Birmingham City University (BCU) has formed a strategic alliance with the National Association of Link Workers (NALW) to explore the development of social prescribing and personalised care through targeted educational programs and collaborative research initiatives. This partnership aims to develop professionalism standards for social prescribers, generate research to inform policy and improve care delivery, and promote continuous professional development aligned with current research and NALW standards.
Objectives
The primary objectives of this partnership are:
- Educational Development: To explore the potential development of Postgraduate Certificate modules that elevate professional standards.
- Research Integration: To investigate how BCU and NALW can collaborate on actionable research projects to influence policy and practice.
- Continuous Learning: To consider approaches that foster an environment of ongoing learning and adherence to best practices.
Rationale for Partnership
This partnership intends to address several key areas:
- Education and Training Gaps: By exploring targeted programs to address current training and development gaps.
- Evidence-Based Practice: By integrating research into daily practice, aiming to create a beneficial feedback loop.
- Capacity Building for Personalized Care: By developing the necessary skills and resources to deliver person-centered care.
Key Principles Guiding the Partnership
The partnership is guided by the following principles:
- Collaboration and Co-creation: Utilizing the unique strengths of both BCU and NALW to explore joint development opportunities.
- Evidence-Based: Ensuring that all educational content and research activities are informed by the latest scientific research.
- Accessibility and Relevance: Aiming to ensure that programs are accessible to all social prescribers and relevant to their needs.
- Continuous Evaluation: Exploring ongoing assessments to refine programs and respond to emerging needs.
- Sustainability: Investigating ways to develop educational and research initiatives with long-term impact.
This strategic alliance between BCU and NALW is set to pioneer advancements in social prescribing, fostering an ecosystem of continuous improvement and professional excellence.
Please click on this form to register your interest and contact Thomas Lawrence at thomas.lawrence2@bcu.ac.uk for more details.