The Iriss has three programmes through which it delivers its work: evidence-informed practice, innovation and improvement, and knowledge media. Iriss wished to conduct research to examine attitudes, approaches, use and barriers to innovation and improvement and evidence-informed practice in the sector which could be used as a baseline for future research to track and monitor attitudinal change. The objectives of the research were to:
- Provide a baseline for two workstreams (innovation and improvement and evidence-informed practice) to understand attitudes and approaches to innovation and improvement and evidence-informed practice
- Provide a baseline for future research to understand attitudinal trends over the forthcoming three years
- Provide a detailed understanding of the current status of the social services sector in Scotland in the use of evidence-informed practice, innovative practices and making improvements to services
- Provide insights into barriers that stop individuals from innovating and improving services
- Highlight areas where Iriss programmes could influence or make an impact.