Publications and Profressional Contributions

Effective Interventions to Reduce Burnout in Social Workers: A Systematic Review (2024)

British Journal of Social Work.

Bryce, Povey, Oliver & Cooke.

A systematic review examining interventions aimed at reducing burnout among social workers. The review identified several approaches including mindfulness-based interventions, group skills training, and sabbaticals, though overall study quality was poor. The findings highlight the need for more rigorous, theory-driven research and organisational strategies alongside individual-level support.

Investigating Psychosocial Working Conditions and Burnout in Child and Family Social Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic (In Press)

Bryce, Povey, Cowap & Clark-Carter.

This study examined the relationship between working conditions and three types of burnout in UK child and family social workers during a COVID-19 lockdown. Findings showed high levels of work-related, personal, and client-related burnout, with job demands, control, and support being the strongest predictors. The research highlights the urgent need for organisational changes to better support social workers’ wellbeing during crises.

“The whole team spirit has been stripped away”: A Thematic Analysis of Social Workers’ Views on the Health and Wellbeing Impacts of Remote Working" (In Press)

Bryce, Povey, Oliver & Taylor.

This qualitative study explored how remote working affects the health and wellbeing of UK social workers. Through interviews and focus groups, three key themes emerged: the importance of social support, opportunities for flexibility and autonomy, and setting work-life boundaries. The study highlights both positive and negative impacts of remote work, offering recommendations for future health interventions at individual, managerial, and organisational levels