Sally Wilson
BSc, PhD, FRSA
Principal Research Fellow
sally.wilson@employment-studies.co.uk
+44(0)1273 763 463
Sally has more than twenty years’ experience of conducting applied research in workplace health and wellbeing. Her specialisms include occupational health and safety, mental health and disability.
Within IES, Sally has worked with a wide range of clients including those in government departments and agencies (eg the Ministry of Defence, DCMS, the Home Office, the Cabinet Office, HSE, the Food Standards Agency, Public Health England), local government (eg WECA, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea) and charities (eg Mind, Macmillan Cancer Support). In a European context she has managed research projects on occupational health for EU-OSHA, EASME (an agency of the European Commission) and the European Cancer Patient Coalition. She has also worked on projects in a health services delivery context on topics such as paramedic training and recruitment and health coaching.
Sally has a background in behavioural and health sciences having completed a PhD in neuropsychology at the MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge. Much of her recent work has focussed on workplace mental wellbeing and interventions to upskill line managers in sectors such as rail transport, construction and first-response workers. She has an interest in behavioural insights and was co-developer of the government’s ‘ORGANISER’ model of employer behaviour and is currently working with the Rail Safety and Standards Board to develop guidance around workplace health behaviours which can impact on long-term health.
Her expertise extends to quality of work, work-life balance and working while caring. She recently project-managed a large evaluation of a national pilot (funded by the Department of Health and Social Care, DWP and the Government Equalities Office) looking at local community, health, and employer interventions to support informal carers who also work, and appeared in front of the Work and Pensions Select Committee to report the findings.
Before joining IES Sally worked at the Health and Safety Laboratory (part of the Health and Safety Executive) and at the Sheffield Institute for Studies on Ageing, as well as the Age and Cognitive Performance Research Centre at the University of Manchester.
Education
1999 | University of Cambridge, MRC Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit |
PhD |
1994 | University of Nottingham | BSc, Psychology |
Career
2004‑2006 | Research Fellow, Sheffield Institute for Studies on Ageing, University of Sheffield | |
1999‑2004 | Senior Psychologist, Health and Safety Laboratory |
Research publications
- Independent evaluation of the Workplace Health Champion project, Wilson S, Ward J, , Business Health Matters / Institute for Employment Studies , May 2024
- Evaluation of Thrive at Work West of England programme, Walker S, Wilson S, , West of England Combined Authority (WECA), Mar 2023
- Wellbeing through job design , Wilson S, Carter A, 586, Institute for Employment Studies, Sep 2022
- Effective implementation of behaviour change techniques to influence health in the rail environment , Wilson S, Edwards M, Mason B, Akehurst G, Patel R, , RSSB, Nov 2021
- Shaping the rail environment to encourage healthy behaviours, Wilson S, Edwards M, Mason B, Akehurst G, Patel R, , RSSB, Nov 2021
- Development of an EU framework to assess the overall impacts of occupational health and safety (OSH) prevention on the performance of construction enterprises, Ende M, Flickenschild M, Sapulete S, Howard A, Wilson S, , European Commission , May 2020
- Understanding the conditions for successful mental health training for managers , Wilson S, Martin A, Edwards M, O'Sullivan M, , RSSB, Sep 2019
- Employment support for people with epilepsy, Francis R, Byford M, Wilson S, Report 523, Institute for Employment Studies, May 2019
- Evaluation of Mind's mental health and resilience training for new recruits to the Blue Light sector, Huxley C, Wilson S, Gay R, Hey L, , Mind, Oct 2018
- Understanding the conditions for successful mental health training for managers, Wilson S, Martin A, Spiegelhalter K, , Rail Safety and Standards Board, Jun 2018
- Exploring wellbeing and mental health and associated support services for postgraduate researchers, Metcalfe J, Wilson S, Levecque K, , Research England, May 2018
- Helping employers support their working carers, , Simply Health/The Work Foundation, May 2018
- Slides: Managing mental wellbeing in a research environment: some lessons from other sectors, Wilson S, , Vitae, Feb 2018
- Evaluation of the Carers in Employment (CiE) Project: Final report, Wilson S, Marvell R, Cox A, Teeman D, , Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), Jan 2018
- Evaluation of the Carers in Employment (CiE) Project: Methodological details and tabular findings, Wilson S, Marvell R, Gonzalez-Carreras F, , Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), Jan 2018
- Evaluation of Mind's Blue Light Programme, Wilson S, Sinclair A, Huxley C, Spiegelhalter K, , MIND, Jun 2016
- Understanding the Behavioural Drivers of Organisational Decision-Making, Wilson S, Sonderegger S, Buzzeo J, , Cabinet Office, Mar 2016
- Understanding the Behavioural Drivers of Organisational Decision-Making: Executive Summary, , Cabinet Office, Mar 2016
- ORGANISER: A behavioural approach for influencing organisations - Summary, Fell D, Giorgi S, , Cabinet Office, Mar 2016
- The effectiveness and cost effectiveness of methods of protecting and promoting the health of older workers, Cox A, Hillage J, Fletcher L, Marvell R, Wilson S, Miller L, Swift S, Taskila T, Bajorek Z, Hind A, Brine J , Evidence Review 4, National Institute for health and Care Excellence (NICE), Sep 2015
- The Case for Health Coaching, Carter A, Tamkin P, Wilson S, Miller L, , Institute for Employment Studies, Jul 2015
- Review of successful Occupational Safety and Health benchmarking initiatives, Callen A, Wilson S, , European Agency for Safety and Health at Work (EU-OSHA), Jul 2015
- Evidence Review on Regulation Culture and Behaviours, Wilson S, Unit Report 37, Food Standards Agency, Mar 2015
- Understanding Resilience, Wilson S, Rickard C, Tamkin P, HR Network Paper mp94, Institute for Employment Studies, Jan 2014
- IES Perspectives on HR 2014, Report 504, Institute for Employment Studies, Dec 2013
- Evaluation of the HSE worker involvement training courses, Broughton A, Wilson S, Newton B, Research Report 964, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Mar 2013
- Quality of Work: How does it matter in Europe?, Wilson S, Lazazzara A, Stettes O, Lopez M-N, Bastien A, Lau J, Panorama 309 A, Entreprise & Personnel, Jan 2013
- Healthy Youth Centre Pilot Project, Wilson S, Hicks B, , Institute for Employment Studies, Jul 2012
- ICT for Disabled People, POSTNote 411, Houses of Parliament (Parliamentary Officeof Science & Technology), Apr 2012
- Scoping the Development of Work and Cancer Support for SMEs, Wilson S, Hicks B, Stevens H, Report 494, Institute for Employment Studies, Feb 2012
- Achieving Change Using the Supply Chain Model in Construction, Wilson S, Tyers C, RR843, Health and Safety Executive (HSE), Feb 2011
- Evidence Review on Regulation Culture and Behaviours, Wilson S, Tyers C, Wadsworth E, Unit Report 12, Food Standards Agency, Aug 2010
- Moving Goods Safely 3, Wilson S, Tyers C, Carta E, Research Report RR796, Health and Safety Executive, Mar 2010
- Managing Stress and Sickness Absence, Broughton A, Tyers C, Wilson S, O’Regan S, Research Report RR694, Health and Safety Executive, Feb 2009
- Organisational Responses to the HSE Management Standards for Work-related Stress, Tyers C, Broughton A, Denvir A, Wilson S, O'Regan S, Research Report RR693, Health and Safety Executive, Feb 2009
- Mental Health and Employment, Sainsbury R, Irvine A, Aston J, Wilson S, Williams C, Sinclair A (prepared in association with Social Policy Research Unit), Research Report DWPRR 513, Department for Work and Pensions, Jun 2008
- Workplace Health Connect: July 2007 Progress Report, Tyers C, Lucy D, Sinclair A, Wilson S, Research Report , Health and Safety Executive, Sep 2007
- An Evaluation of the Local Authority Programme Joint Authorisation Pilot Project, Wilson S, Tyers C, Research Report RR586, Health and Safety Executive, Aug 2007
- ICT Strategy, Disabled People and Employment in the UK, Meager N, Wilson S, Hill D, Working Paper WP14, Institute for Employment Studies, Feb 2007
- Workplace Health Connect: January 2007 Progress Report, Tyers C with Gifford J, Gordon-Dseagu V, Lucy D, Usher T, Wilson S, Research Report , Health and Safety Executive, Feb 2007
Articles and chapters
- Job design needs a health check, Carter A & Wilson S, HR Magazine, December 2022
- What do employees value more than a Christmas turkey?, Wilson S, Employee Benefits, December 2021
- Disability discrimination: why HR needs to better understand epilepsy, Wilson S, HRZone, [online], July 2019
- How to create good work for people with hidden disabilities: epilepsy in the workplace , Wilson S, The RSA, [online], June 2019
- Epilepsy and transitions into employment, Wilson S, Luminate, [online], June 2019
- Good mental wellbeing is good for business, Wilson S, Employee Benefits, , [Online], March 2019
- How to train line managers to support mental wellbeing, Wilson S, TrainingZone, [Online], January 2017
- Simple nudges can encourage employees to look after their own health and wellbeing, Wilson S, Employee Benefits, [Online], November 2017
- Viewpoint: Building a support act, Wilson S, Early intervention is a critical factor in offering effective rehabilitation support, Employee Benefits, Employee Benefits Magazine, November 2016
- Tax breaks for healthy lifestyles, Wilson S, Society Central, November 2014
- School is not the only place for sex and relationship guidance, Wilson S, The Guardian, December 2012
- How to support line managers in dealing with mental health, Wilson S, Occupational Health, June 2012
- Preventing and managing stress, Wilson S, Edge, February 2012
- Achieving the right balance, Wilson S, Occupational Health, March 2011
- Dealing with stress-related absence, Wilson S, The Guardian, November 2010
- Architecture of the diffusion system in United Kingdom, with particular reference to visual impairments, Hill D, Meager N, Wilson S, Hansen, ILS (ed.), ICT in Employment. Actors involved in innovation, production, distribution and implementation of assistive ICT in Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands and United Kingdom, FAFO / Work Research Institute, pp. 98-133, May 2009
- ICT strategy, disabled people and employment in the UK, Wilson S, Meager N, Hill D, Fossestol K (ed.), Stairway to Heaven?, Fafo/Work Research Institute (AFI/FAFO), Norway, January 2008
Conference appearances
- Addressing burnout to build sustainable careers and prosperity for all, Wilson S, National Institute for Career Education and Counselling (NICEC) Conference 2024, 02 July 2024
- Health and wellbeing at work - evidence, key issues and priorities going forward, Wilson S, Health and wellbeing in the workplace - Westminster Employment Forum, 02 June 2024
- Understanding Needs and Co-Developing a Workplace Intervention to Support Healthy Lifestyle Behaviours in Young Adults, Wilson S, Health and wellbeing at work conference 2024, 12 March 2024
- Ways for businesses and policy makers to improve quality of work in London and sectors to target, and Londoners’ satisfaction with a leisure time, Wilson S, What influences Londoners’ wellbeing and what can help?, Queen Mary University of London, 9 November 2023
- In-work poverty and mental health , Wilson S, MIND policy roundtable, 6th November 2023
- An RCT to understand the elements of successful mental health training for managers, Wilson S, Division of Occupational Psychology Annual Conference, January 2020
- Findings from the RSSB project, Wilson S, Mental Health and Wellbeing Thought Leadership Forum, January 2020
- Controlling risks & promoting mental health at work, Wilson S, Certificate in Managing Mental Health at Work Conference, The At Work Partnership and Department of Clinical Sciences at Brunel University, London, June 2019
- Understanding the evidence base for successful mental health training for line managers, Wilson S, Martin A, Westminster Insight's Managing Mental Health in the Workplace Conference, Westminster Insight, London, March 2019
- Contributor to educator wellbeing research steering group meeting, Wilson S, Education Support Partnership, Education Support Partnership, London, December 2018
- Organisational intelligence, Wilson S, The At Work Partnership seminar: Managing long-term sickness absence: a biopsychosocial approach, The At Work Partnership, London, December 2018
- Effectiveness of line manager training for mental health in the rail industry, O'Sullivan M, Wilson S, Martin A, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health Rail Industry Conference 2018, Institution of Occupational Safety and Health, Manchester, November 2018
- Practicable and implementable policy insights on the care economy, Wilson S, Bjørnholt M, Apolitical webinar: The Care Economy, Apolitical, [Online], October 2018
- Discussant on informal care economy, Wilson S, Demos roundtable on the informal care economy, Demos, London, July 2018
- Student wellbeing and what it means for recruiters, Pollard E, Wilson S, Graduate Recruitment Network seminar on student wellbeing and what it means for recruiters, Graduate Recruitment Network, London, June 2018
- Roundtable contributor, Wilson S, Social Market Foundation roundtable on the role of family in providing care, Social Market Foundation, London, April 2018
- Managing mental wellbeing in a research environment: some lessons from other sectors, Wilson S, Vitae conference: Preparing researchers for an unknown future: Cultures, behaviours and mindsets, Vitae, Birmingham, January 2018
- Exploring the wellbeing, mental health and retention of postgraduate researchers, Wilson S, Vitae Researcher Development International Conference 2017, Vitae, Birmingham, September 2017
- Finding the Right Balance, What Works for Working Carers, Wilson S, Long Term Conditions: Health at work conference 2017, Sterling Events, Birmingham, March 2017
- Organisational responses to mental health, Wilson S, Mental Health at work, The @ Work Partnership, London, February 2017
- Long-term sickness absence: why it matters and what can be done, Wilson S, Long-term sickness absence: Employee, employer and the State, Eversheds, Leeds, December 2014
- Long-term sickness absence: why it matters and what can be done, Wilson S, Long-term sickness absence: Employee, employer and the State, Eversheds, London, November 2014
- Long-term sickness absence: why it matters and what can be done, Wilson S, Long-term sickness absence: Employee, employer and the State, Eversheds, Leeds, November 2014
- Evidence Review for Preparing, Sustaining and Enhancing Psychological Resilience in the UK Armed Forces, Wilson S, 3rd Military Psychological Well-Being Conference 2014: The Psychological Well-being of the Military in Transition, The British Psychological Society (Wessex Branch), Shrivenham, November 2014
- Long-term sickness absence: why it matters and what can be done, Wilson S, Long-term sickness absence: Employee, employer and the State, Eversheds, Birmingham, October 2014
- Panel discussion: Targetted occupational health issues including stress, rehabilitation and gender related issues, Wilson S, Pushing health up the workplace agenda, British Safety Council, London, October 2014
- Quality of working life and wellbeing in an era of austerity and underemployment: A UK perspective, Wilson S, Qualite de vie au travail, Entreprise & Personnel, Paris, February 2013
- Occupational health and workability, Wilson S, Age Management in a Maturing Workforce 'Fine wine in old bottles', RoSPA and TAEN - The Age Management and Employment Network, Birmingham, June 2010
- Achieving Change Using the Supply Chain Model in Construction, Wilson S, HSE Seminar: Tackling Health Issues in Construction - the Supply Chain Model, Health Risk Management Unit, Construction Division, HSE, London, June 2010
- Managing Absence, Wilson S, Fit for work: reducing and preventing absence, Eversheds, Manchester, May 2009
- Preventing future absence, Wilson S, Fit for work: reducing and preventing absence, Eversheds, Manchester, May 2009
- Employee financial well-being: what should employers know and do about it?, Wilson S, Fit for work: reducing and preventing absence, Eversheds, Manchester, May 2009
- Preventing future absence, Wilson S, Fit for work: reducing and preventing absence, Eversheds, London, May 2009
- Health and employment: an employer perspective, Aston J, Wilson S, 17th UKPHA Annual Public Health Forum, UKPHA, London, March 2009
- Mental health issues at work: recent interventions and implications for employers and policy makers, Wilson S, Lucy D, IES 40th Anniversary Work and Well-being seminar, IES, London, October 2008
Advisory roles and affiliations
- Member of Education Support Partnership's educator wellbeing research steering group (2018 - 2018)
- Member of supervisory board for University of Manchester project on wellbeing and mental health of postgraduate researchers (2018 - present)
- Fellow of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (2018 - present)
- Expert witness to Work and Pensions Select Committee evidence session on support for carers (2018 - 2018)
- Specialist Advisor to Working Age Dementia Study, Public Health England (2015 - 2016)
- Member of advisory committee for Nuffield Foundation funded research on Lone Parents, Mental Health and Employment (2011 - 2011)
- Behavioural Specialist for Foods Standards Agency’s Register of Specialists (2018 - present)
- Peer Review for NIHR, PRP - Stage 2 - NIHR202998 - Supporting employers to narrow disability employment and pay gaps in the UK (2021 - 2021)
Projects
- NIHR - Supporting healthy lifestyles among young adults in the workplace
- Working With Cancer - employer survey
- BFI Good Work programme
- Inclusive Economy Partnership (IEP) Mental Health Workstream - HR Best Practice Support
- Qualitative research to identify what good employment support for people with epilepsy should look like
- Understanding the conditions for successful mental health training for managers
- Development of an EU framework to assess the overall impacts of occupational health and safety prevention on the performance of construction enterprises
- Understanding of mental health and wellbeing in the UK postgraduate research population
- Evaluation of Mind's Workplace Wellbeing Index
- Estimating the benefits of moving an individual from unemployment into sustainable employment - expert adviser
- Evaluation of Mind's Blue Light programme
- Evaluation of the Carers' Employment Pilot: supporting carers to remain in employment
- Evaluation of Napo for Teachers
- Review of Successful OSH Benchmarking Initiatives
- Seminars on long-term sickness absence, on behalf of Eversheds
- Understanding the Behavioural Drivers of Organisational Decision Making
- Feasibility Study: Online occupational safety and health (OSH) tools
- Review and synthesis of the regulations, cultures and behaviours evidence underlying compliance with food safety regulations
- Examination of the Evidence for Preparing, Sustaining and Enhancing Psychological and Physical Well-Being – Psychological Resilience
- Qualitative post-test on the European Survey of Enterprises on New and Emerging Risks (ESENER)
- Ex-post evaluation of the ESENER survey
- EU-OSHA website content review: Phase 2
- EU-OSHA comic strips and captures evaluation
- Scoping the development of work and cancer support for SMEs
- EU-OSHA web content review
- Impact of EU-OSHA's Sponsorship of Healthy Workplaces Film Award
- Promoting the Health and Well-being of Young People
- European Safety and Health Strategy evaluation
- Evaluation of Risk Management in Construction
- Evaluation of Occupational Health Provision on the Olympic Park
- Evaluation of an Occupational Health Helpline for SMEs
- Provision of an Evidence Review on Regulation Cultures and Behaviours
- Moving Goods Safely: an Evaluation of Success
- Mental Health and Employment
- Early Mediation in Occupational Health