Electronic copies of Faculty of Social Sciences research reports. http://hdl.handle.net/1893/1136 2026-10-03T08:26:24Z 2026-10-03T08:26:24Z Mannion, Gregory Sowerby, Matthew McNicol, Stacey Lambert, Paul Ramjan, Claire http://hdl.handle.net/1893/37750 2026-01-16T01:07:03Z 2024-03-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Teaching, Learning and Play in the Outdoors: a survey of provision in 2022 Author(s): Mannion, Gregory; Sowerby, Matthew; McNicol, Stacey; Lambert, Paul; Ramjan, Claire Abstract: The provision of outdoor educational and play-based experiences are entitlements in Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence for children aged 3-18 (Scottish Executive, 2004; Learning and Teaching Scotland, 2010; Scottish Government, 2016a). Outdoor learning is also embedded across the Professional Standards for teachers by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS 2021). Within the curriculum, outdoor learning can be an approach in any subject and in interdisciplinary learning. Alongside ‘global citizenship’ and ‘sustainable development education’, outdoor learning is a core component of ‘Learning for Sustainability’ (Scottish Government, 2012). Outdoor learning and play are keystone elements of Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence. They contribute to a wider set of policy imperatives dedicated to improving young people’s health, wellbeing, and educational outcomes, achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, and Scotland’s target to become a Net Zero country. This survey of outdoor learning builds on two previous surveys which assist us in understanding the duration, focus and locations of provision. Conducted in 2022 as the pandemic eased, the findings are timely allowing us an opportunity to reflect on changes in provision, supports for practice, and targets set by government in the Action Plan for Learning for Sustainability (Scottish Government, 2016). This report provides an in-depth picture on teaching, learning and play provisions in early years and in primary schools, replicating an approach taken in both 2006 and 2014. We report here on circa 200 outdoor learning events provided by staff working in 19 early years centres and 25 primary schools randomly sampled across diverse catchment areas. This cross-sectional survey allows for comparison over time. Secondary school participation in the survey was too limited to include here. The low response rate from secondary schools most likely reflects a sustained period of pressure and stress in this sector as they returned to examinations after Covid. Findings indicate sustained uplift in outdoor provision in early years settings but considerable decline in the primary school sector when comparisons are made with previous surveys. In addition, in 2022, we asked participants to self-report on professional learning experiences and confidence levels with respect to outdoor learning / play and Learning for Sustainability. Findings show low and inconsistent levels of professional learning and confidence across both sectors. Taken together, our analysis provides a critical starting point: further support is needed for outdoor learning provision and Learning for Sustainability, particularly through pre- and in-service professional learning opportunities in these areas. 

2024-03-01T00:00:00Z Hannah, Carver Falzon, Danilo Tessa, Parkes Nicholls, James http://hdl.handle.net/1893/37533 2025-10-31T01:12:55Z 2024-01-08T00:00:00Z

Title: Assessing the need for, and views on, drug checking services in Edinburgh Author(s): Hannah, Carver; Falzon, Danilo; Tessa, Parkes; Nicholls, James Abstract: First paragraph: The unregulated and complex nature of the illicit drug market poses risk of harm, including fatal and non-fatal overdose, to people who use drugs. In Scotland, use and availability of non-prescribed ‘novel’ benzodiazepines (often termed ‘street’ benzos) has significantly contributed to high levels of drugrelated deaths. Street benzos, often used in conjunction with alcohol, opioids, and other substances, are often designed to mimic traditionally prescribed benzodiazepines but can vary significantly in potency and composition. Additionally, there has been an increase in detection of highly potent synthetic opioids, ‘nitazenes’, in the Scottish market, raising further concern about the risks posed by the variable, unregulated drug market. Given such challenges, there has been increased policy support and interest in developing harm reduction interventions to address such issues.

2024-01-08T00:00:00Z McKee, Kim http://hdl.handle.net/1893/37503 2025-10-15T00:26:52Z 2025-04-23T00:00:00Z

Title: Local People Leading: the role of women in the birth of Scotland’s community-based housing associations Author(s): McKee, Kim Abstract: First paragraph: Over the last 50 years, the tremendous growth of community-based housing associations (CBHAs) not only introduced new approaches to neighbourhood renewal and management but captured the enthusiasm of local residents in housing organisations representative of local communities.

2025-04-23T00:00:00Z Cleary, Jessica Dominelli, Lena http://hdl.handle.net/1893/37498 2025-10-15T00:23:08Z 2020-12-14T00:00:00Z

Title: Social Work and Disasters Systematic Literature Author(s): Cleary, Jessica; Dominelli, Lena Abstract: Commissioned by BASW England during the evolving COVID-19 pandemic, this review explores the role of social work in disaster contexts. It was undertaken to inform future workforce planning and was mapped against BASW England’s guidelines for social workers providing emergency support and interventions. Drawing on 187 relevant international publications, the review addresses three core questions: 1. What are the roles that social workers perform in disaster situations? 2. How do they perform these roles? and, 3. How can their contribution be strengthened? The analysis identifies six key themes: ethical and practice tensions; the need for trauma-informed and psychosocial approaches; challenges and opportunities in multi-agency working; workforce preparedness and resilience; issues of visibility, value, and recognition; and the importance of community-led responses. Although most of the literature sits outside the UK context, the findings offer important insights for UK social work, particularly as it faces increasing climate-related, civil, and public health emergencies. The report concludes that social workers have a critical but often overlooked role in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. Greater visibility, improved training, and clearer integration into emergency planning frameworks will be essential to ensuring the profession can respond confidently, ethically, and effectively in times of crisis.

2020-12-14T00:00:00Z