Loneliness, Mental Health and Wellbeing in Policing: Examining Rates, Associations and Experiences of UK Police Investigators University of Birmingham in United Kingdom

The Centre for National Training and Research Excellence in Understanding Behaviour (Centre-UB) at the University of Birmingham is offering a fully funded Doctoral Studentship in collaboration with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) and West Midlands Police, commencing October 2026. This PhD project aims to address a significant gap in research by investigating the rates and experiences of loneliness among UK Police Investigators, and exploring how these experiences relate to mental health, wellbeing, and workplace performance outcomes.

Loneliness is increasingly recognized as a major public health issue, linked to poor mental and physical health. Despite its importance, a recent systematic review found no studies examining loneliness in high-risk occupations such as policing. Police Investigators, who are responsible for investigating crimes and building cases for prosecution, often face long working hours, isolated work settings, and frequent exposure to distressing materials, all of which may exacerbate feelings of loneliness. This project seeks to understand if and how loneliness manifests in this population, and what impact it has on their health and professional performance.

The successful candidate will conduct a systematic review, in-depth interviews, and quantitative surveys with Police Investigators. The research will generate evidence-based recommendations and interventions to inform future support provision for police professionals. The student will benefit from close collaboration with NPCC and West Midlands Police, including a placement with these partner organizations, providing valuable real-world experience and stakeholder engagement.

Supervision will be provided by Dr Marie-Louise Sharp, whose research focuses on the health and wellbeing of individuals in high-risk occupations, and Professor Jessica Woodhams, an expert in police mental health and trauma. Their combined expertise offers a supportive and stimulating environment for doctoral research.

Applicants should possess a 1st class or 2:1 degree in psychology, epidemiology, psychiatric research, or social sciences. An MSc in a relevant area is desirable but not essential. Ideal candidates will have experience with quantitative and/or qualitative research methods, participant recruitment, data collection, research ethics, and research software (such as Stata or NVivo). Strong communication, writing, and organizational skills are required, as is an interest in the health and wellbeing of the police community. Experience working with individuals who have experienced trauma and stakeholder relationship development is advantageous.

Centre-UB studentships provide comprehensive funding, including tuition fees, a maintenance stipend, support for research training, and research activity support grants. Up to 30% of international applicants may be recruited each year, in line with UKRI funding stipulations. For further details, visit the Centre-UB studentships application process and call for applicants webpages.

The application deadline is January 17, 2026, with interviews expected in March 2026. Informal enquiries about the project can be directed to Dr Marie-Louise Sharp at [email protected].

This opportunity is ideal for candidates passionate about mental health, public health, and the wellbeing of police professionals, offering the chance to make a meaningful impact through research and collaboration with leading organizations in the field.