Vivaldi

VIVALDI Social Care: A Collaborative Approach to Research

By Lucy Knight, VIVALDI Social Care Programme Co-ordinator, The OS

The VIVALDI Social Care project is based on co-production, bringing together University College London (UCL), Care England, and The Outstanding Society (OS). This partnership aims to reduce infections and outbreaks in care homes by working closely with staff, residents, family members, and providers. The project includes a 12-month pilot study using NHS and public health data to track infection rates in care home residents. The study will create an anonymised database for future research, while ensuring the care sector controls how the data is used.

The Adult Social Care Engagement Collective (ASCEC) meets monthly and brings together a wide range of people, including those who receive care, providers, and planners. This research is being led by social care for social care.

Co-production in research means working with and listening to people who receive care, their families, and professionals to shape and improve services. This approach values everyone’s experiences equally, leading to more effective, person-centred care.

Embedding co-production in research comes with challenges. It can be difficult to work together- professionals make most of the decisions, but it’s important that everyone’s voice is heard. Co-production requires time and money to implement effectively, and some people may need additional support to participate. It’s vital that all ideas are valued, not just included for show.

Anyone can take part. Balancing differing views and managing busy schedules can be challenging. Complicated language often creates confusion so breaking down communication barriers is key. Many care professionals hesitate to participate in research because they feel unqualified. However, the insights of care staff, residents, and families are essential in shaping meaningful research. Ensuring simple and clear language can help create a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing their experiences and ideas.

The impact of co-production is clear. Involving people with lived experiences leads to findings that accurately reflect real needs. Many participants stay engaged because they see how their input directly influences outcomes. When visiting care homes, the enthusiasm of residents, relatives, and staff shows that their voices matter. This way of working improves research and helps bring about long-term, positive changes in social care.

The VIVALDI Social Care project demonstrates that collaboration leads to improved research and policies for those needing care. By including everyone and working as a team, we have and continue to make real improvements and give people a voice in the future of social care.

Kate Meacock – Co-founder of Right for Residents said ‘The important work that the VIVALDI Project does will help ensure infections in care homes are controlled and monitored effectively in the future. The longterm closures of homes had a devastating impact on residents, their families, and staff. Through the ASCEC, the VIVALDI team ensures that the voices of providers, relatives, and most importantly, residents, are heard. Coproduction is vital to the project’s success. Each month we meet to hear updates and shape its future. It’s co-production at its best, forming the foundation for future research in social care.’