Social care

Our research community conducts world-leading research in social care and social work policy and practice across the life course, funded by a range of bodies including Research Councils (UK Research and Innovation, the Economic and Social Research Council and the Arts and Humanities Research Council), the National Institute for Health Research and a wide range of trusts, charities, and commercial organisations. Our social care research is co-produced alongside people with lived experience and social care practitioners, driven by a commitment to delivering research that makes a difference to people’s lives. Our researchers have particular expertise in conducting applied social care research with and amongst some of the most marginalised communities in society.

Centres

Centre for Open Thanatology

Centre for Society, History and Learning Disability

Co-INSPIRE

Groups

Ageing and Biographical Studies

Known as the Centre for Ageing and Biographical Studies (CABS). Established in 1995, the founder members believed that the experience and aspirations of older people should be at the core of gerontology and biographical research, and teaching on ageing.

The Carers Research Group

The Carers Research Group was established in light of the growth in recognition of carers, their needs and the importance of supporting them. Group's interdisciplinary members collaborate on a wide range of carer-related scholarship and research projects, publications and resources.

Networks

Social Work and IPA

The OU Social Work Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (SWIPA) network is a community of practice open to anyone interested in furthering use and knowledge of IPA for social work research. It aims to promote effective social work practice through research and knowledge exchange about IPA and its application to the field.