SWIPA - Social Work and IPA research network

This website aims to provide a knowledge hub on developments, resources and evidence on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and its use in social work.  

Genesis 

The Social Work and IPA (SWIPA) research network was established in 2023 to coincide with the publication of a book on the topic by the network chairs. The network stems from the book authors’ experiences as doctoral students, academic researchers, academic and practice supervisors and as social workers, with both having worked in different practice and leadership roles. A chance conversation led to the authors discovering a shared passion for the philosophical underpinnings and potential of IPA for social work. The authors also encountered regular queries about IPA as academic reviewers and research supervisors. The book provides a clear guide, specific to social work that draws from their own and others’ experiences. Discussion with other IPA researchers led to the development of the network as a place to learn, share and create knowledge about and for social work practice. 

Mission 

Promoting effective social work practice through research and knowledge exchange about IPA and its application to the field. The OU SWIPA network is a community of practice open to anyone interested in furthering use and knowledge of IPA for social work research. The network hosts annual seminars and other events to share learning from IPA social work research and develop a shared sense of the knowledge that has been generated in the field. SWIPA network is open to people considering IPA from different perspectives including social work students; social work practitioners; doctoral students; research supervisors; and anyone else that is interested! 

Aims of the network 

• To provide a forum to exchange knowledge about IPA and social work. 
• To provide a network for researchers of IPA and to explore opportunities for developing collaborative research proposals related to social work. 
• To raise awareness and knowledge of emerging ideas and resources about IPA and social work. 
• To organise conferences and seminars to exchange knowledge about IPA and social work.