This was held at The British Library, Euston Road, London on Friday 8th March 2024. The launch event was attended by colleagues from academia and practice with everyone welcomed by Dr Wendy McInally, Associate Head of School for Research, Scholarship and Knowledge Exchange, School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care at The Open University. Professor Sarah Vicary outlined the scope of the book and highlighted the shared vision that she shares with Gillian for the text. Gillian outlined the aims of the research network and Dr Lisa Morriss outlined the importance of the book in her view as editor of Qualitative Social Work journal. Dr Jane Shears, Head of Professional Development and Education, British Association of Social Workers (BASW) also welcomed the book and the new network for social work.
Professor Jonathan A. Smith, well known as the founder of IPA methodology attended the event, speaking passionately about doing effective IPA, the origins and future directions. Jonathan was delighted to attend the event and expressed his support.
Jonathan acknowledged the expertise of the book authors in their field and welcomed the detail about how to do IPA within the text. Attendees of the launch, many who had travelled from across the UK, were engaged in debate about the potential of IPA, the challenges involved and shared their enthusiasm for making a difference in social work through effective research.