Tom Slater, our new Interim Assistant Director for Research and Knowledge mobilisation, reflects on one of our latest research roadshows.
After two highly successful and well-attended events on Transitional Safeguarding in the spring, we committed to expanding the series with four additional events across Wales. On Thursday 9 October, we were delighted to host the third event in this six-part research roadshow series.
The day was rich with insight, powerful reflections on lived experience, and lively discussion - and it’s safe to say it left everyone feeling inspired and energised.
“It has helped challenge some of my thinking around transition. It has given me new ideas.”
“We need to carry on the conversation.”
– participant feedback.
We then heard from Dr. Nina Maxwell, Principal Research Fellow at Cardiff University, and Finn Maddell, Service Manager for Safeguarding at Newport City Council. They introduced their work on developing an evidence model for Transitional Safeguarding. It was fascinating to see how evidence and theory can be used to shape real-world practice - and how understanding what works (and why) can help us do better for young people.
Lisa Curtis Jones, Chair of the Cwm Taf Regional Safeguarding Board, closed the day remarking on the insightful presentations and key messages, which will help inform ongoing work with young people and young adults.
One of the most exciting aspects of the day was the strong engagement from across different teams and organisations. From social workers to health professionals, educators to researchers, the room was filled with ideas and shared purpose. It was a brilliant reminder that safeguarding is a collective effort - and that we’re stronger when we work together.
We were also thrilled to see strong support from the Cwm Taf Regional Safeguarding Board, whose commitment to Transitional Safeguarding is helping to drive change across the region. Their buy-in is a big step forward and shows what’s possible when leadership and frontline practice align.
All in all, the research roadshow was a fantastic opportunity to learn, connect, and reflect. It reminded us that Transitional Safeguarding isn’t just a concept - it has a lived reality that requires us to constantly reflect and adapt.
“Thought provoking. Interested to explore further. Pleased that this topic is being prioritised.”
“Reinforced message of relationships within our work.”
– participant feedback.
Huge thanks to Holly, Emma, and Sarah for all the hard work behind the scenes that made the event run so smoothly, and to Rachel Scourfield our Head of Knowledge Mobilisation, who set the scene beautifully at the start of the day. Thanks also to our excellent videographer, Aled Wride, who has produced a brilliant video from the session, which we’ll post on the Insight Collective in the near future.
You can read more about the topic of Transitional Safeguarding here: Our spring series of research roadshows: exploring Transitional Safeguarding.
If you’d like to learn more about our knowledge mobilisation team visit: Apply knowledge to practice.
Interim Assistant Director
insightcollective@socialcare.walesMy background is in social work education and research, with interests in mental health, learning design, and evidence-informed practice. I’ve really enjoyed learning from practitioners and people who access social care - it's a privilege to be in a role where I can learn so much from others.