1. Integrating learning and practice: mentoring model for researching modern child care services in Scotland

2. Outline of session l Introductions l Context l Objectives l Key features of the programme l Outcomes

3. Objectives l Improve outcomes for children and families l Promote reflective and investigative practice l Develop links with leading academic institutes l Develop the evidence base of CHILDREN 1 ST ‘s services

4. Objectives continued l Contribute to the continuing professional development and post registration requirements of practitioners involved in the programme l Support the development of a learning culture within Children I ST

5. CHILDREN I ST National Working Groups l Abuse Recovery l Family Group Conferencing l Child Protection l Family Support

6. Promoting research use in social services l Ensuring a relevant research base l Making research understandable l Developing best practice models l Improving access to research l Drawing out practice implications l Requiring research informed practice l Developing a research minded culture Nutley et al ( 2007)

7. Integrating models of research use Embedded research Organisational excellence Research based practitioner

8. Key features of programme l Selection of candidates l 4 days of intensive tuition (qualitative and quantitative methodology, ethics etc) l Matching with research mentor (agree project, develop submission, commence and complete research) l Accreditation

9. Outcomes l Evaluation by University of York l Developing research based practitioners l Contributing to staff retention l Embedding research thinking in projects and organisation as a whole l Contributing to wider organsational development

10. References Gomm, R et al (2000) Evaluating Research in Health and Social Care Sage Nutley, Walter and Davies ( 2007) Using Research : How research can inform public services Policy Press