Examining workforce planning in older people social work: Evidencing the impact of social worker burnout, intention to leave, and leaving from the perspective of service user experiences and cost to employers

Summary

This PhD research will be embedded within a wider research team, with experienced academics who are from cross-disciplinary professions, including social work, nursing and psychology. McFadden has led the research team since the start of HSCWR-I & II projects 2020-24.

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The main aim of this PhD research study is to examine the implications of turnover and retention issues in older people social work from a service recipient and workforce planning perspective (examining the moral and fiscal costs of social worker turnover in older people services).  The research connects to staffing levels in older people social work in Northern Ireland, and concerns about excessive workloads, waiting lists and social workers leaving or intending to leave (McFadden et al 2024; MacLochlainn et al 2024).

The PhD researcher will undertake a literature review on how vacancies and turnover impacts on service recipients experiences of services and will include available literature on the factors associated with turnover, as well as the implications of older people workforce turnover, including the moral and fiscal impact of workforce instability.

The research will also involve leading on analysis of the workforce and workload for social workers, data mining from existing HSC Workforce research data. The research will crucially involve gaining service recipient perspectives on challenging issues around social work vacancies and turnover and use of waiting lists. Impact on service recipients, in relation to these areas, is an under-researched aspect of social work workforce analysis.

This PhD study will involve input from service recipients, front line workers, managers, senior managers, executive directors of social work, regulators and professional bodies, to provide holistic analysis of the issues and recommendations to improve workforce sustainability in older people services.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years* (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period (individual project advertisements will note where part time options apply).

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.