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We're seeking a talented Service Designer

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wed, 16 Mar 2016 10:15:22 +0000

Iriss is seeking a Service Designer for its Pilotlight programme to support the continued development and delivery of self-directed support (SDS) in Scotland. 

Pilotlight works with co-design teams of people to design pathways to self-directed support.  Now in its fourth year, the Pilotlight programme uses a design approach to demonstrate how to design support for seldom heard groups, provide more personalised and appropriate services and increase the marketplace of support providers.

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The Vision and Strategy for Social Services: progress report

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wed, 23 Mar 2016 16:10:06 +0000

Social Services in Scotland: a shared vision and strategy for 2015-2020 was launched on World Social Work Day in March 2015 by the Social Work Services Strategic Forum.

A progress report summarising the range of work which is underway to implement the strategy has now been published. While this is a five year strategy, it is clear that even at this early stage real progress is being made collectively by all parts of the sector.  

Aileen Campbell, Minister for Children and Young People, who chairs the Strategic Forum, said:

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Pilotlight Evaluation - Invite to Tender

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wed, 23 Mar 2016 17:14:48 +0000

Iriss is seeking to commission an independent Evaluator for its Pilotlight programme to support the continued development and delivery of self-directed support (SDS) in Scotland. 

Pilotlight works with co-design teams of people to design pathways to self-directed support.  Now in its fourth year, the Pilotlight programme uses a design approach to demonstrate how to design support for seldom heard groups, provide more personalised and appropriate services and increase the marketplace of support providers.

read more


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Iriss and the Care Inspectorate explore risk and innovation

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Mon, 04 Apr 2016 13:23:15 +0000

In 2015, Iriss launched a joint project with the Care Inspectorate to explore strategic innovation, resilience and risk in the context of the Care Inspectorate’s mandate of scrutiny and improvement.

The project has comprised of an internal staff survey with 108 responses, two workshops with 18 staff members, and has sought to engage the wider Care Inspectorate workforce through the findings. 

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The story of Relationships Matter

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wed, 20 Apr 2016 07:29:25 +0000

Today, we've published the story of the Relationships Matter project. The two-year project was facilitated by Iriss and led by the Relationships Matter Collective, a group of inspirational practitioners and young people who were brave enough to challenge, and confident enough to promote, continued relationships between practitioners and young people as they leave care.

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Change the frame: journeys out of homelessness

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Fri, 29 Apr 2016 09:04:03 +0000

The resources from Change the frame, a two-year project led by Iriss in collaboration with a range of partners to explore homelessness in Scotland, have been published today.

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Interim Director appointed

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wed, 04 May 2016 16:03:40 +0000

Bob Parry, previously Associate Director at NHS Education for Scotland (NES), has taken up the post of interim Director at Iriss following Jackie McKenzie's departure in March 2016. Bob has held a number of senior positions latterly in the NHS in supporting workforce development and education, and leading work in supporting the integration of health and social care and in academia as Dean, Faculty of Health and Social at University of Hull. 

Bob took up post on 2 May 2016 and will be with us as plans for the recruitment of a new Iriss Director get underway. 


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Peer support roles in mental health services

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wed, 18 May 2016 12:12:40 +0000

We've published Insight 31 - Peer support roles in mental health services - which was written by Louise Christie, Network Manager (Policy and Development) at Scottish Recovery Network. 

The print version has been newly designed to reflect our new brand and colours. I think you'll agree that it looks rather lovely. Print copies are available on request. 

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A snapshot of our work for 2015-16

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Thu, 09 Jun 2016 13:36:47 +0000

We've published an annual activity review for 2015-16, which will give you a snapshot of all of our work for the year.

Introduced by Peter MacLeod, Iriss Chair, it includes a summary of our project work, lessons learned from it and what we aspire to going forward. 


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It's SDS Awareness Week! Read the latest on Pilotlight

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Mon, 13 Jun 2016 11:38:51 +0000

It's SDS Awareness Week (#SDSBlether) so we want you to know the latest about our Pilotlight project. 

Pilotlight is working with co-design teams of people who use and deliver services across Scotland to design pathways to self-directed support. 

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  • Self-directed support
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Write an Iriss Insight!

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Mon, 27 Jun 2016 11:45:00 +0000

15th July is the closing date for the submission of any ideas you have for writing an Insight.

Provide a brief sketch of your idea by the closing date. We will provide a response to all ideas and commission those we want to take forward by the end of August 2016.

Here’s a quick reminder of what we are looking for in an Insight….

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Ministerial visit to Iriss

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Thu, 28 Jul 2016 13:36:34 +0000

On 20th July, Mark McDonald, the Minister for Childcare and Early Years paid us a visit at our offices in Glasgow.

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iamsocialwork SUPER:vision Tour Glasgow

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Fri, 19 Aug 2016 09:26:12 +0000

iamsocialwork, is a concept that was created by Zoë Betts in 2012, as a newly qualified social worker. It started out as a small, local event in London and has grown into a series of UK-wide events, which offer opportunities for student, recently qualified and qualified social workers to come together to strengthen professional links, peer networks and practice.

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Learn about co-design tools

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Fri, 26 Aug 2016 15:24:18 +0000

We would like to invite you to a free event on Monday, 3rd October to learn about co-design, and tools that can support it. We’ve run two recent co-design projects - one with older people and practitioners who worked together to improve the pathway from hospital to home; and the other with people who access (or may in the future access) self-directed support (SDS), and practitioners from the Pilotlight project.

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Join Iriss as a Project Manager

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Fri, 26 Aug 2016 16:37:36 +0000

We're looking for a talented Project Manager with excellent facilitation and design skills to join the Iriss team.

For more information about the specific role, please visit the Vacancies page. 


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Staf to manage Relationships Matter website

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wed, 31 Aug 2016 14:25:09 +0000

Relationships Matter was a project led by the Relationships Matter Collective, a group of inspirational practitioners and young people who were brave enough to challenge, and confident enough to promote, continued relationships between practitioners and young people as they leave care.

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  • looked after children
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Understanding, celebrating, sharing. Be part of it!

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Fri, 09 Sep 2016 09:34:56 +0000

Iriss is working to raise the profile of the social services workforce by sharing practitioner experiences of working in care and support. We know that often, research about the social services workforce fails to reach those who work most closely with those supported by services, so we need your help to make sure that your voice is heard.

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Can SDS support recovery from substance misuse?

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Thu, 15 Sep 2016 09:08:50 +0000

Pilotlight says 'Yes!'.

Using a design approach, Pilotlight aims to demonstrate how to design support for seldom heard groups, provide more personalised and appropriate services and increase the marketplace of support providers.

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We're seeking Iriss Associates

By www.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Mon, 19 Sep 2016 13:48:09 +0000

We wish to build up a bank of expertise and skills that we can call on to support our work in evidence-informed practice, innovation and improvement, and knowledge media. We would love to hear from you whether you’re interested in a short, one-off piece of work, or joining us for the longer term. 

At present, we’re particularly interested in hearing from:

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I Tried the Viral DIY Pool Noodle Decor Hack, and It Couldn't Be Easier

By www.apartmenttherapy.com
Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 08:15:00 -0500

I’m definitely going to do this again! READ MORE...


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The Brilliant Cleaning Hack I Use Every Time I Have a Party

By www.apartmenttherapy.com
Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 08:30:00 -0500

It makes hosting less stressful and more joyful. READ MORE...


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This 215-Square-Foot Houseboat Is So Cozy and Cute Inside (I Want to Move In)

By www.apartmenttherapy.com
Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Manon found this tiny boat on Dutch eBay. “I figured it's better than renting an expensive apartment, and it would be a great adventure!” READ MORE...


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I Asked Designers What They Really Think About Subway Tile, and They Said the Same Thing

By www.apartmenttherapy.com
Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:30:00 -0500

Change is definitely on the horizon. READ MORE...


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If You Spot This $5 Italian Find at Trader Joe's, Grab 2 (It's "So Delicious!")

By www.apartmenttherapy.com
Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 15:30:00 -0500

You can add this cheese to pasta, pizza, or charcuterie boards. READ MORE...


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If You Find These “Beautiful” $1 Mason Jars at Dollar Tree, Grab 6

By www.apartmenttherapy.com
Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:30:00 -0500

They’re “so pretty,” one shopper wrote. READ MORE...


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The Best Black Friday and Cyber Monday Mattress Deals to Shop Right Now

By www.apartmenttherapy.com
Published On :: Tue, 12 Nov 2024 16:45:00 -0500

There’s no better time to upgrade your sleep setup than Black Friday and Cyber Monday — two of the biggest sale events of the year. As usual, there are tons of great deals on top-rated mattresses, from trusted names like Tempur-Pedic and Mattress Firm to direct-to-consumer favorites like Purple and Naturepedic. We recommend taking advantage of all these sleep brands impressive sales, especially since a majority of them have already started. Yup, weeks ahead of schedule! READ MORE...


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Staying Home: Episode 5 by The Pioneer Woman

By thepioneerwoman.com
Published On :: Sat, 16 May 2020 13:22:40 +0000

There’s a new episode of “Staying Home” on today (Saturday morning!) It’s the fifth kid-shot episode, and three of my kids (plus my nephew) are behind the cameras!   When I say “cameras” I mean “iPhones!” It’s amazing what they can do these days.   I remember getting a Kodak Disk camera when I was […]


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Home Sweet Home! by The Pioneer Woman

By thepioneerwoman.com
Published On :: Thu, 28 May 2020 17:10:22 +0000

I hope you’ve all been doing well, staying safe, and (hopefully) getting back to some glimpse of normal. I know normal is a relative term, and I swear, I still have moments where I am hit with this strong “What just happened?!?” feeling regarding the past couple of months. What a time. I hope things […]


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  • Ree On TV
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Old age doesn’t come alone a case study on the impact of the ageing population on a Scottish local authority’s care at home service.

By lx.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 - 09:51

This research was undertaken by Stuart Fordyce as part of an MSc in Integrated Service Improvement (Health and Social Care) at the University of Edinburgh. It considers the impact of a rapidly ageing population on a Scottish local authority and its attempt to shift the focus to a more contemporary service provision. The aim is to explore what factors are inhibiting the effectiveness of enablement. Using a case study approach the research explored whether: (i) enablement is wholly effective in addressing the increase in current service demands; (ii) the approach adopted by the local authority is undermined as services are now over extended and are attempting to address competing objectives, and; (iii) the paradigmatic change across the sector in the future will materialise if organisations cannot create the capacity and infrastructure to enable change to occur


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Older people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds Accessing health and social care services in south GLasgow

By lx.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 - 11:54

The Advocacy Project works with older people and other groups across Glasgow and Lanarkshire to ensure their voice is heard, their needs met and their legal rights safeguarded. The organisation identified a low take up of their own service by older people from BME communities, which was generally held to reflect the wider picture in Glasgow in relation to health and social work services. This report was commissioned by them to examine barriers to access to services specifically for older people from BME communities in Glasgow South, where there is a high concentration of people from BME communities.


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Young people creating belonging

By lx.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 - 12:00

The Sight and Sound Project used creative sensory methods to explore how young people who are looked after feel that they belong, or do not belong, in the places that they live. In this project the concept of belonging, which is often used in relation to faith or ethnic groups is applied to home spaces. Research suggests that ‘sensory experience can provide a strong sense of belonging’ and that sounds, textures and what people see in the places they live are important in terms of making a person feel “at home’. This briefing focuses primarily on the relationship between the senses (visual, audial and touch) and participants’ feelings of belonging (or not) while looked after and leaving care. It also outlines other key issues raised by the young people, including their relationships with various agencies, notably the police as well as further detail on the creative and sensory methods employed.


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Exploring family carer involvement in forensic mental health services

By lx.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 - 12:07

While there is a growing body of research about carers’ experiences generally, the needs and experience of those who support individuals in forensic (secure) mental health services (forensic carers) have been neglected Support in Mind Scotland (SiMS) and the Forensic Network commissioned this study from the University of Central Lancashire to examine what they identified as ‘significant gaps and inconsistencies’, focusing in particular on the views and experiences of forensic carers.


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Home not Housing. Engaging with wellbeing outcomes

By lx.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 - 12:14

Home not Housing was one of five Scottish Universities Insight Institute programmes on Wellbeing. A set of ideas workshops explored the concept of ‘home’ from the perspectives of various academic disciplines – housing, planning, social work, healthcare – in order to develop a common vocabulary that will better inform policies relating to house-building, home-working, home-care and general place liveability. This blog records the discussions and findings of the workshops.


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Lives sentenced. Experiences of repeated punishment

By lx.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 - 12:19

Little is known about the effects of repeated imprisonment. Very few research studies have examined how those who are punished by the criminal justice system experience and interpret their sentences. Research that does exist, like my PhD, has largely focused on one single sentence. But people who have served many sentences (in other words, who have long punishment careers), are likely not to experience criminal punishments in isolation, but in the context of their wider lives and previous sentences. The aim of the Lives Sentenced project is to address this gap in the knowledge base by examining the life stories of 35 people with long punishment careers


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Planning in child protection

By lx.iriss.org.uk
Published On :: Wednesday, August 12, 2015 - 12:23

This project aims to identify factors which contribute to effective, child focussed, SMART plans for children by getting the views of social workers who work in child protection and those who chair child protection case conferences. It will consider ways of working in a more inclusive, collaborative way with children and their families, as well as ways to work more effectively in partnership with other agencies. It will also consider whether the Signs of Safety approach to child protection has a role to play in making plans more effective. The project is an IRISS project in partnership with East Lothian Council and is supported by WithScotland and Social Work Scotland. It is anticipated that the final report will assist with further development of positive outcomes for children and young people across Scotland.


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