Reflecting on what ‘good enough’ social work is in a performative world
Doctoral conference: Advanced Practice and Research: Social Work and Social Care (D55)
Featuring keynotes from Professor Harry Ferguson and Dr Arlene Weekes, our doctoral conference will present some of the latest, qualitative, practice-based research in the field of social work and social care – with a special emphasis on exploring what is ‘good enough’ practice (and therefore practice research) from a unique, psychosocial perspective.
Social work currently operates within a performative culture where monitoring and measurement dominate the practice context. How do we know what we do is good enough? Will the practice near research we undertake help improve practice or highlight the inherent complexities in the work, requiring attunement and containment, which will make it good enough?
We will consider how we internalise idealised expectations, making us feel that we are never good enough. This reflects the external policy context, where value always seeks “more for less” from us.
We will explore how social systems of power are replicated and can dominate our inner lives, and how liberatory and anti-racist social work practice – and research into what good enough looks like – can free us from systems of oppression and discrimination within maddening organisational cultures.
The conference will showcase the work of our Advanced Practice and Research: Social Work and Social Care (D55) programme, one of the most established and respected professional doctorates in social work and social care in the UK.
The free, half-day event will provide a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, expand your professional network and gain valuable knowledge. You will engage in thought-provoking discussions, interactive workshops and collaborative sessions – exploring the latest insights and perspectives from our doctoral students and esteemed professionals in the field.
Who is this event for?
This doctoral conference is for current students and members of staff associated with our Advanced Practice and Research: Social Work and Social Care (D55) programme.
We also welcome our associates and colleagues across the social work and social care landscape. Perhaps you are a potential doctoral candidate exploring the terrain, or an employer who values research in practice.
The event is open to all social work and social care practitioners and researchers, who would be interested in learning more about this area and course, and connecting with like-minded professionals.
Event details
- The conference will take place on Thursday 12 February 2026
- The programme will run from 1 to 5pm
- The conference is free to attend and will take place in the Lecture Theatre at the Tavistock Centre in London
- The what3words for this location is ///vote.square.fans
- Further details will be emailed to you after you have signed up
Please note: If you encounter any issues using the form below, or do not receive an email acknowledging your booking, please contact us: training@tavi-port.ac.uk.