In the First Round of Fellowships, we funded two individuals working within social care to undertake research training and carry out pilot projects on adult social care priority areas, as identified by the members of our Communities of Practice. Two additional Fellows were funded in the second round to undertake a smaller-scale research project and/or research training.
Meet our Fellows:
Hannah Kingsford was a social worker with the Kent County Council and a full-time Fellow.
Hannah’s research explored burnout in the social work workforce, specifically around formation and maintenance of professional identity, motivations for joining the profession, and professional values and morals.
To hear more about Hannah’s fellowship:
Sophie Fournel was a part-time Fellow and continued in her role as a CEO of Disability Assist during the fellowship.
Sophie’s project was investigating barriers to employment experienced by working-age individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and focused particularly on involving people with lived experience.
To hear more about Sophie’s fellowship:
Lisa Richey was a Registered Social Worker working at Kent County Council and, more recently, East Sussex County Council.
As a part-time Fellow, her research explored neurodiversity within social workers and their wellbeing, resources and creating awareness of neurodiversity within the workplace.
To hear more about Lisa’s fellowship:
Bethany Preston is a community carer and manages a small pilot project within her care company for ‘Digi Rehab’ – an exercise and strengthening programme particularly aimed at older people. Beth’s part-time fellowship focused on training, to develop her research skill set and knowledge.
To hear more about Beth’s fellowship: