Appreciative Inquiry Special Interest Group

Appreciative Inquiry is a creative, collaborative and energising research methodology which focuses on what works and what can be. The BU Appreciative Inquiry Special Interest group would like to share some resources for those who are interested in finding out more.

We shared the sad news last week that our colleague Dr Matt Simpson, senior lecturer within the Department of social sciences and social work and Programme Lead for the Post-Graduate Diploma in Advanced Mental Health Practice, died after a short illness. Matt was a key member of the Appreciative Inquiry Special Interest group and had supported everyone within it at some point to develop their understanding of appreciative inquiry and to apply it in different settings. We met as a group this week to acknowledge what we had lost and to explore how we can maintain Matt’s legacy. One way is to extend the reach of his work using appreciative inquiry methodology. You will find links here to his latest paper applying appreciative inquiry to his mental health research. For anyone interested in learning more about Appreciative Inquiry methodology, we highly recommend chapter 4 of his thesis.

  • Simpson, M., 2024. Changing gears and buying time: A study exploring AMHP practice following referral for a Mental Health Act assessment in England and Wales. The British Journal of Social Work.
  • Simpson, M., 2022. An Appreciative Inquiry into Approved Mental Health Professional decision- making at the point of referral for a Mental Health Act assessment. PhD Thesis. Bournemouth University, Faculty of Health and Social Sciences.

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