The overall governance and accountability arrangements are agreed between the Dartington Hall Trust, as the employers carrying ultimate financial and legal responsibility, and the Partners of research in practice for adults. These responsibilities are carried out through the Partnership Board which has been established for research in practice for adults. The Association of  Directors of Adult Social Services (ADASS) act as professional sponsor for research in practice for adults.

The Director of research in practice for adults reports to the Director of Social Justice, who in turn, reports to the Chief Executive Officer of the Dartington Hall Trust. The Director of research in practice for adults is advised on strategy by the Partnership Board.