Policy & Advocacy

Our research helps to shape public policy around grief, bereavement and end-of-life care. The Bristol Centre for Grief Research and Engagement works in collaboration with National Bereavement Alliance and other key stakeholders, including Marie Curie, Cruse Bereavement Support, Hospice UK, and Sue Ryder. Building on our nationally award-winning policy impact activities, we aim for two-way partnerships which ensure our research is needed, used, and has impact and influence.

Grief during the COVID-19 pandemic

A joint University of Bristol and Cardiff University study investigating experiences of end-of-life care and grief during the COVID-19 pandemic shaped the UK’s policies and services around bereavement by highlighting the importance of equal, timely access to support. Led by Emily Harrop and Lucy Selman, the project was shortlisted by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) for the prestigious ‘Celebrating Impact Prize 2023’. The ESRC short film about the project is available to watch below.

The front cover of Bereavement is Everyone’s Business, the UK Commission on Bereavement (UKCB)’s report on the findings of one of the largest ever bereavement support consultations in the UK.

As members of the UK Commission on Bereavement Steering Group, Prof. Selman and Dr. Harrop helped conduct the groundbreaking public and professional consultation represented by its landmark report, Bereavement is Everyone’s Business, and continue to work to further its recommendations.

Grief education in schools

Since 2021, a team led by Lesel Dawson has been working on research which supports the campaign for grief education in schools, in collaboration with Child Bereavement UK, Childhood Bereavement Network and now with the Grief Education Influencing Group. Funded by Brigstow and AHRC and ESRC Impact grants, the team’s article and  policy brief demonstrates the need for mandatory grief education in all UK countries and offers evidence-based recommendations for its implementation.  

Open-access article on grief education in schools, published in Bereavement in 2023

Influencing policy makers

We regularly submit evidence to All Party Parliamentary Groups, Select Committees and Government Commissions, and engage with the media. Examples include: