Book chapter
Strengthening research in social work practice: how a professional association can contribute to the leadership of social work research
Research Handbook on Leadership in Social Work and Social Care, pp.50-61
Elgar Handbooks on Social Work, Edward Elgar Publishing
23/09/2025
Appears in Recent Faculty of Health Publications
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Abstract
The International Federation of Social Work principles of social justice, human rights, collective responsibility, and respect for diversities (https://www.ifsw.org/what-is-social-work/(https://www.ifsw.org/what-is-social-work/global-definition-of-social-work/) are advanced by strengthening research that investigates and informs social work practice. Tilbury et al. (2023) argue that while social work research in Australia is moderately successful a more considered and strategic approach is required if we are to achieve necessary improvements in the quality, quantity, and culture of social work research. Over ten years ago, the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) established a National Research Committee (NRC). In this chapter, we reflect on the NRC's leadership in fostering social work research and its commitment to re-Indigenising research practice and promoting practice-based research, or Practice Research as it is known. The NRC sees such strategies as central to improving the quality, quantity, and credibility of social work research and practice, and key to the capacity to influence policy and practice.
Details
- Title
- Strengthening research in social work practice: how a professional association can contribute to the leadership of social work research
- Creators
- Sue Gillieatt - Curtin UniversityBindi Bennett - Federation UniversityLynette Joubert - University of MelbourneLouise Whitaker - Southern Cross UniversityWilma Peters - University of MelbourneFiona Oates - James Cook University
- Contributors
- Robin Miller (Editor) - NIHR School for Social Care ResearchCatherine Mangan (Editor) - University of BirminghamHelen Dickinson (Editor) - University of New South WalesCaroline Jackson (Editor) - University of Birmingham
- Publication Details
- Research Handbook on Leadership in Social Work and Social Care, pp.50-61
- Series
- Elgar Handbooks on Social Work
- Publisher
- Edward Elgar Publishing; Cheltenham, UK
- Identifiers
- 991013318830602368
- Copyright
- All rights reserved.
- Academic Unit
- Social Work; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Book chapter