REF Impact Case Study: Enabling Democracy: Using Work Psychology to Improve National and Local Political Leadership

Since 2001, Professor Jo Silvester’s unique programme of applied psychology research has directly impacted professional standards and training in UK political contexts and inspired changes in Parliament’s working culture. The selection and assessment processes she designed for the Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats have been used to approve nearly 400 parliamentary candidates in four general elections and increase gender diversity. Around 30,000 local Councillors in England and Wales elected since 2013 have benefitted from the Political Skills Framework created by Silvester. New since REF2014, Silvester’s research influenced the reform of governance structures in the House of Commons. She designed the culture change programme and identified shared values that were incorporated into the House Service Strategy 2016-20.

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