Research for Social Services Award

Recognising a public authority, research institution, or collaborative partnership between research institutions and public administrations that has significantly contributed to advancing knowledge, policy, and practice in social services through research and evidence-based work. This award highlights initiatives where data-driven insights, academic research, or applied studies have led to meaningful improvements in service delivery, social policy, and outcomes for vulnerable populations. Special consideration is given to projects that foster cross-sector collaboration between public authorities and research institutions, ensuring that findings translate into real-world impact and sustainable policy change.

Examples of key areas of research in social services:

• Evidence-Based Policy Development – Conducting research that informs social care policies, workforce strategies, and funding models, ensuring that decisions are rooted in robust data and best practices.
• Innovations in Social Service Delivery – Using research to test, evaluate, and scale new models of social services and social care and support.
• Data-Driven Insights for Social Inclusion – Leveraging quantitative and qualitative research to improve access to services for vulnerable populations.
• Impact Assessment and Service Evaluation – Developing frameworks to measure the effectiveness and sustainability of social services programmes.
• Cross-Border and Comparative Research – European and international collaboration projects that compare policies and practices across European regions, fostering shared learning.

Special consideration is given to initiatives that:

• Conducted research informing social care policies, workforce strategies, and funding models 
• Promoted Social Services Innovation Research using research to test, evaluate, and scale new models of social services and social care and support.
• Leveraged quantitative and qualitative research to improve access to services for vulnerable populations.
• Assessed impact and evaluated services – Developing frameworks to measure the effectiveness and sustainability of social services programmes.
• Promoted cross-border and comparative research – European fostering and scalable proposals across Europe