Ugrás a tartalomra

Social innovation is about finding new solutions to social problems. New methodologies like evidence-based practice have been key in the development of innovative initiatives in social services. These initiatives are crucial for responding to growing demand for social care due to an ageing population, and for ensuring that social services maximise quality of life for people experiencing care.

Our work with members

We have also placed a significant amount of attention on evidence-based practice. We have been working with our members since 2012 to explore how they understand evidence-based practice and outlining methods that social services can follow for promoting it. This work culminated in our publication Evidence-based social services: Toolkit for planning & evaluating social services’.

Our contribution to the European level

The importance of social innovation is being increasingly recognised at international level. The European Commission’s 2013 Social Investment Package (SIP) outlined the need to modernise social welfare systems, and that social policies and services should be tested to identify the most effective.

Meanwhile at local level, directors of social services want to see evidence that their investments are effective and efficient, especially when they face pressures of budgetary constraint and increasing demand for services.

We bring our members together to share and discuss new trends in social innovation, providing practical guidance for social services to exploit the potential of new technology and develop evidence-based practice. By promoting the capacity of social services at local level to innovate, we contribute to the European level objectives set out in the SIP from the bottom-up.

ESN Resources

External Resources