New guide to inspire research and innovation in health and social care

The guide, which is the first of its kind, is aimed at anyone in health and social care who is interested in finding out more about research and innovation.

It has been designed as a one stop shop that provides information written in a clear format and is easy to navigate, with different accessibility options.

The team behind its development hope it will encourage health care professionals at all levels and stages of their careers to consider research and innovation as something they can get involved in to help make a difference.

Associate Professor Melanie Stephens, who co-led the project with other members of the nursing and midwifery professoriate, explains: “Whatever your interests and background, active engagement of our health and care practitioners in, and with, research and innovation is so important. It will also help in the recruitment, retention, engagement and development of staff through more varied, exciting and rewarding career opportunities.”

The team also hope that the guide will support the NHS in the future. Melanie continues: “The NHS Long Term Workforce Plan sets out intentions to modernise career pathways – thinking differently about what a career in nursing, midwifery or one of our allied health professions might look like.

“New opportunities are emerging for staff to develop across enhanced, advanced and consultant levels of practice. This will support retention, helping people to stay within the NHS as they gain more experience.

“It will also enable practitioners at all levels to continue to contribute their ideas to transform our healthcare services, as well as the experiences and outcomes of individuals and communities who rely on them.”

The team welcomed 75 attendees at an online launch event on Tuesday 12 November, and are following up with some face-to-face events in local organisations. You can watch a recording of the launch event here.

You also can take a look at the guide online here.