Life in a lanyard: developing an ethics of embedded research methods in children’s social care

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to consider the opportunities for embedded methodologies for research into children’s social care and the ethics of this method. Design/methodology/approach This study draws upon embedded research from a two-year study into developing children’s social work approaches to extra-familial risk. Findings draw upon personal reflections from field notes, case reviews, practice observations and reflections. Findings Two findings are presented. Firstly, that embedded research provides numerous opportunities to develop child protection systems and practice. Secondly, a number of ethical questions and challenges of the methodology are presented. Research limitations/implications This paper draws upon personal reflections from one study and is not intended to be representative of all approaches to embedded research methods. Practical implications Two practical recommendations are presented. Firstly, this paper outlines a number of recommendations to university researchers and host organisations on the facilitative attributes for embedded researchers. Secondly, questions are raised to support university ethics boards to assist ethical frameworks for embedded research. Originality/value This paper contributes original empirical data to the limited literature on embedded research in children’s services.