Research and training fellowships as a mechanism for building research capacity in social care: An evaluation of the fellowship component of a capacity-building programme in England

Research capacity building in social care has received increased attention and dedicated funding in recent years, yet opportunities for practitioners to engage with research or apply evidence-based practice remain limited. This article evaluates one mechanism for developing capacity through a research-practice partnership: funding and supporting social care staff to undertake practitioner-research fellowships. This qualitative study incorporated interviews with fellows, applicants, mentors, line managers, and experts by experience; focus groups with academic supervisors and programme leads; and reviews of progress reports. Using thematic analysis, it identified three themes: challenges in applying for and undertaking fellowships, and partnership support that helped address them; the impacts of fellowships on social care practitioners and organizations; and lessons learned at individual, team and system levels, including the importance of engaging middle managers, creating a supportive academic environment, and widening access across a diverse social care workforce. Although research capacity building in social care remains in its infancy, fellowships provide valuable opportunities to nurture practitioner-researchers and foster a research culture. They enable two-way learning between practice and academia, bridging the research–practice gap. However, questions remain around sustainability, inclusivity, and long-term pathways for practitioner-researchers, highlighting the need for continued investment, infrastructure, and flexible models of support.