ESRC WGSSS collaborative PhD studentship: Exploring the variation and equality of access for at-risk adults in receipt of care and support in Wales

Cardiff University School of Social Sciences, supported by Wales Graduate School for the Social Sciences (WGSSS) (ESRC DTP) and Health Care Research Wales (HCRW), invites applications for PhD study for the following PhD project for October 2024 entry.

The supervisors are Professor Jonathan Scourfield and Dr Fiona Lugg-Widger

Project description:

Ongoing challenges in adult social care remain in the UK in the post-pandemic era. Access to services is affected by staff shortages and squeezed budgets, and adults at risk may be more disadvantaged, but the extent of this is not known.

There is a need for data to quantify the perceived problems and understand, on a population level, the journey through social care and how that journey differs between local authorities and according to type of need and demographics (protected characteristics). There is also a need to understand national and local patterns of care, through dialogue with social care stakeholders.

The first individual-level Adults Receiving Care and Support Census return is currently underway. It will include core details of any adult with a (Welsh) local authority care and support plan during the financial year – estimated to be around 50,000 records. Data will include indicators of need, type of support provided and residency information (secure estate / care home).

The aim of this PhD project is to understand the variation and equality of access for at-risk adults in receipt of care and support in Wales, using both ARCS Census data and qualitative research.

The possible research questions could include:

• What are the characteristics of adults subject to safeguarding processes, by type of abuse, compared with those receiving care and support who have not been? 
• What kind of care and support are received by adults at risk in the secure estate (i.e. prisons and other secure institutions), compared with other adults? And what are their demographics, compared with other adults receiving care and support? 
• Why might variation occur across local authorities and for adults at risk?

We envisage a mixed-method study, shaped by the interests of the student.

Duration of study:

Durations of study/studentship awards may vary from 3.5 (PhD) to 1+3.5 (MSc + PhD) years full time (or part time equivalent). This is dependent on prior research experience and training needs which will be assessed by completing an Initial Development Needs Analysis (Initial DNA) at the application stage and a Full DNA prior to award if successful.

Entry criteria:

Studentships are highly competitive. Candidates should have an excellent academic background in the social sciences, holding a 1^st or strong upper 2^nd class degree, or a relevant research training master’s degree. We welcome applications for both full and part-time study.

Eligibility:

WGSSS studentships are available to home and international students. Up to 30% of our cohort can comprise international students. International students will not be charged the fee difference between the UK and international rate. Applicants should satisfy the UKRI eligibility requirements.

Cardiff University and WGSSS are committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and creating an inclusive environment for all. We welcome applications from all members of the global community irrespective of age, disability, sex, gender identity, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief and sexual orientation.

Assessment:

The closing deadline for applications is 12:00 noon (GMT) on Monday, 27 May 2024. Short-listed applicants will be invited to interview, which are expected to take place online on Monday, 10 June 2024 (afternoon). After interview, a final short-list of applicants will be put forward to a Panel convened by the ESRC WGSSS Management Group at which final decisions with regard to studentship awards will be made. Successful applicants can expect to hear by mid-June2024.

How to apply:

A completed online application form for admission to PhD in the School of Social Sciences (October 2024), submitted by the deadline of 12:00 noon on Monday, 27 May 2024. Incomplete applications or applications received after this specified time will not be accepted. The application must contain (this also applies to Fast Track applicants):

1.     Covering letter (two pages maximum). It must include the following bullet points as subheadings:

• Set out your reasons and motivation for applying to study at Cardiff University and your chosen pathway;
• Detail your understanding and expectations of doctoral study;
• Detail your academic interests generally and particularly of those relating to your proposed research;
• Drawing on your own background, provide a summary of why you are ready to undertake a PhD now and how you will flourish as a result of PhD funding. Challenges could include, but are not limited to, protected characteristics, socio-economic status and of being a prospective first-generation student or care- experienced.
• Reflecting on your own background and/or proposed approach to PhD study and the opportunities which it will present, how will you support diversity and inclusion in the PhD community?

2. Academic CV (two pages maximum)

3. Research Proposal: the proposal should build directly on the outline description that has been supplied. The proposal should be up to a maximum of 1000 words, not including bibliographic references. Please use the following headings to construct your proposal:

• Title, aims and purpose of the research;
• Brief overview of the academic literature relevant to your field;
• Proposed design/methods;
• Academic contributions of your research;
• Bibliographic references.

4. Two references (academic or professional): applications must be supported by references. Candidates must approach referees themselves and include references with their application.

5. Degree certificates and transcripts (including translations if applicable). International applicants must also include proof of English Language competency (7.0 IELTS overall minimum).

This program is available in English only. To request information in Welsh, please contact the Postgraduate Recruitment Team ([email protected]).