Demonstrators

What are Demonstrators?

Demonstrators explore how we can use evidence to address a major strategic issue. Our Coaches work with local stakeholders and draw on evidence, to understand the issue and how it can be addressed, before facilitating an evidence-informed change programme.

Insights are shared widely, and we’ll work with national policy and practice leaders to embed future learnings.

Projects

2026-27

Recognising and supporting the role of personal assistants – Centre for Independent Living NI, Northern Ireland
Promoting a culture which genuinely values its social care workforce – Southern Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland
Enhancing voice, choice, and control through a relationship-based practice model for Self-directed Support in Scotland – Social Work Scotland
Developing more strategic partnerships between adult social care and housing – In Control, Scotland
Building a more strategic approach to co-production – Cartrefi Cymru Co-operative, Wales
Developing processes and systems that feel human, respectful and meaningful to enable and enhance collaborative communication and tackle poverty – Swansea Council Adult Services, Wales
Inclusion in climate change (informing social care) – Inspired Purpose, LDE and Future Directions, England/Wales
Working collaboratively to transform how social care is experienced by those who are most marginalised, using proactive social care models – Support Northamptonshire, England
Supporting race equality in the social care workforce – Persona, England
Promoting a culture where we genuinely value our workforce – Shrewsbury/Shropshire Council, England

2025-26

2024-25

2023-24

2022-23

Asset-based approaches – IMPACT Agewell and MEAAP, Northern Ireland

Project team

Robin Miller

demonstrator lead (birmingham)

I began my career in practice as a social worker, team manager, commissioner and senior manager of health and social care services. For the last ten years I have been an applied academic with an interest in innovation, integration, and leadership.

What gets me out of the bed in the morning is the opportunity to work with people, communities, practitioners, and fellow academics who are committed to improving the quality of social care. IMPACT provides the best chance we have had in a lifetime to do this across the UK – and I am proud to be part of it.

Naomi Russell

demonstrator lead (Birmingham)

I am a social worker and have worked with working age adults for most of my career. I have a particular interest in Preparing for Adulthood, Co-Production and Strength-Based Approaches.

I have just completed a Masters in Research Methods and wanted to combine these skills with my social work practice experience to focus on improving people’s experiences of social care.