David Shemmings appointed to advise Frontline on translating social work research into practice

Child protection expert working with fast-track provider on how new technologies can enhance social work teaching

Frontline has appointed child protection and attachment theory expert Professor David Shemmings to work on a project to develop new ways of translating social work research into practice.

Shemmings, professor of child protection research at the University of Kent, said the project would involve exploring how video-based scenarios and new technologies could be used in the transfer of social work knowledge. He has started working for the fast-track provider one day a month and will increase to two days from September.

Shemmings’ role at Frontline will be to offer advice on how the programme is designed and delivered, by observing teaching, talking to colleagues, and training, guiding and mentoring Frontline staff in implementing his recommendations.

Frontline has also announced Lancaster University as its new academic partner, beginning in 2020. Lancaster university, which replaces the University of Bedfordshire, will award the master’s degree that students who complete the full two-year programme receive and its academics will support the programme, which is delivered by Frontline’s own staff.

Since it started in 2013, Frontline has been supported by the University of Bedfordshire. It initially delivered the curriculum until Frontline took this in-house in 2017, which meant Bedfordshire’s role was reduced to providing accreditation, quality assurance, administration and welfare support.

As currently happens with Bedfordshire staff, Lancaster academics will deliver some teaching to students, but Frontline’s own staff will remain responsible for delivering the curriculum.

Community Care Inform Children users can benefit from Professor Shemmings’ expertise on applying attachment theory in social work. Find out more on our attachment knowledge and practice hub.

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4 Responses to David Shemmings appointed to advise Frontline on translating social work research into practice

  1. Karen July 2, 2019 at 7:08 pm #

    A number of years ago David Shemmings carried out some work with the LA I worked with. He was very knowledgeable and engaging, a joy to listen to. If you have the opportunity to listen to and meet him, so it.

    • Carline Benoit July 4, 2019 at 10:41 am #

      I had the opportunity to attend an intensive training course for independent social work consultants. A much needed opportunity to update on knowledge, skills and networking.
      Invaluable when you are an independent practitioner. Professor Shemmings has been using digital technology in his training on attachment for many years. As a recipient of this type of training I felt that my skills and confidence as a practioner increased immensely. Moreover the children and young people benfitted greatly.

      Congratulations David.

  2. SocialworkerP July 3, 2019 at 5:33 am #

    I’ve never heard of David Shemmings before but I know that there are a few leading people in social work education and digital skills. I’m surprised FL didn’t go for actual experts in this area. Have I missed something here?