We are thrilled to share some good news from this year’s Social Policy Association (SPA) Awards, hosted by the University of Strathclyde. Members of the IMPACT family had significant recognition, winning two awards at this year’s SPA Awards ceremony.
The SPA is the professional association for lecturers, researchers and students of social policy in the UK and internationally.
Award-Winning Contributions
1. Cambridge University Press Award for Excellence in Social Policy Scholarship – Social Policy and Society
One of the awards went to a paper co-authored by Richard Brunner, IMPACT’s Strategic Improvement Coach, working across Scotland on the health and well-being of personal assistants. The paper, published in Social Policy and Society, is titled “COVID-19 and the Crisis in Social Care: Exploring the Experiences of Disabled People in the Pandemic”. The study looked into how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected disabled people, shining a light on the significant challenges faced by social care during this incredibly traumatic period.
2. Cambridge University Press Award for Excellence in Social Policy Scholarship – Journal of Social Policy
Another award went to a paper co-authored by several University of Birmingham (UoB) colleagues, including IMPACT’s Jon Glasby. Published in the Journal of Social Policy, and titled “How Do You Shape a Market? Explaining Local State Practices in Adult Social Care”, the research looks at how Councils go about trying to shape local care ‘markets’ and plan the kinds of services that they need.
Celebrating Achievement
IMPACT is an implementation centre, getting evidence of what works used in practice to make a difference. However, the recognition of these papers is a good example of the impactful and high-quality research being conducted by members of the IMPACT family, whether before, during or after their time with us. Both papers were highly collaborative in nature, so these awards not only celebrate the individual achievements of co-authors but also highlight the importance of teamwork, including with people who bring lived experience of drawing on care and support.
We extend our congratulations to all the award winners, shortlisted entries and contributors. Their work and research represent a clear commitment to addressing pressing social issues and contributing to meaningful policy discussions and developments.
Stay tuned for more updates and continue to follow the impactful work of our talented community.