Dez Holmes
@dezholmes1.bsky.social
Director of Research in Practice | Strategic Director @ National Children’s Bureau. Trustee of Family Action.
All views & swearing my own. Expert in nowt (except maybe Transitional Safeguarding).
Actually, “ranting with references” is a job.
All views & swearing my own. Expert in nowt (except maybe Transitional Safeguarding).
Actually, “ranting with references” is a job.
Reposted by Dez Holmes
Register for our November #MakingParticipationWork coffee morning to take part in a session focused on collaboration and problem-solving.
Join participation and engagement colleagues for a group discussion on current projects and any issues we might be facing.
Sign up here: buff.ly/92GIxU6
Join participation and engagement colleagues for a group discussion on current projects and any issues we might be facing.
Sign up here: buff.ly/92GIxU6
October 23, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Register for our November #MakingParticipationWork coffee morning to take part in a session focused on collaboration and problem-solving.
Join participation and engagement colleagues for a group discussion on current projects and any issues we might be facing.
Sign up here: buff.ly/92GIxU6
Join participation and engagement colleagues for a group discussion on current projects and any issues we might be facing.
Sign up here: buff.ly/92GIxU6
Reposted by Dez Holmes
Exciting #socialwork job with Social Workers Without Borders! Please take a look and share!
@socialworkerswb.bsky.social
socialworkerswithoutborders.org/vacancies/
@socialworkerswb.bsky.social
socialworkerswithoutborders.org/vacancies/
October 20, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Exciting #socialwork job with Social Workers Without Borders! Please take a look and share!
@socialworkerswb.bsky.social
socialworkerswithoutborders.org/vacancies/
@socialworkerswb.bsky.social
socialworkerswithoutborders.org/vacancies/
Reposted by Dez Holmes
@dezholmes1.bsky.social: Supporting the journey to adulthood means thinking in a less binary way - less either/or and more both/and #SupportingTransitions
March 26, 2025 at 1:42 PM
@dezholmes1.bsky.social: Supporting the journey to adulthood means thinking in a less binary way - less either/or and more both/and #SupportingTransitions
Reposted by Dez Holmes
@dezholmes1.bsky.social: You are either at risk or a risk, as if you can't be both. You are either culpable or vulnerable, and that isn't how it works < Dez's sharing of a young person's perspective that a cliff edge at 25 is still a cliff edge is bang on #SupportingTransitions
March 26, 2025 at 2:02 PM
@dezholmes1.bsky.social: You are either at risk or a risk, as if you can't be both. You are either culpable or vulnerable, and that isn't how it works < Dez's sharing of a young person's perspective that a cliff edge at 25 is still a cliff edge is bang on #SupportingTransitions
Reposted by Dez Holmes
Explore an open access Strategic Briefing that aims to support leaders in developing critical thinking to understand how systemic racism is constructed and perpetuated in policies, tools and practice within individual organisations and partnerships. www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/publicat...
Anti-racist systems leadership to address systemic racism: Strategic Briefing (2024)
This briefing offers an overview of anti-racist systems leaderships. It includes concepts, resources and practice tools to support leaders to develop critical thinking and work in partnership to estab...
www.researchinpractice.org.uk
March 21, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Explore an open access Strategic Briefing that aims to support leaders in developing critical thinking to understand how systemic racism is constructed and perpetuated in policies, tools and practice within individual organisations and partnerships. www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/publicat...
Reposted by Dez Holmes
Racism and other forms of social inequality function through divisions based on difference.
In a new blog, Dr. Suryia Nayak explores the importance of intersectionality, building on the work of the Reserach in Practice Equity: Change Project. www.researchinpractice.org.uk/adults/news-...
In a new blog, Dr. Suryia Nayak explores the importance of intersectionality, building on the work of the Reserach in Practice Equity: Change Project. www.researchinpractice.org.uk/adults/news-...
Why intersectionality is vital to anti-discriminatory practice | Research in PracticeFacebook_SimpleTwitter_SimpleLinkedInMailShare_Outline
We need a method to understand the holistic impact of multiple oppression – that method is intersectionality.
www.researchinpractice.org.uk
March 21, 2025 at 10:49 AM
Racism and other forms of social inequality function through divisions based on difference.
In a new blog, Dr. Suryia Nayak explores the importance of intersectionality, building on the work of the Reserach in Practice Equity: Change Project. www.researchinpractice.org.uk/adults/news-...
In a new blog, Dr. Suryia Nayak explores the importance of intersectionality, building on the work of the Reserach in Practice Equity: Change Project. www.researchinpractice.org.uk/adults/news-...
Reposted by Dez Holmes
In a new two-part podcast, @dezholmes1.bsky.social talks to Meera Spillet about how our systems leadership could and should eradicate inequalities.
They explore the roots of racism, what progress has been made and what needs to be achieved. www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/content-...
They explore the roots of racism, what progress has been made and what needs to be achieved. www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/content-...
March 21, 2025 at 10:49 AM
In a new two-part podcast, @dezholmes1.bsky.social talks to Meera Spillet about how our systems leadership could and should eradicate inequalities.
They explore the roots of racism, what progress has been made and what needs to be achieved. www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/content-...
They explore the roots of racism, what progress has been made and what needs to be achieved. www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/content-...
Reposted by Dez Holmes
What role does research play in practice?
Hear @dezholmes1.bsky.social discuss the importance of evidence-informed practice in the latest episode of the @relationalsw.bsky.social podcast. www.socialworktoday.co.uk/online-event...
Hear @dezholmes1.bsky.social discuss the importance of evidence-informed practice in the latest episode of the @relationalsw.bsky.social podcast. www.socialworktoday.co.uk/online-event...
February 18, 2025 at 11:13 AM
What role does research play in practice?
Hear @dezholmes1.bsky.social discuss the importance of evidence-informed practice in the latest episode of the @relationalsw.bsky.social podcast. www.socialworktoday.co.uk/online-event...
Hear @dezholmes1.bsky.social discuss the importance of evidence-informed practice in the latest episode of the @relationalsw.bsky.social podcast. www.socialworktoday.co.uk/online-event...
I’m really looking forward to this FREE online event - all about the transition to adulthood.
Managers and leaders across the children’s and adults sector - book your place now!
Managers and leaders across the children’s and adults sector - book your place now!
How can we improve support for young people transitioning to adulthood?
An open access conference hosted by @ncb.org.uk on 26 March will explore transitions in the context of SEND, exploitation, leaving care, mental health and Transitional Safeguarding. www.ncb.org.uk/about-us/med...
An open access conference hosted by @ncb.org.uk on 26 March will explore transitions in the context of SEND, exploitation, leaving care, mental health and Transitional Safeguarding. www.ncb.org.uk/about-us/med...
Upcoming online conference: Supporting the transition to adulthood
Join us for this FREE online event on Wednesday 26 March 2025, 1:30pm- 4:45pm.
www.ncb.org.uk
February 12, 2025 at 7:26 PM
I’m really looking forward to this FREE online event - all about the transition to adulthood.
Managers and leaders across the children’s and adults sector - book your place now!
Managers and leaders across the children’s and adults sector - book your place now!
Reposted by Dez Holmes
Join us for this FREE online event in March where you will be able to share ideas and experiences of effective collaboration and innovation around transitions to adulthood and hear from our Strategic Director of Practice and Programmes @dezholmes1.bsky.social Sign up today! 👇
How can we improve support for young people transitioning to adulthood?
An open access conference hosted by @ncb.org.uk on 26 March will explore transitions in the context of SEND, exploitation, leaving care, mental health and Transitional Safeguarding. www.ncb.org.uk/about-us/med...
An open access conference hosted by @ncb.org.uk on 26 March will explore transitions in the context of SEND, exploitation, leaving care, mental health and Transitional Safeguarding. www.ncb.org.uk/about-us/med...
Upcoming online conference: Supporting the transition to adulthood
Join us for this FREE online event on Wednesday 26 March 2025, 1:30pm- 4:45pm.
www.ncb.org.uk
February 12, 2025 at 1:43 PM
Join us for this FREE online event in March where you will be able to share ideas and experiences of effective collaboration and innovation around transitions to adulthood and hear from our Strategic Director of Practice and Programmes @dezholmes1.bsky.social Sign up today! 👇
Reposted by Dez Holmes
Am I missing something with the new NHS priorities? The only reference to people with learning disabilities is a reduction in mental health inpatient stays? Really? Have I just travelled back 30 years? Nothing about poor general health that causes people to die almost 30 years early? Health checks?
January 31, 2025 at 9:09 AM
Am I missing something with the new NHS priorities? The only reference to people with learning disabilities is a reduction in mental health inpatient stays? Really? Have I just travelled back 30 years? Nothing about poor general health that causes people to die almost 30 years early? Health checks?
Reposted by Dez Holmes
I've now complained to @ipso.co.uk & expect in due course Telegraph will be forced to correct this BS.
They couldn’t even get London’s overall population right, let alone migration stats.
But what are the "right" numbers? [1/n]
They couldn’t even get London’s overall population right, let alone migration stats.
But what are the "right" numbers? [1/n]
January 25, 2025 at 9:15 AM
I've now complained to @ipso.co.uk & expect in due course Telegraph will be forced to correct this BS.
They couldn’t even get London’s overall population right, let alone migration stats.
But what are the "right" numbers? [1/n]
They couldn’t even get London’s overall population right, let alone migration stats.
But what are the "right" numbers? [1/n]
Reposted by Dez Holmes
🚨SCOOP: Starmer's ‘AI opportunities’ advisor didn't publicly declare numerous AI business interests - while he was writing key AI 'action plan' he's now charged with delivering
Concerns gov't AI policy “could be directed by vested interests”
New: democracyforsale.substack.com/p/starmers-t...
Concerns gov't AI policy “could be directed by vested interests”
New: democracyforsale.substack.com/p/starmers-t...
Starmer’s top AI advisor did not declare role at Hakluyt AI investment fund
Exclusive: Concerns that government’s flagship AI policy “could be directed by vested interests”
democracyforsale.substack.com
January 25, 2025 at 9:18 AM
🚨SCOOP: Starmer's ‘AI opportunities’ advisor didn't publicly declare numerous AI business interests - while he was writing key AI 'action plan' he's now charged with delivering
Concerns gov't AI policy “could be directed by vested interests”
New: democracyforsale.substack.com/p/starmers-t...
Concerns gov't AI policy “could be directed by vested interests”
New: democracyforsale.substack.com/p/starmers-t...
So much of great practice leadership is about addressing siloes & creating connection across system boundaries. We’re now offering a leadership development programme for colleagues *across both* children’s & adults services.
We are always #BetterTogether www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/news-vie...
We are always #BetterTogether www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/news-vie...
Leading across boundaries – purchase individual places on a dedicated leadership development programme | Research in PracticeFacebook_SimpleTwitter_SimpleLinkedInMailShare_Outline
A Developing Practice Leaders programme offers opportunities for professional growth. Aimed at those who lead practice - purchase one or more individual places.
www.researchinpractice.org.uk
January 25, 2025 at 11:57 AM
So much of great practice leadership is about addressing siloes & creating connection across system boundaries. We’re now offering a leadership development programme for colleagues *across both* children’s & adults services.
We are always #BetterTogether www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/news-vie...
We are always #BetterTogether www.researchinpractice.org.uk/all/news-vie...
Reposted by Dez Holmes
I think we should probably get a bit more worked up that it was a type of Nazi making some kind of salute, rather than obsessing over whether or not it was an actual Nazi salute.
don’t shoot me but my contentious view is that it probably wasn’t a Nazi salute - despite obvious similarities - and we shouldn’t claim to *know* that it was one
January 21, 2025 at 10:54 PM
I think we should probably get a bit more worked up that it was a type of Nazi making some kind of salute, rather than obsessing over whether or not it was an actual Nazi salute.
Reposted by Dez Holmes
go.bsky.app/4JubDE9 welcome to the gang @ms-b.bsky.social Lots of lovely folks to follow in here!
January 20, 2025 at 1:51 PM
go.bsky.app/4JubDE9 welcome to the gang @ms-b.bsky.social Lots of lovely folks to follow in here!
I was raised on homeopathy as a child. As an adult I work to promote evidence-informed practice.
We can ‘unlearn’ deeply held beliefs. Engaging with science helps… 👇🏼
We can ‘unlearn’ deeply held beliefs. Engaging with science helps… 👇🏼
Just your regular respiratory virus season reminder that homeopathy is complete bunk & you should save your money because it’s useless.
It’s basically “thoughts and prayers” in a box.
Let me explain…
It’s basically “thoughts and prayers” in a box.
Let me explain…
January 16, 2025 at 1:55 PM
I was raised on homeopathy as a child. As an adult I work to promote evidence-informed practice.
We can ‘unlearn’ deeply held beliefs. Engaging with science helps… 👇🏼
We can ‘unlearn’ deeply held beliefs. Engaging with science helps… 👇🏼
This whole thread is really helpful for anyone not at the #HospitalToHome event (thanks @hbuckingham.bsky.social !)
This post in particular made me involuntarily shout YEAH on the bus just now
This post in particular made me involuntarily shout YEAH on the bus just now
Throughout it all, they maintained political will and consistent leadership. Importantly, they put a positive frame on social care as a contribution to the national economy, not a drain on it. #HospitalToHome
January 15, 2025 at 6:25 PM
This whole thread is really helpful for anyone not at the #HospitalToHome event (thanks @hbuckingham.bsky.social !)
This post in particular made me involuntarily shout YEAH on the bus just now
This post in particular made me involuntarily shout YEAH on the bus just now
Reposted by Dez Holmes
All of our final panellists underlined need for a serious shift in how politicians and the public see the value of social care.
“If there’s an issue the government should be burning its political capital on, it should be social care [reform],” added #hospitaltohome event chair Isabel Hardman.
“If there’s an issue the government should be burning its political capital on, it should be social care [reform],” added #hospitaltohome event chair Isabel Hardman.
January 15, 2025 at 12:38 PM
All of our final panellists underlined need for a serious shift in how politicians and the public see the value of social care.
“If there’s an issue the government should be burning its political capital on, it should be social care [reform],” added #hospitaltohome event chair Isabel Hardman.
“If there’s an issue the government should be burning its political capital on, it should be social care [reform],” added #hospitaltohome event chair Isabel Hardman.
Reposted by Dez Holmes
Not a single Reform MP has bothered to turn up to today's House of Commons debate on tackling violence against women and girls
January 9, 2025 at 2:21 PM
Not a single Reform MP has bothered to turn up to today's House of Commons debate on tackling violence against women and girls
@eyalliance.bsky.social Hi! We’re doing a project for Ofsted, helping them redefine ’vulnerability’. We want to hear from professionals across England and the early years focus group is 23 Jan. More info & sign/up is here: www.researchinpractice.org.uk/children/new... Please share widely, thanks!
How can Ofsted conceptualise ‘vulnerability’ in its work within the education and social care sectors? New dates added | Research in PracticeFacebook_SimpleTwitter_SimpleLinkedInMailLinkedInShare_Outl...
We want to hear from professionals at all levels to learn how providers are meeting the needs of vulnerable children, learners and young people.
www.researchinpractice.org.uk
January 8, 2025 at 6:42 PM
@eyalliance.bsky.social Hi! We’re doing a project for Ofsted, helping them redefine ’vulnerability’. We want to hear from professionals across England and the early years focus group is 23 Jan. More info & sign/up is here: www.researchinpractice.org.uk/children/new... Please share widely, thanks!
Grateful for the recognition. More grateful to have a boss who lets me publish an authentic response: www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-am-h...
December 31, 2024 at 2:48 PM
Grateful for the recognition. More grateful to have a boss who lets me publish an authentic response: www.linkedin.com/pulse/i-am-h...
Reposted by Dez Holmes
This #InternationalMigrantsDay, let's change the narrative.
Here are six reasons why the UK NEEDS immigration.
We are a nation made richer by immigration, both figuratively and literally.
www.bestforbritain.org/six_reasons_...
Here are six reasons why the UK NEEDS immigration.
We are a nation made richer by immigration, both figuratively and literally.
www.bestforbritain.org/six_reasons_...
Six reasons why the UK needs immigration
Today is the United Nations' International Migrants Day, a day to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions of millions of migrants around the world.
www.bestforbritain.org
December 18, 2024 at 11:20 AM
This #InternationalMigrantsDay, let's change the narrative.
Here are six reasons why the UK NEEDS immigration.
We are a nation made richer by immigration, both figuratively and literally.
www.bestforbritain.org/six_reasons_...
Here are six reasons why the UK NEEDS immigration.
We are a nation made richer by immigration, both figuratively and literally.
www.bestforbritain.org/six_reasons_...
Reposted by Dez Holmes
At the #NCASC24 race and racism session, I was one of the Black audience members who commented. I have had to take a couple of weeks to reflect and reorientate. Here is why 🧵
Comments from the audience at this race&racism session are powerful. It is distressing to be having the same conversation 20,30,40 years later… our Black colleagues are tired, angry & carrying pain. And yet we ask them to meet the needs of Black children & families carrying the same pain. #ncasc24
December 15, 2024 at 2:56 PM
At the #NCASC24 race and racism session, I was one of the Black audience members who commented. I have had to take a couple of weeks to reflect and reorientate. Here is why 🧵
Reposted by Dez Holmes
‘Medical misogyny’ leaving women in pain - good to see widespread coverage of this Select Committee report
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
‘Medical misogyny’ condemns women to years of gynaecological pain, MPs told
Damning parliamentary report blames lack of education by healthcare workers and ‘pervasive stigma’ for poor care
www.theguardian.com
December 11, 2024 at 7:34 AM
‘Medical misogyny’ leaving women in pain - good to see widespread coverage of this Select Committee report
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...
www.theguardian.com/society/2024...