Dr Nina Maxwell
Principal Research Fellow, CASCADE
- maxwelln2@cardiff.ac.uk
- +44 (0)29 2251 0944
- sbarc|spark, Maindy Road, Cathays, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
I am a chartered psychologist and mixed methods researcher with interests in three areas: adolescence, workforce development and private family law. I am speciality co-lead for social care research in Wales and Acting Deputy Director for CASCADE.
My research on Youth, Society and Risk focuses on improving the outcomes for young people. I have undertaken numerous research and evaluation studies across a range of areas including adoption, child criminal exploitation, father engagement, home education, and youth violence. I am currently leading a study on the referral pathways and service outcomes for criminally exploited young people in Wales.
My research on workforce development has included evaluative research fast track training programmes for social workers and studies on specific interventions, such as Video Interaction Guidance.
Finally, I have conducted several evidence reviews in private family law, e.g. shared parenting, and parental alienation. More recently, I conducted a research study on the development of Supporting Separating Families Alliances in Wales.
My research interests have come together in a key part of my current role - in which I am coordinating and developing the evaluative work of CASCADE as part of Health and Care Research Wales infrastructure funding. This is an exciting opportunity to bring my areas of interest together and to develop the skills and knowledge of other researchers. We are fortunate that this strand of our work is being delivered in partnership with Professor Mike Robling of the Centre for Trials Research, and I am looking forward to exploring the development of advanced evaluative methodologies across children's social care.
Biography
Education and qualifications
- 2002: PhD (Psychology and Education), University of Glamorgan
- 2004: MSc Occupational Psychology, Cardiff University
- 1998: BSc (Hons) Psychology with Criminal Justice, University of Glamorgan
Honours and awards
- Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (AFBPsS)
Professional memberships
- Chartered Psychologist, British Psychological Society
Academic positions
- Principal Research Fellow, CASCADE, Cardiff University (2022 - current)
- Senior Research Fellow, CASCADE, Cardiff University (2020 - 2022)
- Research Fellow, CASCADE, Cardiff University (2019 - 2020)
- Research Associate, CASCADE, Cardiff University (2014 - 2018)
- Research Consultant, Huxley-Maxwell Consultants (2012 - 2013)
- Research Associate, School of Social Sciences, Cardiff University (2010 - 2011)
- Research Officer, Centre for Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University (2007 - 2009)
- Research Associate, School of Social Science, Cardiff University (2001-2006)
- Simulation Fellow, Centre for Lifelong Learning University of Glamorgan (1998-2001)
Speaking engagements
- Welsh Centre for Crime and Social Justice (2023)
- Tackling County Lines: A shared responsibility. Regional Police Conference (2023)
- European Society of Criminology, Malaga, Spain (2022)
- European Social Services Conference, Milan, Italy (2019).
- Association for Video Interaction Guidance UK International Conference (2018).
- European Scientific Association on Residential and Family Care for Children and Adolescents, Porto, Portugal (2018).
Committees and reviewing
- NIHR, HTA Programme, Prioritisation Committee: Social Care
- Evaluation Technical Advisory Group: Youth Endowment Fund
- External committee member for the Cafcass Research Advisory Committee.
- Associate member of the Wales Violence Prevention Unit.
- Member of the School of Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (SREC).
- Editorial Board member for the British Journal of Social Work
- Reviewer for social work and education journals.
Publications
2024
- Maxwell, N. and Corliss, C. 2024. I am not going to lie; some people do not even want to talk: Co‐design with vulnerable groups affected by child criminal exploitation. Children & Society (10.1111/chso.12833)
2023
- Rees, A., Maxwell, N., Powell, J., Corliss, C., Khan, A. and O'Donnell, C. 2023. Fostering wellbeing: placing foster carers centre stage. Adoption and Fostering 47(4), pp. 453-470. (10.1177/03085759231208460)
- Maxwell, N. 2023. I ain't going to lie; some people don't even want to talk: Co-design with vulnerable groups affected by child criminal exploitation. Children & Society
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2023. Retention in statutory social work from fast-track child and family programmes. Journal of Social Work 23(6), pp. 1022-1042. (10.1177/14680173231194432)
- Maxwell, N., Ablitt, J., Bennett, C., Bezeczky, Z. and Nightingale, M. 2023. Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention Service Evaluation. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: https://cascadewales.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/06/SOCEIS-Evaluation-2023.pdf
2022
- Maxwell, N. 2022. I'm trying to save my family: Parent experiences of child criminal exploitation. Youth Justice 23(2), pp. 243-258. (10.1177/14732254221122559)
- Maxwell, N., Williams, A., Ablitt, J., Bezeczky, Z., Thompson, S. and Crowley, A. 2022. Serious Organised Crime Early Intervention Service: Interim Evaluation Report. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: https://cascadewales.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/10/Serious-Organised-Crime-Early-Intervention-Service-Evaluation-Report.pdf
- Rees, A., Maxwell, N., Lyttleton-Smith, J. and Staples, E. 2022. Visiting mum: children's perspectives on a supported scheme when visiting their mother in prison. Child Care in Practice 28(3), pp. 247-262. (10.1080/13575279.2020.1769025)
- Maxwell, N. 2022. Using programme theory to identify the key elements of the Frontline programme. Social Work Education 41(5), pp. 926-942. (10.1080/02615479.2021.1903415)
- Corliss, C., Addis, S., El-Banna, A., Maxwell, N., Scourfield, J., Warner, N. and Williams, A. 2022. The views of local authorities in England on how to prevent children being in care. Child Care in Practice 28(4), pp. 576-592. (10.1080/13575279.2021.1975648)
- Maxwell, N. and Ablitt, J. 2022. ‘Walking the walk’: Peer mentoring in a youth diversion service. Presented at: EUROCRIM 2022: Annual Congress of the European Society of Criminolog, Malaga, Spain, 21-24 September 2022.
- Maxwell, N. and Ablitt, J. 2022. Child criminal exploitation: working with parents rather than against them.. Presented at: EUROCRIM 2022: Annual Congress of the European Society of Criminology, Malaga, Spain, 21-24 September 2022.
2021
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2021. Social work fast-track programmes: Retention and progression. Final report. Project Report. [Online]. Department for Education, UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-work-fast-track-programmes-tracking-study
- Maxwell, N. and Wallace, C. 2021. Child criminal exploitation in Wales. CASCADE. Available at: https://cascadewales.org/new-interim-report-on-child-criminal-exploitation-in-wales/
2020
- Maxwell, N. and Corliss, C. 2020. Implementing co-productive practice with public services: messages from the research. Wales Violence Prevention Unit. Available at: https://www.violencepreventionwales.co.uk/cms-assets/research/Implementing-co-productive-practice-with-public-services.pdf
- Maxwell, N. and Corliss, C. 2020. Good practice in youth violence prevention: A mapping and horizon scanning review. Wales Violence Prevention Unit. Available at: https://www.violencepreventionwales.co.uk/cms-assets/research/Mapping-and-horizon-scanning-review-of-youth-violence-prevention.pdf
- Scourfield, J., Maxwell, N., Venn, L., Carpenter, J., Stepanova, E. and Smith, R. 2020. Social work fast track programmes: tracking retention and progression - interim report. Department for Education. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/social-work-fast-track-programmes-tracking-study
- Rees, A., Casserly, N. and Maxwell, N. 2020. Developing an effective model for IFST to reduce interpersonal conflict and abuse in families with children.
- Doughty, J., Maxwell, N. and Slater, T. 2020. Professional responses to 'parental alienation': research-informed practice. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law 42(1), pp. 68-79. (10.1080/09649069.2020.1701938)
- Maxwell, N., Doughty, J., Slater, T., Forrester, D. and Rhodes, K. 2020. Home education for children with additional learning needs – a better choice or the only option?. Educational Review 72(4), pp. 427-442. (10.1080/00131911.2018.1532955)
- Wilkins, D. et al. 2020. Outcomes-focused supervision: a pilot and feasibility study. Project Report. [Online]. London: What Works Centre for Children's Social Care. Available at: https://whatworks-csc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/WWCSC_Outcomes-Focused-Supervision_full-report.pdf
2019
- Roberts, L., Maxwell, N. and Elliott, M. 2019. When young people in and leaving state care become parents: What happens and why?. Children and Youth Services Review 104, pp. 104387. (10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104387)
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2019. Video Interaction guidance: a return to traditional values and relationship-based practice?. British Journal of Social Work 49(6), pp. 1415-1433. (10.1093/bjsw/bcz067)
- Roberts, L. and Maxwell, N. 2019. Supporting women at risk of repeat care proceedings: The development of Reflect services in Wales. Presented at: 27th European Social Services Conference, Milan, Italy, 5-7 June 2019.
- Scourfield, J. et al. 2019. Evaluation of a fast-track postgraduate social work program in England using simulated practice. Research on Social Work Practice 29(4), pp. 363-374. (10.1177/1049731517735575)
- Maxwell, N., Rees, A. and Thomas, S. 2019. The impact of staff training in VIG for professionals and families. Cardiff: CASCADE.
- Rees, A. et al. 2019. Final Report for Evaluation of Fostering Wellbeing Programme 2019.
- Maxwell, N., Wallace, C., Cummings, A., Bayfield, H. and Morgan, H. 2019. A systematic map and synthesis review of child criminal exploitation. Project Report. National Safeguarding Panel: Wales.
2018
- Addis, S., Corliss, C., El-Banna, A., Maxwell, N., Scourfield, J., Warner, N. and Williams, A. 2018. Reducing the need for children to enter into care: a survey of approaches used by local authorities in England. Project Report. [Online]. London: What Works Centre for Children's Social Care. Available at: https://whatworks-csc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Reducing_the_number_of_children_in_statutory_care_a_survey_of_local_authorities.pdf
- Rees, A., Maxwell, N., Slater, T. and Pitt, C. 2018. Developing an effective model for IFST to reduce interpersonal conflict and abuse in families with children.
- Doughty, J., Maxwell, N. and Slater, T. 2018. Parental alienation: in search of evidence. Family Law 48, pp. 1304-1307.
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2018. The impact of VIG for professionals and families. Presented at: Association for Video Interaction Guidance UK International Conference: Catching the Waves of Attunement, Cornwall, UK, 27 September 2018.
- Roberts, L., Maxwell, N., Messenger, R. and Palmer, C. 2018. Evaluation of Reflect in Gwent: Final Report. Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: https://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/cascade/our-projects/reflect/
- Doughty, J., Maxwell, N. and Slater, T. 2018. Review of research and case law on parental alienation. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: Welsh Government. Available at: https://beta.gov.wales/sites/default/files/publications/2018-05/review-of-research-and-case-law-on-parental-alienation.pdf
- Maxwell, N., Scourfield, J., De Villiers, T., Pithouse, A. and Zhang, M. L. 2018. The pre-training characteristics of Frontline participants and mainstream social work students. British Journal of Social Work 48(2), pp. 487-504. (10.1093/bjsw/bcx042)
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2018. Video Interaction Guidance Evaluation. Presented at: South Wales Practitioner Workshop, Cardiff, UK, 27 March 2018.
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2018. Video Interaction Guidance Evaluation. Presented at: North Wales Practitioner Workshop, Wrexham, UK, 26 March 2018.
- Maxwell, N. and Rees, A. 2018. Video Interaction Guidance: Emerging findings from a UK study into the use of VIG to reduce the numbers of children in care and to support relationship building in foster care and adoption. Presented at: European Scientific Association on Residential and Family Care for Children and Adolescents, Porto, Portugal, 2-5 October 2018.
2017
- Forrester, D., Maxwell, N., Slater, T. and Doughty, J. 2017. An evidence based review of the risks to children and young people who are educated at home. National Independent Safeguarding Board. Available at: http://safeguardingboard.wales/2017/11/23/home-education-children-report-2/
- Rees, A., Staples, E. and Maxwell, N. 2017. Evaluation of Visiting Mum Scheme: Final Report June 2017. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/cascade/files/2017/09/Final-PACT-report-Final-version.-12.7.17.pdf
2016
- Roberts, L., Maxwell, N., Rees, P., Holland, S. and Forbes, N. 2016. Improving well-being and outcomes for looked after children in Wales: A context sensitive review of interventions. Adoption and Fostering 40(4), pp. 309-324. (10.1177/0308575916675563)
- Maxwell, N., Rees, A. and Williams, A. 2016. Evaluation of the Video Interaction Guidance Service, Cornwall Council. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: CASCADE. Available at: http://sites.cardiff.ac.uk/cascade/files/2017/09/VIG-Evaluation-Report.pdf
- Maxwell, N. et al. 2016. Independent evaluation of the Frontline pilot: Research report. Project Report. [Online]. Department for Education. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/frontline-pilot-independent-evaluation
2014
- Evans, S., Huxley, P., Maxwell, N. and Huxley, K. L. 2014. System-level change in mental health services in North Wales: an observational study using systems thinking. International Journal of Social Psychiatry 60(4), pp. 337. (10.1177/0020764013489672)
- Ottaway, H., Holland, S. and Maxwell, N. 2014. The provision and experience of adoption support services in Wales: perspectives from adoption agencies and adoptive parents.. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: Welsh Assembly Government. Available at: http://gov.wales/docs/dhss/publications/140702researchen.pdf
2012
- Maxwell, N., Scourfield, J. B., Holland, S., Featherstone, B. and Lee, J. 2012. The benefits and challenges of training child protection social workers in father engagement. Child Abuse Review 21(4), pp. 299-310. (10.1002/car.2218)
- Maxwell, N., Scourfield, J. B., Featherstone, B., Holland, S. and Tolman, R. 2012. Engaging fathers in child welfare services: A narrative review of recent research evidence. Child and Family Social Work 17(2), pp. 160-169. (10.1111/j.1365-2206.2012.00827.x)
- Scourfield, J. B., Tolman, R., Maxwell, N., Holland, S., Bullock, A. D. and Sloan, L. 2012. Results of a training course for social workers on engaging fathers in child protection. Children and Youth Services Review 34(8), pp. 1425-1432. (10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.03.022)
2011
- Maxwell, N., Scourfield, J. B., Gould, N. and Huxley, P. 2011. UK panel data on social work service users. British Journal of Social Work 42(1), pp. 165-184. (10.1093/bjsw/bcr051)
2009
- Greenland, K., Scourfield, J. B., Maxwell, N., Prior, L. and Scourfield, J. 2009. Theoretical antecedents of distress disclosure in a community sample of young people. Journal of Applied Social Psychology 39(9), pp. 2045-2068. (10.1111/j.1559-1816.2009.00515.x)
- Scourfield, J. B. and Maxwell, N. 2009. Social work doctoral students in the UK: a web-based survey and search of the index to theses. British Journal of Social Work 40(2), pp. 548-566. (10.1093/bjsw/bcn165)
- Fitzgerald, K. and Maxwell, N. 2009. The roles and responsibilities of health practitioners of older adults in emergency management. Project Report. [Online]. Public Health Agency of Canada. Available at: http://www.ccsmh.ca/en/resources/emergencyPreparedness.cfm
- Evans, S. et al. 2009. International recruitment in social work and social care in wales: the workers' and their colleagues' views. Project Report. Wales Office of Research and Development.
- Evans, S., Huxley, P., Maxwell, N., Mayo, R., Philpin, S. and Howell, E. 2009. High impact changes in social care: a scoping review. Project Report. [Online]. National Assembly for Wales. Available at: http://www.assembly.wales/cy/bus-home/bus-third-assembly/3-committees/3-scrutiny/3-hwlg/business-hwlg-inquiries/bus-committees-third-hwlg-inquiries_-_wfp/hwlg3-workforce_planning_inquiry/Pages/hwlg3-swanseauniversity.aspx
2008
- Lambert, P., Scourfield, J. B., Smalley, N. and Jones, R. 2008. The social context of school bullying: evidence from a survey of children in South Wales. Research Papers in Education 23(3), pp. 269-291. (10.1080/02671520701809866)
- Scourfield, J. B. and Smalley, N. 2008. Social work doctoral students in the UK. Southampton, UK: The Higher Education Academy Subject Centre for Social Policy and Social Work (SWAP). Available at: http://www.swap.ac.uk/docs/projects/rpt_jscourfield_online.pdf
- Maegusuku-Hewett, T., Kalicinski, L. and Smalley, N. 2008. Agenda for action - the care and protection of asylum-seeker and trafficked children in Wales. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: Save the Children Wales. Available at: http://www.wsmp.org.uk/documents/wsmp/Asylum%20Seeking%20Children/Reports/Agenda%20for%20Action.eng.Dec.08.pdf
2007
- Maegusuku-Hewett, T., Dunkerley, D., Scourfield, J. B. and Smalley, N. 2007. Refugee children in Wales: coping and adaptation in the face of adversity. Children & Society 21(4), pp. 309-321. (10.1111/j.1099-0860.2007.00102.x)
- Scourfield, J. B., Jacob, N. K., Smalley, N., Prior, L. and Greenland, K. 2007. Young people's gendered interpretations of suicide and attempted suicide. Child & Family Social Work 12(3), pp. 248-257. (10.1111/j.1365-2206.2007.00498.x)
2006
- Dunkerley, D., Scourfield, J. B., Maegusuku-Hewett, T. and Smalley, N. 2006. Children seeking asylum in Wales. Journal of Refugee Studies 19(4), pp. 488-508. (10.1093/refuge/fel019)
- Dunkerley, D., Scourfield, J., Maegusuku-Hewett, T. and Smalley, N. 2006. The experiences of front-line staff working with children seeking asylum. In: Jones Finer, C. ed. Migration, Immigration and Social Policy. London: Wiley-Blackwell, pp. 81-92.
2005
- Dunkerley, D., Scourfield, J. B., Maegusuku-Hewett, T. and Smalley, N. 2005. The experiences of frontline staff working with children seeking asylum. Social Policy and Administration 39(6), pp. 640-652. (10.1111/j.1467-9515.2005.00461.x)
- Smalley, N., Scourfield, J. B. and Greenland, K. 2005. Young people, gender and suicide: A review of research on the social context. Journal of Social Work 5(2), pp. 133-154. (10.1177/1468017305054953)
- Hewett, T., Smalley, N., Dunkerley, D. and Scourfield, J. B. 2005. Uncertain futures: children seeking asylum in Wales. Project Report. [Online]. Cardiff: Save the Children Wales. Available at: http://www.savethechildren.org.uk/resources/online-library/uncertain-futures-children-seeking-asylum-in-wales
2004
- Smalley, N. and Scourfield, J. B. 2004. The potential of research project websites. British Journal of Social Work 34(4), pp. 591-598. (10.1093/bjsw/bch068)
- Smalley, N., Scourfield, J. B., Greenland, K. and Prior, L. 2004. Services for suicidal young people: qualitative research on lay and professional perspectives. Youth & Policy:The Journal of Critical Analysis 83, pp. 1-18.
2003
- Smalley, N. 2003. Chalk, talk, technology and the teacher: teacher decisions in blended learning. Welsh Journal of Education 12(1), pp. 53-63.
- Selwyn, N. and Smalley, N. 2003. An evaluation of the BBC/Nuffield prototype hybrid courses. Project Report. [Online]. BBC/Nuffield. Available at: http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/sites/default/files/full_evaluation.pdf
2001
- Smalley, N., Graff, M. and Saunders, D. 2001. A revised computer attitude scale for secondary students.. Educational and Child Psychology 18(3), pp. 47-57.
- Smalley, N., Saunders, D. and Hodson, P. 2001. An electronic newspaper simulation. International Journal of Simulation and Gaming 33, pp. 89-93.
- Smalley, N. and Saunders, D. 2001. The development of an internet simulation for adults into a widening access initiative. Journal of Vocational Education & Training 53(3), pp. 355-372. (10.1080/13636820100200173)
2000
- Saunders, D. and Smalley, N. eds. 2000. The international simulation and gaming research yearbook: simulations and games for transition and change. Routledge.
Teaching
- Social Work Research in Action (Doctor of Social Work and MSc Social Science Research Methods)
- Lectures and workshops on various topics, including child criminal exploitation, systematic reviewing
Research interests:
- Youth, Society and Risk
- Workforce development
- Private family law
Current research projects:
What are the service outcomes for criminally exploited children? A case study of criminally exploited children’s service journeys in two local authorities in Wales
The aim of this 2-year project is to create detailed case studies of criminally exploited young people’s lived experiences of service pathways, provision and outcomes five years prior to referral acceptance and up to 2 years after.
The aim of this 2-year project is to create detailed case studies of criminally exploited young people’s lived experiences of service pathways, provision and outcomes five years prior to referral acceptance and up to 2 years after.
The aim of this evaluation is to examine the implementation, delivery and impact of the service across four sites in the UK on diverting children and young people from criminality based on (1) analysis of service data, (2) an online survey (3) semi-structured interviews, (4) case file analysis, and (5) analysis of police administrative data. In addition, the evaluation examines the thematic areas of identification, capacity building, multi-agency working, and targeted interventions.
Past research projects:
In partnership with Barnardo’s, this 18-month exploratory research project is aimed at creating a toolkit for an effective service response to improve the outcomes for children at risk or involved in county lines. This project will contribute to the knowledge base regarding the nature and scale of the problem, what approaches and interventions are most effective and how contextual safeguarding approaches can be used in practice within the Welsh context.
I convene the Youth, Society and Risk Research Development Group in CASCADE
Supervision
I am interested in supervising PhD students with interests connected to:
- Youth, Society and Risk including child criminal exploitation.
- Workforce development.
- Private law.
