This Guide is based on research carried out in 2008 by Sara Fitzhenry on behalf of Learning Networks West and South East.
The research consisted of a survey of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) offering social work programmes and Further Education Institutions (FEIs) delivering social care programmes within the geographical areas covered by these Networks.
Five HEIs and 25 FEIs were sent postal questionnaires.
Three HEIS and 12 FEIs responded.
The questionnaire asked HEIs and FEIs to detail the involvement of people who use services and carers in their social care and social work programmes.
In addition 13 interviews were conducted with people who use services and carers. A total of 39 carers and 14 people who use services took part in the interviews. Three were group interviews of eight or more people, seven were with groups of two to five people and three were individual telephone interviews. All those interviewed had experience of social workers or social care services and three had had direct contact with students at an FEI or HEI.
The interviews sought to ascertain the views of people who use services and carers about what type of involvement is appropriate and the barriers and benefits.
Findings from this local research are included throughout this Guide, as are references to other relevant literature.
Fitzhenry, S., 2008, Service User and Carer Involvement in Social Care and Social Work Programmes.