Dear Visitor,

​

My name is Georgina Laux, and I am an MSc Public Policy student in the Department of Political Science at University College London (UCL). I am currently looking for participants to take part in my postgraduate research project that explores how current UK mental health policies support the transition from inpatient psychiatric care to community-based mental health support.

 

As part of this project, I am conducting confidential interviews and surveys with:

• Mental health professionals and practitioners, 

• Mental health policy experts and researchers.

 

I would be very grateful if you would consider participating or helping to share this invitation with relevant individuals in your network. Your perspective could play an important role in helping us understand how well current systems are supporting individuals during and after discharge from psychiatric care.

 

If you are interested in participating, please take a look at the information sheet below, which includes full details about the study, what participation involves, and the eligibility criteria. Participation is entirely voluntary, and all responses will be kept strictly confidential and pseudonymised.

​

Information for potential participants

​

Study Title:
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Current UK Policies Supporting the Transition from Inpatient to Community Mental Health Care

 

Researcher: Georgina Laux
Supervisor: Professor Alan Renwick
Ethics Reference Number: SHSPol-2425-103-1

 

What is this study about?

This study explores whether and how current mental health policies — such as the Community Treatment Orders (CTOs), and the NHS Long-Term Plan — are supporting individuals as they leave inpatient psychiatric care and transition back into the community.

 

Your views and experiences will help assess what is working, what challenges remain, and what improvements are needed in post-discharge support and mental health policy.

 

Who can take part?

You may be eligible to participate if you meet the following inclusion criteria:​

• You work (or have worked) in mental health policy, NHS care provision, or related research,

• You have experience with discharge planning, community mental health, or policy design/analysis,

• You are aged 18 or over and able to give informed consent,

• You are fluent in English.

 

What will your participation involve?

• A confidential, voluntary interview and/or a short online survey (you can choose to participate in both or only in one of them).

• Topics will include your experiences with or views on discharge policies, coordination of care, community services, and possible improvements.

• No sensitive or personal clinical details will be asked. 

 

What can you expect during the interview?

The interview will last about 15 to 45 minutes and can take place via Zoom, telephone, or in-person at a quiet, agreed location. It will be a conversation-style interview where you’ll be asked about your experiences, views, or professional insights related to mental health policy and the support available after discharge from inpatient care.

 

You will be asked questions about:

• How current policies — like the Community Treatment Orders (CTOs) — function in practice.

• Challenges you have observed in service delivery or coordination.

• Any improvements or reforms you believe would strengthen post-discharge care.

 

You will not be asked to share any personal, sensitive, or clinical information. You are welcome to skip any question or end the interview at any time, without giving a reason.

 

Will your responses be confidential?

Yes. All interviews and surveys are:

• Pseudonymised (names and identifying details removed and replaced with unique and anonymous participant IDs).

• Stored securely on UCL-approved storage.

• Used only for this research project and any future academic publications with your identity fully protected.

 

Your pseudonymised responses will be used in my MSc dissertation at UCL.

Some of your feedback may be quoted (anonymously) in academic writing or presentations.

Your data will not be used for commercial or clinical purposes.

 

Data Protection Privacy Notice

The UCL General Research Participant Privacy Notice Research Privacy Policy can be found at: 

https://www.ucl.ac.uk/legal-services/privacy/ucl-general-research-participant-privacy-notice

 

The legal basis used to process your personal data will be legitimate interests. The legal basis used to process special category personal data (e.g., data that reveals racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, health, sex life or sexual orientation, genetic or biometric data) will be for scientific and historical research or statistical purposes.

​

To request a copy of the data held about you, please contact: data-protection@ucl.ac.uk

​

What if you have a question or complaint?

If you have any questions regarding this study please contact the researcher, Georgina Laux, on uctqgl4@ucl.ac.uk.

If you have any concerns or complaints regarding the conduct of this research, please contact the Department of Political Science Research Ethics Committee via polsci.ethics@ucl.ac.uk. 

 

Can you withdraw?

You can withdraw from the study at any point until 25 August 2025 without having to give a reason. If any questions during the interview make you feel uncomfortable, you do not have to answer them. Withdrawing from the study will have no effect on you. If you withdraw from the study, I will not retain the information you have given thus far, unless you are happy for me to do so. 

 

Who to contact with questions:

Georgina Laux: uctqgl4@ucl.ac.uk
UCL Research Ethics: polsci.ethics@ucl.ac.uk