The project will be undertaken by the University’s Evaluation and Policy Analysis (EPA) Unit in collaboration with Liverpool Hope University and will explore practice-based learning in social work education across England.
The research aims to identify what makes high-quality placements and how future social workers can be better supported during their training.
The study will gather views and experiences from social work students, newly qualified social workers, academics, practice educators, placement providers and employers across the sector. Their insights will help build a clear understanding of what works well in practice-based learning and where improvements can be made.
Dr Julie Feather, Senior Research Fellow at Edge Hill University, speaking on behalf of the research team said:
“We’re delighted to have been selected by Social Work England to undertake this important research. Practice placements are such a crucial part of social work education and we’re particularly excited to hear directly from students, educators and those working across the sector about their experiences and what could make practice-based learning even stronger.
“The end goal is to provide Social Work England with robust evidence to inform its future approach to practice-based learning. By understanding what makes a high-quality placement, the value of different placement experiences and the challenges affecting placement availability, the research can help inform how practice-based learning is supported and regulated in the future.”
The project is being led by Dr Feather alongside Dr Jade Thomson and Dr Oliver Hamer from Edge Hill University’s EPA Unit, in partnership with Associate Professor Dan Allen from Liverpool Hope University.
Over the course of the project, the team will explore key topical areas including perceptions of statutory and non-statutory placements, the factors that contribute to high-quality placement experiences, and the factors affecting placement capacity and the availability of suitable placements across England.
The findings will provide Social Work England with independent evidence to strengthen its understanding of practice-based learning and the factors that influence both placement quality, capacity and sufficiency.
The contract builds on the EPA Unit’s growing expertise in applied social work and social care research, helping inform policy, professional practice and regulation across the sector.
The research is currently underway and is due to conclude in March 2027.
Find out more about studying Social Work at Edge Hill University.
October 20, 2026
