The Kent Research Partnership (KRP) is thrilled to congratulate Lisa Richey, Social Worker and Practitioner Researcher, for winning the People’s Choice Award for Best Poster at the NIHR School for Social Care Research (SSCR) event.
Lisa’s winning poster, titled “Neurodiversity in Social Work,” showcases her innovative practitioner-led research exploring the experiences of neurodivergent social workers within the workforce. Supported by the Kent Research Partnership and East Sussex County Council, Lisa’s study highlights the importance of awareness, inclusion, and organisational support for neurodivergent professionals in social work settings.
Her research identifies key themes including training, technology, recruitment processes, and workplace culture, offering practical recommendations for local authorities and social care organisations. Among her proposals are calls for co-produced training, better support around Access to Work provisions, and the inclusion of neurodivergence options within job applications and surveys.
I’m so delighted to have received the People’s Choice Award for my poster,” said Lisa. “It’s been such a rewarding experience to share this research with others who are passionate about improving the working lives of neurodivergent social workers. The support from the Kent Research Partnership and my supervisor, Dr Wenjing Zhang, has been invaluable.
The Kent Research Partnership is proud to support practitioner researchers like Lisa who are driving forward evidence-based practice in adult social care.
