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Social Work Research in the UK: A View through the Lens of REF2021

Stanley, Nicky, Sharland, Elaine, Geoghegan, Luke, Barn, Ravinder, Milne, Alisoun, Phillips, Judith, Swales, Kirby (2023) Social Work Research in the UK: A View through the Lens of REF2021. The British Journal of Social Work, 53 (8). pp. 3546-3565. ISSN 0045-3102. E-ISSN 1468-263X. (doi:10.1093/bjsw/bcad116) (KAR id:100877)

Abstract

The Research Assessment Exercise was introduced in 1986 to measure research quality and to determine the allocation of higher education funding. The renamed Research Excellence Framework (REF) has become an important barometer of research capacity and calibre across academic disciplines in UK universities. Based on the expert insights of REF sub-panel members for Unit of Assessment 20 (UOA20), Social Work and Social Policy, this article contributes to understanding of the current state of UK social work research. It documents the process of research quality assessment and reports on the current social work research landscape, including impact. Given its growing vigour, increased engagement with theory and conceptual frameworks, policy and practice and its methodological diversity, it is evident that social work research has achieved considerable consolidation and growth in its activity and knowledge base. Whilst Russell Group and older universities cluster at the top of the REF rankings, this cannot be taken for granted as some newer institutions performed well in REF2021. The article argues that the discipline’s embeddedness in interdisciplinary research, its quest for social justice and its applied nature align well with the REF framework where interdisciplinarity, equality, diversity and inclusion and impact constitute core principles.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1093/bjsw/bcad116
Uncontrolled keywords: REF2021, research, research impact, social work
Subjects: H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research
Funders: University of Kent (https://ror.org/00xkeyj56)
Depositing User: Alisoun Milne
Date Deposited: 13 Apr 2023 07:35 UTC
Last Modified: 05 Nov 2024 13:06 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/100877 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

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