Facilitators and challenges to implementing a researcher-in-residence model to build research capacity in adult social care

Background

Adult social care in England has long lacked the research infrastructure and capacity common in health, limiting evidence-informed improvement. The Kent Research Partnership (KRP) implemented a dual, bi-directional Researcher-in-Residence (RiR) model (one university-employed researcher embedded in the local authority and one local-authority-employed researcher embedded in the university) to build research capacity. This study explored implementation challenges and facilitators over the first 32 months of the partnership.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight participants (four current/former RiR; four core team/management). Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and pseudonymised. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, then deductively mapped to the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR 2.0).

Results

Three themes described determinants of implementation. (a) Context and culture: System-level financial pressures, fragile regional research support, and competing operational priorities limited engagement; post-COVID hybrid working and organisational restructuring impeded co-location and informal relationship-building. (b) Intervention design and implementation: Dedicated, full-time RiR posts enabled proactive capacity-building; the dual, bi-directional structure conferred legitimacy and access across partnership settings. However, broad role definitions and unfamiliar terminology led to ambiguity and expectations of bespoke research delivery. Reframing the practice-based role as “Research Facilitator” improved clarity and was subsequently formalised within the local authority. (c) RiR personal and professional characteristics: Effectiveness hinged on combined research expertise and practice/policy experience, plus relational skills (approachability, persistence, adaptability).

Conclusions

A thoughtfully designed RiR model, with dual posts, protected time, and individuals who bridge research and practice, can catalyse research capacity building in adult social care. However, persistent contextual barriers, such as resource constraints, cultural misalignment, remote/hybrid working patterns, can limit embedding and impact of research capacity budling partnership in social care. Co-designed role clarity, alignment with service-improvement goals, innovative approaches to remote embedding, and sustained infrastructure funding are recommended to lessen the impact of the contextual barriers.