Context
As part of an NIHR-funded placement with Northumbria University, Kerry Cooke, Safeguarding Adults Manager in Adult Social Care and Prevention, explored how adults at risk of exploitation can be better identified and protected.
Action
Working with Monique Lhussier, Kerry co-authored "Like having 16,000 tabs open in my head: Unravelling the complexity of safeguarding adults at risk of exploitation", published in the European Journal of Social Work. The research drew on interviews with people with lived experience, practitioners and strategic leaders to better understand the complexities of adult exploitation and effective safeguarding responses.
Result
The research has informed safeguarding practice by highlighting the importance of multi-agency working, professional curiosity, and understanding coercion and control. It is a strong example of how Kerry's NIHR-funded placement translated research into practice. The findings have influenced research, training and policy development, including national discussions on safeguarding adults at risk of exploitation. Ripple Effect Mapping through HDRC Newcastle also demonstrated impacts on social work practice, safeguarding leadership and responses, and continuing professional development around stigma awareness and the appropriate use of language.
The work highlights the value of practitioner-academic collaboration and supports HDRC Newcastle's objectives around research capacity building and knowledge mobilisation.