New course for social care brings REAL benefits

Dr Rachel Harrison explains how research is vital to social care

An initiative aimed at strengthening research capability within adult social care has been launched at the University of Winchester (June 2025). 

The REAL course (Research, Evaluation, Audit and Literature) in Social Care Practice is a key part of the University’s contribution to improving outcomes for people in the care sector. 

Funded by the NIHR (National Institute for Health and Care Research) Applied Research Collaboration Wessex, the course brings together frontline social care staff and university researchers. 

Those taking part include practitioners from local authorities, care providers, and third sector organisations across the South-Central region.  

Over six months, they will be supported to undertake a project which ‘makes a difference’ to those using and working in social care. 

Unlike other research training programmes that are designed for health and clinical professionals, REAL is specifically tailored to the social care workforce. 

It is believed to be the only course of its kind in the UK offering hands-on research experience through a step-by-step approach, with each participant working in partnership with an academic from the University. 

This model will enable social care staff to lead meaningful, real-world research projects—something not offered by other training courses.  

In a significant endorsement of the programme’s importance, Professor Cathy Bowen, Deputy Director of NIHR ARC Wessex, attended the course’s opening session to meet participants.  

Prof Bowen commented:

“It was fantastic to see the University of Winchester REAL course get underway. Seeing dedicated professionals from across Wessex begin their journey into applied health and social care research was incredibly inspiring.  

“This investment, made possible through ARC Wessex’s Social Care Research Capacity Funding, is already demonstrating its value in strengthening the social care sector. The commitment and expertise on display are promising significant improvements in the quality and effectiveness of social care services across the region. We are excited to see the positive impact this training will have.” 

Dr Rachel Harrison, Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care at the University of Winchester and lead for the REAL course, said:

“REAL is more than a course – it’s a movement to grow and embed research culture within adult social care settings. Having Professor Bowen join us speaks volumes about the national significance of what we’re building here at Winchester.” 

(Picture top: Dr Rachel Harrison, Senior Lecturer in Health and Social Care at the University of Winchester and lead for the REAL course (centre left) with Professor Cathy Bowen, Deputy Director of NIHR ARC Wessex to her right. Pictured are some of the first cohort to take the course.)

Link to University of Winchester news