Social care and health practitioners showcase practice-changing projects as applications open for expanded national programme
The University of Winchester welcomed practitioners, researchers, employers and funding partners to a celebration event on Thursday 18 June marking the successful completion of the second cohort of its innovative REAL (Research, Evaluation, Audit and Literature) course.
The event celebrated the achievements of eight learners from across social care and health settings who completed the programme and presented posters showcasing research, evaluations, audits and literature reviews designed to improve services and outcomes for people who draw on care and support.
Representatives from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Applied Research Collaboration (ARC) Wessex and Research Delivery Network, Hampshire County Council, the University of Winchester and past REAL learners joined the event. Dr Jenny Roddis from ARC Wessex highlighted the importance of knowledge mobilisation and ensuring research findings are translated into real-world improvements in policy and practice.
Developed and led by Dr Rachel Harrison and Jessica Mitchell, the REAL course was created to make research accessible to practitioners working across social care, health and community services. The programme supports learners to investigate challenges within their own organisations, generating evidence that can directly inform practice improvement and service development.
Projects presented at the celebration event explored a diverse range of topics including:
Learners included local authority staff, a clinical auditor, occupational therapists, social workers, reablement workers, care homeowners and domiciliary care providers.
A highlight of the event was a poster competition, with prizes awarded to learners whose projects were judged to demonstrate outstanding quality, innovation and potential impact on practice. The competition recognised the high standard of work produced and celebrated the growing confidence of practitioners engaging with research and evaluation.
Rae Tobin, Project Manager at ARC Wessex who presented the awards alongside Dr Hazel Brown, Associate Dean for the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, said:
“Attending the REAL course celebrations are a highlight of my working year. The course is such a standout gem in the world of applied health and care research as its necessity for small scale projects, means the results directly affect real lives in Wessex. From minimising distress in care home residents with dementia, to uncovering a gap in Parkinson’s training, this course has not only changed the lives of these people, but given assurance to their loved ones, and empowered the researchers themselves to know that they can do it, and their knowledge and experience is invaluable”.
The celebration also marked the launch of a professionally printed booklet showcasing learner projects, funded by NIHR ARC Wessex. The publication provides a lasting record of the work undertaken and demonstrates how practitioner-led inquiry can drive meaningful improvements across health and social care services. You can read the booklet here: https://issuu.com/theuniversityofwinchester/docs/real_course_poster_e-booklet_uow_and_arc_wessex?fr=sY2RjMjkwNjcyMjA
Dr Rachel Harrison, Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care at the University of Winchester and NIHR Research Delivery Network South Central Specialty Lead for Social Care, said:
"The REAL course demonstrates that excellent research does not only happen within universities. Frontline practitioners possess a wealth of knowledge, experience and insight into the challenges facing health and social care. When given the right support, they can generate evidence that changes practice, improves services and ultimately benefits the people they support."
Demand for the programme continues to grow. Following the success of the first two cohorts, the NIHR Research Delivery Network South Central is funding a third cohort beginning on 23 September 2026.
The programme is also expanding in response to increasing national interest from organisations seeking to strengthen research capacity within social care. To improve accessibility and inclusivity, future cohorts will be offered through both blended learning and fully online delivery routes.
For the first time, learners will be able to choose between a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) route and a Level 7 postgraduate route worth 15 academic credits. Those choosing the Level 7 pathway will become University of Winchester students and can use their credits towards a future Master's in Professional Practice.
Feedback from learners illustrates the transformative impact of the programme.
One Hampshire County Council learner said:
"The REAL course has helped me regain my confidence both academically and personally. Jess and Rachel have made me feel comfortable and at home. I recommend anyone that gets the opportunity to be part of something so meaningful and impactful. From the bottom of my heart, thank you."
Another learner commented:
"I have found this course very useful in my approach to work as well as my studies. I'm finding that I am working out of my 'safety' barriers, which I don't normally do."
A Hampshire Care Association learner described the programme as:
"Life-changing. I have enjoyed pushing my boundaries to expand the knowledge I have of my profession. The leaders, Rachel and Jess, are so knowledgeable and keen to share. I have been made to feel included, relevant and seen."
The REAL course forms part of the University of Winchester's wider commitment to building research capacity and capability across health and social care. By bringing together practitioners, employers, researchers and people with lived experience, the programme is helping to create a sustainable research culture within services and ensuring that evidence generation becomes part of everyday practice.
Applications for the next REAL cohort, commencing on 23 September 2026, are now open.
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