Doctoral research lays foundation 

 for the next phase

The "research group" (above) has worked with Carolyn Reinhart for the past four years, researching and developing the Personal Growth and Spirituality Aspect, which included some understanding of the integration of the other three Aspects of the Arts, Disability and the Environment. The Research question was: "How can Holton Lee best establish and embed an informed, authentic, relevant and embodied spirituality within its praxis?" The group met monthly and had several half days for more in-depth discussion on specific topics and helped to disseminate our growing understanding within the organisation. Each member contributed through interviews and writing for the Report; others within the organisation or "community of practice" also participated in various awareness raising events/workshops and through interviews. The extensive and complex Participative Action Research process, now completed, has resulted in various outcomes, learning and change at individual, group and organisational levels, since spirituality has been woven throughout the organisation as we linked The Then past history/foundations through The Now present research for the sake of The Tomorrow.
Carolyn did her Viva Voce on 8th October 2003 at which time the examiners awarded her a Doctorate in Professional Studies, DProf (spirituality praxis in a voluntary sector charity). The “Report” was titled: Towards an Understanding of Spirituality in Theory and Practice: The Case of Holton Lee. 
With the Research Project completed we are now well poised for the next stage of the journey as we continue with the development of the Personal Growth and Spirituality Aspect, building on our fifty-seven year old roots and the sound and more established theoretical foundations laid down during the research process. As part of the research we wrote a Personal Growth and Spirituality statement and policy. We also identified the need for a full time worker and have written a job description and case for support. Throughout, the research process included the integration of theory and practice, which continually informed each other, resulting in “praxis”. Our resultant grounded theory includes an organisational model for change accompanied by a model for understanding spirituality in relation to the other three aspects. Accompanying Specific Guidelines were also identified and outlined for both Holton Lee and other organisations/communities. 
Carolyn's specific job description now is: "Personal Growth and Spirituality Project Development Worker", as she continues to use the Statement and Policy together with the deeper understanding gained from the in-depth Doctoral research, as a basis to underpin our ethos. Specific ways forward now include:

recruitment and selection of a full time development worker,

 which includes fund raising

continuing to link and develop this Aspect with the other three

 Aspects more in-depth understanding and development of

Disability and Spirituality praxis

on-going dissemination and promotion of training, symposia, conferences 

and workshops both in-house and with other organisations

the development of partnerships with external establishments 

relating to Personal Growth and Spirituality.

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