR do?
In the SSCR we are undertaking and commissioning research to improve adult social care practice in England, and so improve individual lives.
For example, we will try to identify and answer questions about how users of care services can be given more control and greater choice; how family carers can find a better balance between their care responsibilities and their working lives; whether there are better ways of commissioning services; and how social care can mesh effectively with health care and other services. These are just some of the areas that could be covered by the research programme. In general, we aim to provide high-quality evidence-based practice recommendations.
How does the SSCR differ from other research organisations and initiatives in the field?
There are a number of organisations that sponsor research in social care, some within the government sector and some independent bodies. The SSCR aims to work in a complementary way with those other initiatives. For example, there are a number of opportunities within the NIHR to carry out social care research, given that most NIHR research programmes, fellowships and other streams are available not just to health and health service researchers, but to researchers interested in social care.
The distinctive features of SSCR are that the work is NIHR-funded but the School's programme and activities are independently controlled by the Executive Group of the School, advised by its Advisory Board, and built upon widespread consultation with people who use services, carers, providers, commissioners and researchers. Another distinctive feature is the focus on social care practice, rather than policy.
How can I meet members of the SSCR?
Members of the NIHR School's Executive will also be at conferences and meetings on social care (such as the Social Services Research Group annual conference, NIHR Regional Research Conferences,), where they would be happy to talk to you. See the Events page for further information.
Can I contact the SSCR for advice?
The School is happy to provide advice on research where we can. Please email us at sscr@lse.ac.uk or call us on 020 7955 6528. Where we are not able to directly assist with your query, we can provide information as to the relevant organisation to contact.
I am a member of the press or a media organisation. Where can I go for information?
The SSCR website will provide up-to-date information about the School. For further information please contact the Finances and Communications Administrator via sscr@lse.ac.uk.
I would like to make a freedom of information request. Who should I contact?
If you wish to request information from the SSCR, or make a request under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, please contact the Finances and Communications Administrator via sscr@lse.ac.uk.
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