Being Open and Curious in Research: The Role of Practitioner Permeability

About this session
Practitioner permeability describes a way of working where we stay open, reflective, and willing to question our own assumptions. A permeable practitioner pays attention to themselves and others, shares their thinking openly, seeks feedback, is curious about alternatives, and is willing to learn and adapt.

This approach originally came from research about supervision in allied health, and is now being used more widely across health and care. In this session, we will explore how these same reflective behaviours can strengthen the research we plan and carry out, including the relationship between permeability and some key research concepts. There will also be opportunities to apply the concept of practitioner permeability to participants’ own research ideas.

This session will be led by Professor Deborah Harding, City St George’s University of London, who developed the concept of practitioner permeability through her PhD research. Deborah now leads national work on supervision in advanced practice through the NHS England Centre for Advancing Practice. During the session, we will:

• Introduce the concept of practitioner permeability.
• Explore how being open and reflective can shape the way we design and conduct research.
• Take part in interactive activities to apply the concept to your own research ideas or current projects. (Participants are encouraged to bring their own research ideas and current projects to explore in the session.)

This session is ideal for anyone involved in research, especially those who want to strengthen their skills by exploring the influence of taken-for-granted practices and assumptions on practice-based and practice-informed research.

Agenda

13:00 - 13:30 - Lunch, Introductions & Networking

• Arrive, connect with fellow attendees, and settle in.

13:30 - 14:25 - Introducing the Concept of Practitioner Permability: Origins, Features and Potential Application to Research

• Presentation from Deborah Harding
• Interactive opportunities for reflection and small-group discussions exploring staff and community permeability.

14:25 - 14:35 - Break

14:35 - 15:30 - Applying Practitioner Permeability to Participant Projects

• Small group work with facilitation to explore and share how the helpful behaviours and characteristics of practitioner permeability can be applied to participants' research, ideas, aspirations and current projects.

15:30 - 16:00 - Final Reflections & Networking

• Share final reflections, continue the conversations and build new connections.

Attendees will leave the session with:

• Improved understanding of how the potential for practitioner permeability influences and impacts research quality and community participation.
• Concrete strategies and frameworks to facilitate practitioner permeability in research
• New connections with peers and experts in health, social care, and the voluntary sector who are committed to collaborative, inclusive approaches.
  
  

About South West London Research Support Network

The South West London (SWL) Research Support Network, established by the NHS South West London Integrated Care System, is a collaborative initiative to empower local communities and voluntary organisations to conduct their own research.

Through a series of relaxed network meetings, members can engage in mutual learning opportunities with a diverse group of researchers and community members. This informal setting encourages open dialogue and the sharing of ideas, making it easier to change insights into various research methodologies and best practices.

In addition to exchanging knowledge with experienced community members and researchers, members will also have the chance to network with peers, which can lead to the formation of collaborative relationships and partnerships that leverage the strengths and expertise of all involved.

Find out more on the South West London Research Support Network page.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in Merton, Contests in Merton, Meetups in Merton.