The impact of NHS Talking Therapies Employment Advisors (Support2Work)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mental health as a determinant of work: Evaluating the impact of the national NHS Talking therapies Employment Advisers programme on mental health, work, inequalities, costs, and the economy (Support2Work)
IRAS ID
358242
Contact name
Rowena Jacobs
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS FT
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
The economic cost of mental ill health due to lost productivity, including absenteeism, presenteeism, economic inactivity, and lost tax revenue, is huge and a key policy priority. NHS Talking Therapies (NHSTT) were introduced in 2008 as a first-line intervention for depression and anxiety disorders, with improved employment outcomes as an expected benefit. In 2018, Employment Advisers (EAs) were introduced alongside NHSTT to provide support for those unemployed, on sickness absence, or in work but struggling, helping individuals to gain, return to, or retain employment. However, a thorough evaluation of EAs has been lacking. The overarching aim of this research is to better understand mental health as a determinant of work. We will examine the impact of EAs within NHSTT on work-related and health outcomes using several different approaches. This application is for the qualitative component of the research programme, which will address the research question: What are the mechanisms through which EAs influence service users’ trajectories of absenteeism, presenteeism, and entry/maintaining/return to work, from the perspective of service users, EAs, and therapists? Data will comprise 50-60 qualitative interviews with EAs, NHSTT Service leads, and therapists, and 60 interviews with service users who have seen an EA in the last 12 months. Interviews will be conducted in person or remotely via telephone/video lasting up to 90 minutes, audio-recorded (with consent), and transcribed verbatim. Service users will be thanked for their participation with shopping vouchers. Data will be analysed using thematic and matrix analyses. The findings will be integrated with quantitative analysis and use ‘scenario vignettes’ of characters and situations that exemplify service users who may benefit, or not, from EAs. Together with our Policy Experts Advisory Panel and Service Experts Advisory Panel, these vignettes will be used to translate findings into concrete recommendations for employees, NHS services, and policymakers.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/SW/0101
Date of REC Opinion
15 Sep 2025
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion