The Impact of Peter Huxley’s Work: A personal and professional reflection

Martin Webber

doi:10.1921/swssr20252468

Authors

Martin Webber University of York https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3604-1376

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/swssr20252468

Keywords:

mental health social work, outcome measurement, intervention research, research capacity

Abstract

This paper explores the impact Peter Huxley had on one of his PhD students who went on to forge a career in mental health social work research. It provides a personal reflection on the stimulus and inspiration Peter provided through his research interests and his concern for methodological rigour. The paper relates a sequence of events through the author’s research career and their origins in Peter’s work. This began with a piece of practice research which provided a gateway to a Fellowship. Alongside PhD research, they collaborated on mental health social work workforce research and the development of social outcome measures in mental health services. This provided the foundation for the author’s subsequent focus on intervention research, through which Peter’s legacy is evident.

Author Biography

Martin Webber, University of York

Professor Webber’s research focuses on the development and evaluation of social interventions for people with mental health problems. He maintains close connections to social work practice through teaching and working with practitioners. His interests in outcome measurement were stimulated by Peter Huxley’s research and remain undimmed.

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