Austerity has led to a reduction in the capacity of local authorities to undertake in-house research in adult social care, according to a new report by the Social Services Research Group. The report suggests that the social care research infrastructure in councils in England is shrinking and that social care research activity is also at risk in the independent sector.

The study, Research Capacity, Knowledge, Skills and Use in Councils with Adult Social Care Responsibilities, by Dr Chris Rainey, Dr John Woolham and Dr Martin Stevens, was funded by the Social Care Evidence in Practice project led by the Personal Social Services Research Unit at the London School of Economics and Political Science with support from the NIHR School for Social Care Research.

It suggests that many research staff have been gradually stripped out of local authorities, so while councils retain an evidence-based approach to decision-making, staff cuts threaten the quality of research across a broadening range of activities. Recent research activities were most often linked to performance management and local information systems. Staffing cuts and restrictions on training and professional development are likely to have affected both research capacity and capability.

Research governance also appeared to be in decline in councils, as is the number of named senior managers with responsibility for championing research, which is considered a pre-requisite for effective local research.

The survey has revealed the difficulties faced by local authorities, and suggests the need for a national review of local authority research, which appears to receive little support or development resources. A priority would be to identify workforce requirements and core functions, such as completion of the Adult Social Care Survey and analysis of data returns for the Department of Health. Such a review should be extended across the social care sector.

‚ÄúIn-house research is critical to finding out what, how and why services are delivered and what difference they make. The survey points to the need to reinvest in local research capacity to ensure sound evidence is used‚Äù.  Dr Chris Rainey, Social Research Manager, West Sussex County Council.

“To improve adult social care practice in England, and support initiatives to develop greater evidence-informed practice, there must be greater investment in research capacity and skills in the sector. This report and its recommendation will support discussions of research activity and capacity within local authorities and how best to support wider research engagement”. Professor Martin Knapp, Director SSCR, Director PSSRU LSE