Professor Paul Montgomery-Marks

By appointment

• DPhil Oxford 2002 - Child Psychiatry
• DipSW 1996 Oxford
• MSc 1996 Oxford Applied Social Studies
• BA (Hons) 1984 Keele Geography and Economics

Professor Paul Montgomery-Marks’ research sits at the intersection of public health, social policy, and evidence-based practice. His work examines how interventions and systems influence health, wellbeing, and social outcomes — with a strong emphasis on equity, evidence use, and real-world impact.

Professor Montgomery-Marks’ current academic work can be considered in two broad categories:

1. Methodology of Psycho-Social Intervention,
2. Studies and trials related to Behavioural Interventions.

Methodology

Paul's methodological work is having a considerable impact on the ways that randomised trials and systematic reviews are conducted and reported in the rapidly growing field of social intervention. He has recently spearheaded the development of CONSORT-SPI a reporting guideline for randomised trials of complex psychological and social interventions. He also led the development of the Oxford Implementation Index, and has researched the significance and utility of so-called 'empty reviews' (i.e., systematic reviews which find no studies eligible for inclusion). He also led a project assessing GRADE Extension for Complex Interventions funded by ESRC. More recently he worked with colleagues on the LYPSA project to look at recruitment issues in trials (Keemink, J. R., Stander, W. J., Montgomery, P., & Schaub, J. (2025). Recruitment and Retention of Social Workers as Research Participants: Lessons from a Randomized Controlled Trial. Social Work Research, svaf002).

Behavioural Interventions

Paul's study of behavioural interventions began with his doctoral work evaluating Brief Interventions for sleep problems, and has evolved into a large, successful programme of systematic reviews and (mostly) randomised trials. This work has developed in a number of directions and he has supported a number of key trials in recent years including ones that have changed policy and practice considerably including:

Self-Harm, Suicidal Behaviours, and Cyberbullying in Children and Young People: Systematic Review. John, A., Glendinning, A. C., Marchant, A., Montgomery, P., Stewart, A., Wood, S., Lloyd, K. & Hawton, K., 19 Apr 2018, In: Journal of Medical Internet Research. 20, 4, p. 1-15 e129.

Menstruation and the cycle of poverty: a cluster quasi-randomised control trial of sanitary pad and puberty education provision in Uganda. Montgomery, P., Hennegan, J., Dolan, C., Wu, M., Steinfield, L. & Scott, L., 21 Dec 2016, PLoS ONE. 11, 12, e0166122.

Transporting evidence-based parenting programs for child problem behavior (age 3–10) between countries: systematic review and meta-analysis.Gardner, F. E. M., Montgomery, P. & Knerr, W., Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. 45, 6, p. 749-762

Prof Montgomery-Marks provides guest lectures across the University from time to time.

Prof Montgomery-Marks has supervised over 20 doctoral students to successful completion and is currently supervising PhD projects looking at a range of social work intervention and social policy topics in collaboration with other members of the department.

PhD title

Brief treatment for child sleep disorders (University of Oxford, 2001)

Tackling Gambling Harms

This interdisciplinary research programme aims to optimise the delivery of an equitable public health approach to gambling. The work focuses on evaluating laws, assessing population-level harms, and identifying what outcomes matter most to affected communities.

Nearly half of UK adults gamble monthly, with far-reaching consequences — including addiction, debt, and mental ill-health. This research supports policy and practice to reduce harm across sectors.

Phase 1: Reviewing Laws

• Analyse existing research on gambling-related legislation.
• Engage with affected individuals to understand law effectiveness.
• Share findings with policymakers, researchers, and the public.

Phase 2: Understanding Harms

• Use diverse data sources to identify who is most affected.
• Conduct a UK-wide survey, focusing on underrepresented communities.

Phase 3: Identifying Key Outcomes

• Consult experts, stakeholders, and those with lived experience.
• Determine which outcomes should be measured to reduce harm

This project is in collaboration with a range of researchers from across the University as well as experts by experience.

Professor Joht Singh Chandan and Professor Kate Bedford (PIs). Other Co-Investigators:Dr Ameeta Retzer, Dr Edward Day, Dr Francesca Crowe, Dr Nicola Adderley, Prof G.J. Melendez-Torres, Prof Krishnarajah Nirantharakumar, Prof Caroline Bradbury-Jones, Mr Graham Fewell, Dr Christine Burt, Dr Siddhartha Bandyopadhyay.  

Psycho-Education for Patients Undergoing Surgery

These projects seek to co-design a range of psycho-educational interventions that address the psychological impact of surgery around Total Knee Replacement, Hip Replacement and related conditions following joint replacement surgery.

The first of these projects - My Knee Plan, is now complete and we have begun disseminating results, firstly via conferences and papers are being submitted. Examples are here-

1. Bertram W, Jameson C, Montgomery P, Moore A, Whitehouse M, Wylde V, The My Knee Plan Co-production Group. Co-production of a complex intervention for people having knee replacement surgery: The My Knee Plan Study. International Clinical Trials Methodology Conference (ICTMC) 2024.
2. Bertram W, Lamb J, Nijjher J, Howells N, Falatoori J, Kurien K, Scott C, Montgomery P, Moore A, Wylde V, Whitehouse M. Reasons for cancellation of total knee replacement surgery in the United Kingdom. European Orthopaedic Research Society (EORS) conference 2024.
3. Bertram W, Jameson C, Montgomery P, Moore A, Whitehouse M, Wylde V, The My Knee Plan Co-production Group. Co-production of a complex intervention for people having knee replacement surgery: The My Knee Plan Study. International Clinical Trials Methodology Conference (ICTMC) 2024. 

Our latest project supported by the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit funding stream is due to began in November 2025 with Prof Andrew Moore at the University of Bristol.

Prosthetic Joint Infection affects 1–4% of patients and is associated with pain, disability, and mental distress comparable to that experienced by cancer patients. Despite guidelines, structured psychological support is rarely provided in NHS settings.

• Design and Methods:
• Evidence review of psychological and digital interventions.
• Data analysis to map unmet mental health needs.
• Co-design of a digital tool and logic model. 

Third Sector Research

Professor Montgomery-Marks’ research on philanthropy and the third sector explores how evidence, trust, and relationships shape giving decisions among high-net-worth donors. This work contributes to a deeper understanding of how charitable funding can be made more effective and equitable.

Key Publications

Montgomery-Marks, P., Bandyopadhyay, S., Weisman, C. B., & Bose, T. (2025). Economic burden of PTSD in the UK: a systematic review and economic analysis. BMJ Open, 15(7), e084394.

Greenhalgh, C. & Montgomery, P. (2024). How trust and relationships impact on the giving decisions of philanthropists. Journal of Philanthropy and Marketing, 29(2), e1854.

Greenhalgh, C. & Montgomery, P. (2023). Seeing is believing: How high and ultra-high-net-worth donors utilise evidence to inform their giving. Journal of Philanthropy and Marketing, e1809.

Greenhalgh, C. & Montgomery, P. (2020). Barriers to and facilitators of the use of evidence by philanthropists when determining which charities to fund. Systematic Reviews, 9(1), 199.

Social Work Research

Professor Montgomery-Marks has undertaken extensive research into the practice, education, and lived experiences within social work. His projects explore themes such as communication skills training, support for care-experienced young people, and the inclusion of LGBTQ+ youth in social care systems.

Selected Publications

Reith-Hall, E. & Montgomery, P. (2022). The teaching and learning of communication skills in social work education. Research on Social Work Practice, 32(7), 793–813.

Foskolos, K., Gardner, F., & Montgomery, P. (2023). Brief parenting seminars for preventing child behavioural and emotional difficulties. Journal of Child and Family Studies, 32(10), 3063–3075.

Whitley-Gronborg, M., Fenton, S.-J., Woodcock, K. A., & Montgomery, P. (2025). Identifying key independent living skills for care experienced children. Children and Youth Services Review (E-pub ahead of print). 

The LYPSA Project: LGBTQ+ Young People in Social Care

The LYPSA (LGBTQ+ Young People in Social Care) project included three studies aimed at understanding and improving the experiences of sexual and gender minority youth in England. The research team worked closely with young advisors and partner organisations to share findings widely across England.

Impact and Engagement Highlights:

• Presented findings at over 25 national forums, including BASW, the Department for Education, and the Home Office.
• Engaged approximately 1,400 social workers and leaders through conferences and teaching partnerships (2022–23).
• Findings featured in sector publications including LGA First and Professional Social Work magazines.
• Joint Social Work Education and Research Conference (Nov 2022)
• National Children and Adult Services Conference (Nov 2022)
• Hochschule RheinMain, Wiesbaden Germany (Nov 2022)
• Social Work Week, Social Work England (Mar 2023)
• European Conference for Social Work Research (Apr 2023)
• Sexuality and Social Work Conference (Jul 2023)
• Principal Social Worker Network Event (Jul 2023)
• Schaub, J., Keemink, J. R., Stander, W. J., & Montgomery, P. (2023). Effectiveness of an LGBTQ+ E-Learning Module for Social Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Research on Social Work Practice.
• Schaub, J., Stander, W. J., & Montgomery, P. (2023). Residential Social Care Experiences of LGBTQ+ Young People in England: A Qualitative Interview Study. The British Journal of Social Work, bcad158.
• Schaub, J., Stander, W. J., & Montgomery, P. (2022). LGBTQ+ Young People’s Health and Well-being Experiences in Out-of-Home Social Care: A Scoping Review. Children and Youth Services Review, 106682.
• Keemink, J. R., Stander, W. J., Montgomery, P., & Schaub, J. (2025). Recruitment and Retention of Social Workers as Research Participants: Lessons from a Randomized Controlled Trial. Social Work Research, svaf002.

Selected LYPSA Publications 

Child Neglect Assessment

Working with Simon Haworth and Dr Jason Schaub, Professor Montgomery-Marks co-supervised research focused on improving the assessment of child neglect. This work has informed professional guidance and developed new measurement tools for multi-agency practitioners.

• Haworth, S., Schaub, J., & Montgomery, P. (2024). Exploring social workers’ views on assessing child neglect in England and Wales. Child Abuse Review, 33(1), e2857.
• Haworth, S., Montgomery, P., & Schaub, J. (2023). A Delphi study to develop items for a new tool for measuring child neglect. Social Sciences, 12(4), 239.
• Haworth, S., Schaub, J., Kidney, E., & Montgomery, P. (2022). A systematic review of measures of child neglect. Research on Social Work Practice, 1–24.

Criminological Research 

Professor Montgomery-Marks’ criminological work evaluates interventions designed to reduce youth violence and reoffending. His collaborations bridge health, education, and justice sectors, producing actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners.

• Heroin Assisted Treatment for Key Health Outcomes in People with Chronic Heroin Addictions: A Context-Focused Systematic Review — McNair, R., Monaghan, M., & Montgomery, P. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 247, 109869.
• Redthread Youth Violence Intervention Programme: Pilot Trial Report — Montgomery-Marks, P. et al. (2024). Youth Endowment Fund.
• Remedi Restorative Mentors: Pilot Trial Report — Bandyopadhyay, S. et al. (2024). Youth Endowment Fund.
• United Borders — Bradbury-Jones, C. et al. (2022–24). Youth Endowment Fund.
• Preventing Violence Against Women and Girls and Supporting Children (PSVC): What Works Fund — Home Office project (2022–25). 

This work has been conducted in collaboration with Profs Sid Bandyopadhyay and Joht Chanden and others from the Centre for Crime Justice and Policing and Prof Mark Monaghan from Loughborough University. 

• Member, Cross-Whitehall Trial Advice Panel, Cabinet Office, Government of the United Kingdom
• Affiliate Professor, Department of Family Studies, University of Malta
• Member, Advisory Panel, What Works Centre for Wellbeing, London
• NIHR Doctoral Panel Member
• Associate Editor – Systematic Literature Reviews, International Journal of Social Welfare
• Editor, Developmental, Psychosocial and Learning Problems Group (DPLPG) of the Cochrane Collaboration
• Consulting Editor, Information for Practice, New York University (NYU)