Leading voices from across adult social care, social work, and the wider community gathered in London, last month (April), for the National Priority Programme for Adult Social Care and Social Work (NPP) Networking and Showcase Event—an inspiring day focused on innovation, inclusion, and shaping the future of adult social care in the UK.
Hosted by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS), and chaired by Professor Ann-Marie Towers, Lead of the ARC National Priority Programme for Adult Social Care and Social Work, the event welcomed researchers, practitioners, and members of the public from across the country to explore new ideas and emerging research that put people at the heart of care.
Putting lived experience at the forefront
Discussions throughout the day reflected a strong commitment to community involvement, dignity, and forward-thinking approaches. Dr Caroline Jackson, Research Fellow for Lived Experience at ARC West Midlands and the University of Birmingham, set the tone with a powerful session on Enhancing Public and Community Involvement, Engagement, and Participation. Together with a panel of public members, they highlighted the value of lived experience in shaping services that truly meet people's needs.
Improving care environments and connections
Well-being within care homes was another focus area, with Dr Nick Smith, Research Fellow at ARC KSS and University of Kent, and Dr Jonathan Taylor, Researcher at the Applied Health Research Unit at University of Oxford and ARC Oxford and Thames Valley, sharing insights into what makes these environments more supportive, inclusive, and empowering for residents. Meanwhile, Professor Kathryn Almack and Dr Alison Tingle, both from the University of Hertfordshire and ARC East of England, presented findings from the Digital Technologies to Support Social Well-being of community dwelling adults, who use or may need social care services project, demonstrating how digital tools can combat loneliness and help people stay connected to their communities.
Addressing critical social challenges
The event also addressed critical social challenges. Professor Ruth McGovern, from Newcastle University and ARC North East and North Cumbria, led a session on the VISTA initiative, which explores the role of adult social care in responding to Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse—emphasising the need for a trauma-informed, multi-agency approach.
Looking at community-based support, Dr Chloe Waterman, Research Associate at Kings College London and ARC South London and Dr Kathryn Berzins, Reader at the University of Central Lancashire and ARC North West Coast, introduced strengths-based models such as Community Led Support and Connected Communities, showing how services can be more empowering when they build on individuals' strengths and local networks.
Looking to the future
A forward-looking session on the future of the NPP consortium encouraged participants to share emerging priorities, funding opportunities, and visions for a more collaborative and evidence-informed sector.
“This isn’t just about research—this is about real lives, real communities, and building care that reflects what matters most to people,” said Professor Ann-Marie Towers during the closing session.
"This event was a powerful reminder that when research, practice, and public voices come together, it’s possible to build a social care system that is more compassionate, responsive, and grounded in what truly matters to the people it serves."
Honouring pioneers in social care research
The day closed with a deeply moving Memory Walk in honour of Professor Julien Forder, who led both the ARC's National Priority Programme for Adult Social Care and Social Work programme and ARC KSS Social Care theme, and Professor Ray Fitzpatrick, who led ARC OxTV’s Improving Health and Social Care theme, two pioneering figures in social care research. Attendees came together to walk in their memory, celebrating their enduring impact. Donations from the walk are being collected via JustGiving.
Background
The National Institute for Health and Care Research funded 15 Applied Research Collaborations (ARCs) to support applied health and care research that responds to and meets the needs of the local populations. The ARCs are working together on a number of nationals priority areas and ARC Kent, Surrey and Sussex (ARC KSS) is leading the national priorities collaboration on social care and social work.
