On Monday 9th June 2025, the serene surroundings of Buckfast Abbey provided the perfect backdrop for a day of reflection, celebration, and inspiration for PenARCs Older Adult Social Care Research Capacity Building Interns.
The Internships were funded as part of an NIHR funded, National ARC, two-year initiative (2024–2026) aiming to develop research capacity in social care. The PenARC programme focuses on building research capacity in care homes and supported living settings across Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset. Over the past nine months, the Internship Programme provided six social care professionals, working in care homes and related settings, with the opportunity to have a period of protected time, funding, and academic mentorship, to develop their research skills and knowledge to inform their everyday practice.
Projects included the use of weighted blankets, AI in podiatry, activities for dementia patients, and communication across services. Each intern brought unique insights and professional curiosity to projects that were of particular interest to them. The event was both a celebration of what they’d achieved and a launchpad for what comes next.
A Day to Reflect and Look Ahead
The day opened with an introduction from one of the programme leads, Professor Vicki Goodwin. Vicki reflected on the Interns’ progress within the wider context of the capacity building work and outlined exciting next steps, including a new Internship Plus extension and a Research Champion role for those keen to continue building research into their work.
Each intern then had the opportunity to present their own work along with personal reflections on the process – these included balancing professional duties, to navigating unfamiliar territory and the importance of peer support.
- Tammy, a registered care home manager, shared a poem that she had written and her reflections on using sensory objects to support people with advanced dementias. Her project drew on insights from a dementia and end-of-life care conference she attended as part of the programme.
- Vicky, also a care home manager, presented a poster on models of communication between care homes and health services. Vicky is continuing this work through Internship Plus, with a focus on hospital discharge processes.
- Katriina, a nurse supporting care home staff, explored how care workers recognise and respond to delirium. She’s now launching a “Curiosity Club” to trial practical tools and promote research in her new role as a Research Champion.
- Sarah, a community podiatrist, investigated the use of artificial intelligence in foot health for care home residents. Her work sparked discussion about staff training and support, and she plans to develop her ideas further through stakeholder engagement during her extended internship.
- Shaun, a mental health support worker, focused on sleep hygiene and the use of weighted blankets. He shared how he found venturing into research a steep learning curve but how the mentoring and peer support had helped him.
- James, working in adult social care commissioning, presented his use of agent-based simulation modelling to explore staffing needs – he likened this to The Sims computer game, a comparison that resonated with many. James will continue his project by modelling care provision for personal assistants in rural areas.
Sharing Insights, Shaping the Future
George Coxon, an Adult Social Care Advisor and former care home owner who is supporting the research capacity building work, reflected on how quality in care settings can be measured and defined. Drawing from his own experiences bridging practice and research, George sparked lively discussion on care culture, the role of joy and playfulness in care homes, and how we recognise everyday excellence.
The day concluded with a certificate presentation by Vicki, and heartfelt thanks to mentors, administrators, and supporters – this was followed by a celebratory lunch featuring an impressive spread of desserts, worthy of special mention!
Looking Back, Moving Forward
While the day celebrated achievements, it also signalled new beginnings. Four interns – Vicky, Sarah, Shaun, and James – will continue their research through the Internship Plus extension. Tammy and Katriina will take on the role of Research Champions, supporting research engagement in their own settings.
“I’m just starting to scratch the surface. I need to scratch a bit more!”
(Intern on the Internship Plus programme)
The event also offered valuable feedback on the programme. Interns appreciated the flexibility, the blend of online and in-person contact, the support from PenARC mentors and their employers, and the chance to connect across diverse roles. Suggestions for future improvements included clearer timetables, more structured outputs, and ongoing peer support – possibly through a messaging group or regular meetups.
A Community of Curious Professionals
What stood out most throughout the day was the energy, commitment, and diversity of the intern cohort. Representing roles from managers and nurses to podiatrists and commissioners, they all shared a passion for improving care through research.
“It’s all about inspiring minds.”
(Intern)
At PenARC, we are proud to support this growing community of professionals who bring curiosity, compassion, and courage to their work. They now have new tools and the confidence to ask questions, explore evidence, and lead positive change.
We can’t wait to see where their research journeys take them next.