My PhD placement at Social Care Wales

16 April 2025

PhD student Amber Browne reflects on her experience of a placement with the Administrative Data Research (ADR) Wales social care programme.

“Bridging academic research with policy-driven work is increasingly important in social care. This experience has reinforced for me just how essential research and data are in improving services.”

What it’s all about

The ADR Wales and Social Care Wales partnership promotes using linked data to shape social care policy and practice, by supporting decision making that’s based on real-world evidence.

I’ve been working alongside the Research, Data and Innovation team at Social Care Wales. They actively engage in discussions about how data from the SAIL Databank could be used to support projects and provide tailored guidance to stakeholders on the benefits and complexities of data sharing. The interview process was accessible and supportive, and their enthusiasm and support have made settling into my role much easier.

As part of my placement, I’ve worked on priority setting for social care research. This has involved engaging with stakeholders to encourage data sharing. It’s also meant exploring how best to communicate the value of linked data research through reports, discussions, and written materials. It’s been an insightful process, giving me a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector.

“What makes this placement particularly valuable is its flexibility. While supporting Social Care Wales’ projects, I’ve had the opportunity to align certain tasks with my PhD research. This has created a balance that has allowed me to apply my learning in real time.”

Developing new skills and knowledge

The placement has been a great opportunity to develop my knowledge and skills providing opportunities to:

understand the complex nature of data acquisition, linkage, and governance: In the past I mainly viewed data in terms of analysis. However, I now understand that the process of acquiring and linking data is just as crucial as how we interpret it. Data linkage plays a fundamental role in identifying gaps in service provision and addressing challenges such as fragmented care.
explore how effective communication and teamwork helps us overcome challenges related to data sharing and use: A PhD is largely a solitary journey. While you gain technical expertise and build a network, it doesn’t fully prepare you for working as part of a larger team. This placement has provided a crucial foundation for developing these skills and understanding the collaborative nature of research beyond academia.
apply knowledge of research methodologies to organisational needs: I was able to provide consultancy support to a team within Social Care Wales to help them select the most appropriate sampling strategy for data collection in a government report.
receive mentorship, guidance and support from colleagues to help me navigate the intricacies of social care research: Their insights and encouragement have strengthened my commitment to data-driven policy work and affirmed my enthusiasm for contributing to meaningful improvements in this field.
apply data linkage to my own PhD thesis: I’ve benefited from being surrounded by data and research experts. We’ve discussed SAIL and explored how data linkage could address gaps in palliative care within social care (my area of expertise).

“The PhD placement has broadened my perspective on the professional research process, particularly in acquiring and accessing data. I think the experience has made me a better researcher and I’ll take the lessons with me through my onward research journey.”

Looking ahead

Before joining Social Care Wales, I had a strong interest in data linkage and its potential to improve service provision. But my understanding of the practical challenges and collaborative efforts required to facilitate data-driven change was limited. I've learnt more about the complexities of administrative data research, the importance of multidisciplinary teamwork, and the real-world implications of research on social care policy.

This experience has given me the confidence to continue a career in social care research beyond my PhD. I’ve had the opportunity to engage with stakeholders, contribute to discussions on research priorities, and seen first hand how research informs decision-making. I now feel equipped with both the knowledge and the practical skills to navigate the research landscape more effectively.

Blog written by

Amber Browne

I'm a PhD student at Swansea University, funded by Health and Care Research Wales. My research focuses on palliative care for individuals with severe mental illness. It explores their knowledge needs and the barriers they face in the social care sector. My background in palliative care and bereavement led me to this field, where I aim to highlight the role of social care in end-of-life support.

Through my research, I developed a strong interest in data science and linkage to improve service understanding. The placement with Social Care Wales has reinforced my commitment to working in research beyond my PhD. I’m particularly interested in continuing to explore data linkage and how it can be used to improve social care outcomes. If the opportunity arises, I’d love to contribute to Social Care Wales’ work in the future!