Social Work & Social Policy
Unit of Assessment C20:
Social Work & Social Policy
Over 94% of research outputs were of a quality that is recognised internationally in originality, significance, and rigour, with 49% of that figure deemed internationally excellent. Impact case studies were recognised for their social impacts in terms of their significance and reach, with one case study considered outstanding and achieving a 4* rating.
Impact Case Study 1: Homelessness in Wales
What is it about?
Welsh Government-funded investigations into the public policy and services available to address homelessness and those who are homeless after leaving the Secure Estate in Wales.
Who was involved?
The Criminology and Criminal Justice team worked with Welsh Government and various external higher education partners and local authorities.
What was done?
The team conducted extensive research into the state of the current provisions to tackle homelessness in Wales. This included evaluating the Housing Act, work with stakeholders (service providers and beneficiaries), and engaging policy makers and practitioners. The research found shortcomings in the preventative measures currently in place.
What was the impact?
Based on the recommendations formed from the research, the topic of homelessness is now more recognised, with publications providing resources for training programmes and campaigns. Specific recommendations from the evaluations were accepted by Welsh Government and funding was granted for six new co-ordinators to work within the National Probation Service Local Delivery Units across Wales. New monitoring systems were developed, a new Accommodation Officer was employed, and a new Senior Project officer post was also created.
References to research
Evaluation of Homelessness Legislation (Part 2 of the Housing Act (Wales) 2014): final report
Evaluation of homelessness services to adults in the secure estate
Review of priority need in Wales
Introduction: Homelessness Prevention in an International Policy Context
Preventing homelessness among women prison leavers in Wales
Impact Case Study 2: Contribution Analysis for Alcohol and Drug Policy Strategy Evaluation
What is it?
Contribution Analysis is a type of qualitative methodology used to evaluate Welsh Government’s implementation of their Alcohol and Other Drugs policy.
Who was involved?
Members of the Social Science and Criminology team worked with Figure8 Consultancy and Welsh Government.
What was done?
The researchers won a Welsh Government tender to evaluate the Alcohol and other Drugs policy implementation. Contribution Analysis was adopted to evaluate Wales’ devolved substance misuse policy, which included 27 devolved Treatment Frameworks and Guidance documents and four Delivery Plans.
What was the impact?
Welsh Government used the research as a foundation for a consultation document leading to the next Delivery Plan, particularly advocating for the inclusion of service users and partnership working. Welsh Government used the five evaluation strands outlined in the research in the new Delivery Plan to shape the way alcohol and drug service provision has been delivered since the review. The Contribution Analysis report also recommended the adoption of minimum pricing for alcohol and a revision to the way data and research is hosted on Welsh Government’s website – both recommendations were advanced by Welsh government, with the minimum pricing Bill commencing in 2020.
References to Research
Welsh Government (2019) Substance Misuse Delivery Plan 2019-2022
