We are a community of researchers and practitioners working in and around Integrated Care Systems (ICSs). ICSs are intended as the new architecture for health and social care in England. They are designed to foster collaboration between the many organisations involved in the sector within a given geography, while addressing the major challenges which those local systems face. Given the scale of this challenge, research to support ICSs in their work is vital.
By bringing researchers and practitioners together, we hope to pool our knowledge and shape better research targeted on what practitioners need to know.
The story so far
In November 2023, we held a first research-practice dialogue. What we imagined would be a modest discussion among twenty or thirty interested parties became a fully-booked workshop with sixty participants. Such was the enthusiasm that we immediately agreed to try to continue our discussion. Now, we are working to create a sustainable network to continue to benefit from one another’s insights. This will include events where we can learn from one another and from experts in the field; and a newsletter that helps us share key developments.
Next steps
We are still discussing how this network will work. If you are interested in ICSs and related research, we would love to have you be part of this journey. Sign up using the form to the right of this page and we will keep you up to date with key developments and upcoming events.
Doctoral Scholarship
Meanwhile, our early work together has already helped us to win money from King’s Business School to fund a doctoral studentship focused on ICSs. This is an important first step in engaging with some of the key problems our early discussions have identified. For more details on this exciting development, see below.
Our people
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Lecturer in Management and Organisation
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Senior Lecturer in Health Policy
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Senior Lecturer in Public Policy & Management
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Professor in Public Services Management & Organisation
Opportunity: PhD Studentship on ICSs
We have been awarded funding from King’s Business School for a fully-funded PhD studentship focused on ICSs. Therefore, we are currently recruiting someone who would like to undertake a doctoral research project focused on how ICSs can best collaborate in the context of ongoing operational and financial pressures.
This would be an excellent opportunity to learn more about collaboration and governance; and to be at the forefront of developing useful knowledge for ICSs today. The studentship covers fees and a stipend of around £20k per annum and represents a great chance to address some of the questions identified as so important in our first meeting.
It could suit someone interested in an academic career, or someone who wished to continue a career in public service armed with a strong understanding of governance. If that describes you, or someone you know, please take a look at the full advert for the studentship.
Contact our team
Dr Claire Kennan, Research Impact Manager,
claire.1.kennan@kcl.ac.uk
Dr Sam van Elk, Lecturer in Management and Organization
sam.van_elk@kcl.ac.uk
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