The value of dialogue
Recent workshops on evidence-based practice have provided a valuable starting point for discussion of issues facing social work professionals. The challenge now is to maintain and develop the dialogue, says workshop co-organiser Christa Fouche.
The second of two SPEaR Linkages-funded workshops on building bridges between research and practice was held at Massey University’s Albany campus in June. It was informed by discussions at the first workshop (see “Starting a dialogue on evidence-based practice”, Bulletin, July 2004), where participants identified the importance of discussion to address the needs of grass-roots practitioners, as well as taking a more strategic focus in terms of organisations, agencies, and fields of practice.
Speakers at the second workshop included Dr Barbara Disley, General Manager of Special Education at the Ministry of Education; Glenda Light, social work practitioner at the Taylor Centre; Phil Harrington, senior lecturer in sociology at the Auckland College of Education; and Nick Tuitasi, senior constable in the NZ Police.
The day also included small group discussion, which included looking at ways to continue the dialogue beyond the workshops.
“The two workshops brought together a range of practitioners and managers from across the social services. The workshops generated rich discussion and identified possibilities of evidence-based activity, as well as barriers to its development. Those attending the workshops suggested the days were enjoyable and a valuable starting-place, and they felt it was vital to continue discussions around evidence-based activity,” Christa said.
Those at the workshop have decided to develop an electronic newsletter to help maintain the momentum. “We hope to have at least three newsletters during the next 12 months, with the first circulated this month,” Christa said.
For more information on the workshops, go to mailto:www.spear.govt.nz or email C.B.Fouche@massey.ac.nz
