Our Affiliations
The Social Policy Research Unit (SPRU) is an independent research unit within the Department of Social Policy and Social Work at the University of York.
SPRU is a founder member of a research facility at York University, the Alcuin Research Resource Centre. It is a multidisciplinary collaborative support infrastructure for researchers involved in health and social sciences research within the University. The infrastructure is formed partly from existing support services, and partly from new services and facilities. The Alcuin Research Resource Centre (ARRC) has been made possible by funding from The Wellcome Trust/ESRC Joint Infrastructure Fund. ARRC is situated in a new, purpose-built centre, which provides the latest equipment and expertise in five broad service areas:
- Information, collection, access and management
- Data collection
- Data management
- Data analysis
- Dissemination of research findings
We are also active in the organisation of the ARRC Qualitative Research Network which aims to promote the development and utlization of best practice in qualitative social research within the University of York.
SPRU is one of the founding members of the national School for Social Care Research. The School's mission is to develop the evidence base for adult social care practice in England by commissioning and conducting world-class research. It is funded by the National Institute for Health Research. Professor Glendinning is an Executive Director of SSCR and works alongside leaders from five other research units to create an imaginative and pioneering research programme. This research aims to help improve the lives of adults who use social care, their families and carers.
SPRU is a co-operating site of The International Institute for Qualitative Methodology, which has an international site at the University of Alberta. By establishing a network of cooperating sites around the globe, the institute's goal is to expand the knowledge base of qualitative research methods, through a heightened awareness of the diverse research taking place in various institutions.
SPRU is affiliated to Eurocarers: European Organisation on Informal Care which is a new initiative to exchange ideas and promote awareness of carer issues in the EU. At EU level, the new organisation will aim to influence existing policy networks relating to employment, social exclusion and poverty, and healthcare.
SPRU research is funded by various public bodies, including central government, research councils, charitable trusts and foundations.
