Relational possibilities: a social work innovation programme

What is the programme?

What does it take to keep relationships at the centre of social work when the conditions often make that harder, not easier? That’s the question this 18-month programme invites social work teams across Scotland to explore.

The programme creates protected space for teams to explore the relational challenges they face and develop responses that make sense in their own context. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, each team will identify its own focus within a shared frame of ‘relational practice in an un-relational system’, with anti-oppressive practice woven throughout.

Funded through resources made available following the conclusion of Learning Network West, this programme reflects Iriss’s commitment to investing directly in social work teams to lead change from within their own practice and local contexts.

What do we mean by a social work team?

You might not call yourselves a social work team, but if social workers are part of your team, this programme is for you. We’re interested in teams where social work happens in different places and through different relationships, not only in statutory services. Additionally, we see community-embedded knowledge, and lived and living experience, as equally valuable forms of expertise.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for teams who:

• Are experiencing, or want to explore, a relational challenge, tension or opportunity in their work.
• Want to strengthen relational and anti-oppressive practice.
• Can demonstrate why this matters for the people, families or communities they work alongside.
• Are open to learning, reflection and trying new approaches.
• Have the support and capacity to participate throughout the programme.

We’re especially keen to hear from:

• Teams in rural, island and remote communities.
• Teams from the West of Scotland.
• Teams in third sector and partnership settings.
• Teams working with or from racialised, marginalised or minoritised communities.
• Teams new to Iriss.

We’re aiming to create a diverse cohort of up to six teams that reflects the breadth of social work practice across Scotland. If all applications come through our usual networks, we’ll know we haven’t reached widely enough.

What will taking part involve?

Over 18 months, your team will work on an area of practice that matters to you, with support from Iriss and peers across Scotland.

The programme includes:

• Protected time to think, reflect and develop ideas.
• Workshops and peer learning sessions.
• Tailored evidence, research and coaching support.
• Opportunities to test ideas in practice.
• Support to capture learning and influence wider conversations.

Approximate time commitment:

1 day/month – Protected team project time
2–3 hours/month – Iriss-led workshops and peer sessions
2–4 hours/month – Testing, reflection and engagement activities

The exact shape of participation will be agreed with each team.