The Research Excellence Framework (REF): Assessing the Impact of Social Work Research on Society

Abstract

This paper reviews one aspect, impact, of the forthcoming assessment of research in UK universities, the Research Excellence Framework (REF), and examines its meaning and potential for enhanced partnerships between social work practice and academia in the context of the current economic crisis. Examples of case studies being developed to show how research has societal impact are described and some of the complexities of what, on the surface appears to echo social work's desire to make a positive difference to the lives of people in society, are drawn out. The importance of the REF for the integration of social work practice and academia has been rehearsed many times. This paper argues that making an impact is everybody's concern and practitioners and those who use social work services and their carers have a role to play in its creation and identification. © 2012 Copyright Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.