Introduction:
A Research and Development Toolkit was developed in the learning and skills sector during the late 1990s and early 2000s to support people involved in practice-based research. The manner in which it was developed and put to use serves as an interesting case study in research capacity building for any part of education or related public services.
The development arose as one aspect of an integrated series of initiatives designed to encourage research in the sector, including the creation of a research network, research conferences, a popular journal and regionally- based projects. The development work was funded and administered by the Learning & Skills Development Agency (LSDA). Whilst the LSDA has now come to an end interest in the toolkit is still strong and its application for different educational contexts is being explored.
The purpose of this article is to trace the particular approach that was taken and to assess its value and potential for others thinking about research capacity building.
Context