Overview
Background
Jenny is the Deputy Director (Training) at Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland. In this role Jenny leads the development and implementation of ISSR's training programs. This includes professional short courses aimed at Industry, tailored capability training for industry, Higher Degree Training, external and internal internships/placements, internal staff capability training, and teaching opportunities for ISSR staff in the schools including Honours supervision. In addition to leading this portfolio of work and teaching professional short courses, Jenny continues to lead a Research Group (Social and Educational disadvantage), contribute as an Associate Investigator to research for the ARC Centre of Excellence on Families and Children over the Life Course (the Life Course Centre), and supervise HDR students. She is a Psychologist and obtained her BA Honors, MA and PhD from the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in South Africa. Before coming to ISSR, Jenny worked as a Chief Researcher at the Human Sciences Research Council in South Africa in the area of Education effectiveness.
Jenny’s research focuses on education effectiveness, parent engagement, student wellbeing, evidenced-based practice, and research that impacts policy and practice. She has extensive experience in large scale mixed methods evaluations, using administrative data together with survey and qualitative data. Jenny has worked closely with Government Departments and Ministries both in Australia (e.g., Tasmania DHHS; Australian DoE; Qld DoE; CESE NSW; Australian DSS; Qld DCSSD; Department of Home Affairs) and internationally (e.g., South Africa, Eritrea, Cambodia and the Solomon Islands) to gather research evidence from a wide range of disadvantaged communities to inform policy. Jenny is a Chief Investigator on an ARC Linkage project which investigates how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous children experience Out-of-Home Care (OOHC) using elicitation methods and a longitudinal qualitative research design to provide evidence to improve service agencies’ understanding of children’s experiences in OOHC and how agencies can best support families, carers and communities to promote the social, emotional, and cultural well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous children in OOHC. This research will improve service provider capability and test Government reform interventions. In addition to leading large commissioned evaluations and academic grants, Jenny is continues to build her research focusing on understanding why and how some schools located in disadvanatged areas are more effective at parent engagement than others and how improving parent engagement in these schools effects the learning and wellbeing of students living in these communities over their life course.
Availability
- Associate Professor Jenny Povey is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor (Honours) of Arts, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Masters (Coursework), Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Doctor of Philosophy, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
Research interests
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School leadership
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School culture
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Parent engagement
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Child well-being
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Intergenerational transfer of education aspirations, values and attitudes
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Disadvantaged communities
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Evidenced based policy and practice
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Cross-cultural research
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social policy evaluation
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Psychometrics
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Innovative methods and techniques
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Survey methodology
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Quantitative data analysis methods
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Qualitative data analysis methods
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Education effectiveness
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Mixed methods
Works
Search Professor Jenny Povey’s works on UQ eSpace
2016
Conference Publication
Receptive vocabulary development in individuals with Down syndrome
Cuskelly, M., Povey, J. and Jobling, A. (2016). Receptive vocabulary development in individuals with Down syndrome. 2016 IASSIDD World Congress, Melbourne VIC Australia, 14-19 August 2016. HOBOKEN: WILEY-BLACKWELL.
2016
Conference Publication
Three-generation education patterns among grandparents, parents and grandchildren: Evidence of grandparent effects from Australia
Hancock, Kirsten, Mitrou, Francis, Povey, Jenny, Campbell, Alice and Zubrick, Stephen R. (2016). Three-generation education patterns among grandparents, parents and grandchildren: Evidence of grandparent effects from Australia. SSLS 2016: Society for Longitudinal and Life Course Studies International Conference, Bamberg, Germany, 6-8 October, 2016.
2015
Other Outputs
Tasmanian HACC Program Client Group Analysis: Final Report: Prepared for Department of Health and Human Services, Tasmania
Jones, Andrew, Povey, Jenny, Baffour, Bernie, Clague, Denise, Haynes, Michele, Cook, Stephanie and Lucio, Eduardo (2015). Tasmanian HACC Program Client Group Analysis: Final Report: Prepared for Department of Health and Human Services, Tasmania. St Lucia, Queensland, Australia: The University of Queensland, Institute for Social Science Research.
2015
Journal Article
The utilisation of social science research - the perspectives of academic researchers in Australia
Cherney, Adrian, Head, Brian, Povey, Jenny, Boreham, Paul and Ferguson, Michele (2015). The utilisation of social science research - the perspectives of academic researchers in Australia. Journal of Sociology, 51 (2), 252-270. doi: 10.1177/1440783313505008
2015
Journal Article
Use of academic social research by public officials: exploring preferences and constraints that impact on research use
Cherney, Adrian, Head, Brian, Povey, Jenny, Ferguson, Michele and Boreham, Paul (2015). Use of academic social research by public officials: exploring preferences and constraints that impact on research use. Evidence and Policy, 11 (2), 169-188. doi: 10.1332/174426514X14138926450067
2015
Journal Article
Work and social well-being: the impact of employment conditions on quality of life
Boreham, Paul, Povey, Jenny and Tomaszewski, Wojtek (2015). Work and social well-being: the impact of employment conditions on quality of life. International Journal of Human Resource Management, 27 (6), 593-611. doi: 10.1080/09585192.2015.1027250
2015
Other Outputs
Tasmanian HACC program client group analysis: interim report
Jones, Andrew, Povey, Jenny, Baffour, Bernard, Clague, Denise, Ferris, Jason and Lucio, Eduardo (2015). Tasmanian HACC program client group analysis: interim report. St Lucia, QLD, Australia: University of Queensland.
2015
Other Outputs
Tasmanian HACC program client group analysis: stage 1 report. Prepared for the Department of Health and Human Services, Tasmania
Jones, Andrew, Povey, Jenny, Ferris, Jason and Petersen, Maree (2015). Tasmanian HACC program client group analysis: stage 1 report. Prepared for the Department of Health and Human Services, Tasmania. The University of Queensland: Institute for Social Science Research.
2014
Other Outputs
Queensland school business managers’ wellbeing survey. Final report. Prepared for School Business Managers’ Association Queensland. University of Queensland, Institute for Social Science Research.
Povey, J., Kapelle, N. and Martinez, A. (2014). Queensland school business managers’ wellbeing survey. Final report. Prepared for School Business Managers’ Association Queensland. University of Queensland, Institute for Social Science Research.. St Lucia, Qld Australia: The University of Queensland Institute for Social Science Research.
2014
Other Outputs
Cambodia household food safety survey, Final report. Phase II, sanitary and phytosanitary standards management systems project, Cambodia
Povey, J., Martinez, A and Baffour, B (2014). Cambodia household food safety survey, Final report. Phase II, sanitary and phytosanitary standards management systems project, Cambodia. Brisbane, QLD, Australia: Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland.
2014
Other Outputs
Group concept testing of 5 translated Gestational Diabetes brochures for Diabetes Queensland. Final Report.
Povey, Jenny and Rosser, G. (2014). Group concept testing of 5 translated Gestational Diabetes brochures for Diabetes Queensland. Final Report.. Brisbane, Qld, Australia: Institute for Social Science Research and the Institute for Modern Languages, University of Queensland.
2014
Conference Publication
Exploring positive parental and community engagement with Queensland state schools
Povey, J. (2014). Exploring positive parental and community engagement with Queensland state schools. Be the change: P&Cs Qld 2014 State Conference, Gold Coast, Australia, 12-13 September 2014.
2014
Conference Publication
School Business Managers’ Association Queensland Wellbeing Survey presentation of results
Povey, J. (2014). School Business Managers’ Association Queensland Wellbeing Survey presentation of results. The School Business Managers’ Association Queensland Conference, Gold Coast, Australia, 13-15 August 2014.
2013
Other Outputs
Public Sector Survey on Evidence Based Policy: Results for Queensland Health. Institute of Social Science Research, University of Queensland. ARC Industry Partner Linkage report and fact sheet
Head, Brian, Boreham, Paul, Cherney, Adrian, Povey, Jenny and Ferguson, Michele (2013). Public Sector Survey on Evidence Based Policy: Results for Queensland Health. Institute of Social Science Research, University of Queensland. ARC Industry Partner Linkage report and fact sheet. St Lucia QLD Australia: Institute of Social Science Research, University of Queensland.
2013
Other Outputs
Public Sector Survey on Evidence Based Policy: Results For The Department Of Education And Training. Institute of Social Science Research, University of Queensland. ARC Industry Partner Linkage report
Head, Brian, Boreham, Paul, Cherney, Adrian, Povey, Jenny and Ferguson, Michele (2013). Public Sector Survey on Evidence Based Policy: Results For The Department Of Education And Training. Institute of Social Science Research, University of Queensland. ARC Industry Partner Linkage report. St Lucia QLD Australia: Institute of Social Science Research, University of Queensland.
2013
Other Outputs
Public Sector Survey on Evidence Based Policy: Results For The Department Of Employment, Economic Development And Innovation. Institute of Social Science Research, University of Queensland. ARC Industry Partner Linkage report and fact sheet.
Head, Brian, Boreham, Paul, Cherney, Adrian, Povey, Jenny and Ferguson, Michele (2013). Public Sector Survey on Evidence Based Policy: Results For The Department Of Employment, Economic Development And Innovation. Institute of Social Science Research, University of Queensland. ARC Industry Partner Linkage report and fact sheet.. St Lucia QLD Australia: Institute of Social Science Research, University of Queensland.
2013
Journal Article
An alternative measure of social wellbeing: analysing the key conceptual and statistical components of quality of life
Boreham, Paul, Povey, Jenny and Tomaszewski, Wojtek (2013). An alternative measure of social wellbeing: analysing the key conceptual and statistical components of quality of life. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 48 (2), 151-172. doi: 10.1002/j.1839-4655.2013.tb00276.x
2013
Journal Article
Exploring support for terrorism among Muslims
Cherney, Adrian and Povey, Jenny (2013). Exploring support for terrorism among Muslims. Perspectives on Terrorism, 7 (3), 5-16.
2013
Conference Publication
The functionality of Leximancer software as an analytic tool for semi-structured interviews data exploring evidence-based policy in practice from the perspectives of academic social scientists and policymakers.
Povey, Jenny, Shaw, Elizabeth, Head, Brian, Cherney, Adrian, Boreham, Paul and Ferguson, Michele (2013). The functionality of Leximancer software as an analytic tool for semi-structured interviews data exploring evidence-based policy in practice from the perspectives of academic social scientists and policymakers.. AMSRS Conference, Sydney, Australia, 5-6 September 2013.
2013
Journal Article
Research Utilization in the Social Sciences: A Comparison of Five Academic Disciplines in Australia
Cherney, Adrian, Head, Brian, Boreham, Paul, Povey, Jenny and Ferguson, Michele (2013). Research Utilization in the Social Sciences: A Comparison of Five Academic Disciplines in Australia. Science Communication, 35 (6), 780-809. doi: 10.1177/1075547013491398
Funding
Current funding
Supervision
Availability
- Associate Professor Jenny Povey is:
- Available for supervision
Before you email them, read our advice on how to contact a supervisor.
Available projects
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Improving the experiences of, and outcomes for, humanitarian migrants and refugee children
This PhD would require you to apply for a UQ scholarship. If you are interested in this project and want more information, please contact j.povey@uq.edu.au.
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Social disadvantage and labour force participation
This PhD would require you to apply for a UQ scholarship. If you are interested in this project and want more information, please contact j.povey@uq.edu.au.
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Improving the academic and wellbeing outcomes for, Indigenous and non-Indigenous children in Out-of-Home Care (OOHC)
This PhD would require you to apply for a UQ scholarship. You will have access to qualitative data and SDQ (3 waves) collected for an ARC Linkage grant. If you are interested in this project and want more information, please contact j.povey@uq.edu.au.
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Parent engagement in student learning and wellbeing to improve outcomes for children and adolescents
Understanding why and how some schools located in disadvanatged areas are more effective at parent engagement than others and how improving parent engagement in these schools effects the learning and wellbeing of students living in these communities over their life course.This PhD would require you to apply for a UQ scholarship. If you are interested in this project and want more information, please contact j.povey@uq.edu.au.
-
Improving the experiences of, and outcomes for, humanitarian migrants and refugee children
This PhD would require you to apply for a UQ scholarship. If you are interested in this project and want more information, please contact j.povey@uq.edu.au.
-
Social disadvantage and labour force participation
This PhD would require you to apply for a UQ scholarship. If you are interested in this project and want more information, please contact j.povey@uq.edu.au.
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Improving life outcomes for, Indigenous and non-Indigenous children in Care or transitioning from care into adulthood
This PhD would require you to apply for a UQ scholarship. You will have access to qualitative data and SDQ (3 waves) collected for an ARC Linkage grant. If you are interested in this project and want more information, please contact j.povey@uq.edu.au.
-
Parent engagement in student learning and wellbeing to improve outcomes for children and adolescents
Understanding why and how some schools located in disadvanatged areas are more effective at parent engagement than others and how improving parent engagement in these schools effects the learning and wellbeing of students living in these communities over their life course.This PhD would require you to apply for a UQ scholarship. If you are interested in this project and want more information, please contact j.povey@uq.edu.au.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
The impact of out-of-home care on children's social-emotional wellbeing: A life course approach
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Janeen Baxter, Professor Karen Healy, Dr Maca San Martin Porter
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Doctor Philosophy
Managing Odds: Addressing educational disadvantage through school accountability and better HRM practices
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Wojtek Tomaszewski
Completed supervision
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2024
Doctor Philosophy
Beyond parental school choice: Understanding parental engagement in the context of school choice policies
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Mark Western, Professor Wojtek Tomaszewski
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Education, employment, and empowerment: Narratives from Pakistan
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Janeen Baxter
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
The Impact of Learning Environment on Successful Intelligence: Beyond the Understanding of Socioeconomic Status
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robyn Gillies, Professor Wojtek Tomaszewski
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Enhancing parent engagement in secondary school: An investigation of agency, dialogic learning, and intersubjectivity using Bronfenbrenner and Bakhtin frameworks.
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Kate McLay
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Same-same but different? Country of origin and labour market outcomes of immigrants in Australia
Joint Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Janeen Baxter, Professor Wojtek Tomaszewski
Media
Enquiries
Contact Associate Professor Jenny Povey directly for media enquiries about:
- parent and community engagement with student learning and wellbeing
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