The evaluation was led by Professor Robin Miller at the University of Birmingham, who said: “We’re delighted to see our work recognised on a European stage. The collaboration demonstrates the importance of researchers and practice organisations working together, and I am delighted on behalf of our multi-university team and our contributors with lived experience of social care. This award goes to everyone involved.”
The research project was co-designed with NDTi’s Community Led Support team, participating local authorities, and people with lived experience of social care. It focussed on culture change, distributive leadership, co-production and the overall impacts of CLS.
Jenny Pitts, Community Led Support programme lead at NDTi, said: “It was a pleasure to work with the team at NIHR to really understand the impact the programme is having. Over the past 10 years we’ve had the immense privilege of working alongside 35 local authorities to support them in transforming how they deliver adult social care.
“This research verifies a picture of the positive impact we have seen across the local areas we have worked with. It’s a long-term, system-wide, strengths-based and collaborative way of working that demonstrates what’s possible when you work differently with communities and put people at the heart of the approach.”
NDTi was also shortlisted for a service delivery award for Small Supports. The programme was recognised for its work to support communities to set up small, local organisations to enable people to live a life they choose, at home rather than in long stay inpatient settings. Recent research indicates that Small Supports organisations not only offer improved support but also represent a significant investment in the local economy and benefit local health and care budgets.