About the Social Policy Research Network

The Social Policy Research Network (SPRN) is designed to provide a way of connecting people from the Faculty of Education and Social Work with other academics from around the University and all those interested in social-policy development. It host seminars, coordinates research proposals and encourages the involvement of new and early-career researchers as well as research students, managers, policy analysts and practitioners.

Aims

The network aims to develop a theoretical, applied and interdisciplinary association of like-minded people that will:

• focus on further developing existing strengths and collaborative links
  
  
• enhance the reputation of the SPRN within the institutions and organisations of its members
  
  
• engage with contemporary state, national and international issues
  
  
• develop the capacity to operate as a reference point for informed submissions and comment on parliamentary and wider social debate
  
  
• adopt an inclusive approach to new and early-career researchers, research students and all those starting out in the policy and practice arena.
  
  

Main research areas

• community development and participation
  
  
• domestic and gender-related violence
  
  
• gender and social policy
  
  
• welfare states (national and international)
  
  
• mental health
  
  

Key roles and contacts