Information Links
Knowledge management can be thought of in simple terms as ensuring that the right information is available in the right format to the right people at the right time. TFPL, a specialist professional knowledge and information company, formally define knowledge management as,
"The creation and subsequent management of an environment which encourages knowledge to be created, shared, learnt, enhanced, organised and utilised for the benefit of the organisation and its customers".
In Adult Social Care at Cumbria County Council, knowledge management is led by a dedicated Knowledge Management Team. This team is responsible for:
- Managing the Adult Social Care and Children's Services (Social Care) electronic library (e-library). This includes ensuring that all documents held on the e-Library are reviewed by the authors every 6-12 months.
- Ensuring that all social care policy statements, procedures and practice guidelines are produced in the standard 3P format and kept up to date.
- Identifying and disseminating key social care documents via the Essential and Supporting Information (EASI) system.
- Ensuring employees have access to relevant library and information resources, such as via the Social Care Specialist Library Collection at Carlisle Public Library.
- Undertaking literature/ Internet searches on behalf of employees.
- Obtaining journal articles for employees that support practice and/or research.
- Implementing the Department of Health's Research Governance Framework for Health and Social Care to ensure that all research conducted by or involving social care employees, service users, their families and/or their carers in Cumbria is of high quality and is ethically sound.
- Undertaking and supporting research activity (e.g. by undertaking annual service users surveys, co-ordinating regular research support group meetings).
- Linking with Research in Practice for Adults (ripfa).
- Maintaining a Knowledge and Interest Database (KID).
- Collating outcomes and evidence examples across the Directorate.
- Promoting evidence informed practice to employees.
The team also works in partnership with local, regional and national social care and health organisations in terms of research and information.
For further information, please contact the Knowledge Manager (Catherine Beverley) on 01228 221584.