A collaborative approach to defining the usefulness of impact: lessons from a knowledge exchange project involving academics and social work practitioners

Wilkinson, H., Gallagher, M. and Smith, M. (2012) A collaborative approach to defining the usefulness of impact: lessons from a knowledge exchange project involving academics and social work practitioners. Evidence and Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice, 8(3), pp. 311-327. (doi: 10.1332/174426412X654040)

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Abstract

This paper reports on a knowledge exchange project involving academics and practitioners in six local authority social work departments. It contributes to recent debates about the coproduction of knowledge, presenting findings in three key areas: the importance of relationships for knowledge exchange; 'what works' for practitioners engaging with academics; and the value of practitioner research for enabling knowledge exchange. It also considers the assessment of 'impact' against the shifting landscape of the Research Excellence Framework, arguing that academic and performance management notions of impact and research quality risk eclipsing the perspectives of research users.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Gallagher, Dr Michael
Authors: Wilkinson, H., Gallagher, M., and Smith, M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Geographical and Earth Sciences > Geography
Journal Name:Evidence and Policy: A Journal of Research, Debate and Practice
Publisher:The Policy Press
ISSN:1744-2648

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