Workforce Research Theme (WReT)

About the theme

The Workforce Research Theme (WReT) sits within the Centre for Health and Care Research (CHCR) in the College of Health, Science and Society at UWE Bristol.

Our mission is to co-create research with impact that is inclusive, collaborative and addresses workforce challenges across health and social care. Our work builds on strong national and international partnerships to generate robust evidence that informs policy and practice. 

Who we are

Members of the theme deliver high quality, impactful research with the health and social care workforce. The theme is made of up of academic and clinical academic researchers from a variety of backgrounds including nursing, psychology and the Allied Health Professions.

Our members include postgraduates, doctoral students as well as a variety of early and mid-career researchers, as well as members of the Professoriate. 

Research focus

Our research aims to improve staff well-being to support a thriving health and social care workforce that is fit for the future. A sustainable workforce will improve the organisation and delivery of services, contribute to the successful functioning of the health and social care system and will ultimately improve experience and outcomes for patients and their families.

Projects

The Workforce Research Theme project portfolio covers a broad range of projects. These include studies to improve recruitment and retention of staff, research investigating skill mix, team dynamics and scope of practice, and projects focused on the training and education of the health and social care workforce.

The research methods we adopt include systematic reviews, qualitative and quantitative approaches and we have particular expertise in mixed methods and realist evaluation.

Theme Lead

Professor Nicola Walsh, Professor of Knowledge Mobilisation and Musculoskeletal Health