Let's Talk Forensic Psychology

We were joined by Richard Barker, who works as a Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist within the NHS, a BPS National Assessor and Honorary Associate Clinical Professor at The University of Birmingham.Having worked in forensic mental health settings for over 25 years, predominantly in medium secure male settings, Rich has been a long-standing advocate of both recovery-orientated practice and now trauma-informed practice. He is currently service lead for trauma informed care.Rich has a particular interest in how trauma-informed care principles translate to leadership, teamship and organisational issues, and we discussed teamship and leadership in forensic settings, specifically focused on promoting trauma informed working within teams. You can access the chapter Rich and Geri recently edited with the Routledge discount code 26ESA1 (20% off valid until 30th June 2026):Barker, R., & Akerman, G. (2026). Working with traumatised teams. In P. Willmot, L. Jones, G. Akerman, & A. Mahoney (Eds.), Trauma-informed forensic interventions. Routledge.You can see Rich's publications here: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2874-957X We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by Dr Fiona Gullon-Scott to discuss the concept of Fabricated or induced illness and Fiona's policy work advocating for Autistic families.Fiona is a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Fellow with the BPS. She is Programme Director for the Newcastle University Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Director of the Newcastle University Neurodevelopmental Assessment Service, and Managing Director of a specialist clinical psychology consultancy company. Fiona has 30 years' specialist experience working clinically and researching autism and more recently wider neurodivergence such as ADHD, and as an International ADOS (Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule) and ADI-R (Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised) Trainer. Fiona's current research focuses heavily on policy-related work linked to improving understanding and awareness of autism and neurodivergence, reducing discrimination, and improving wellbeing and mental health.You can access some of Fiona's recent publications below:Gullon-Scott, F.J. & Long, C., (2022) Fabricated or Induced Illness and Perplexing Presentations: What is the evidence base for and against current guidelines, and what are the implications for Social Services? British Journal of Social Work. Open Access https://doi.org/10.1093/bjsw/bcac037Lockington, D., & Gullon-Scott, F.J. (2025) The Lived Experiences of Autistic Mothers : A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis of Qualitative Evidence. Autism & Developmental Language Impairments, 7 (1), doi: 10.1177/23969415251343850Lockington, D., & Gullon-Scott, F. (2024), "MY WHOLE ENTIRE BEING WAS QUESTIONED": UNDERSTANDING THE LIVING EXPERIENCES OF AUTISTIC MOTHERS. Advance. March 18, 2025.DOI: 10.31124/advance.174228960.08772277/v1Wilson, A.C. & Gullon-Scott, F.(2024b) 'It's not always textbook social anxiety': A survey-based study investigating the nature of social anxiety and experiences of therapy in autistic people. Autism, 28(11):2923-2936. https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613241251513Bechlem, B., & Gullon-Scott, F.J. (2025) "Adapting CBT for social anxiety in autism: the feasibility and acceptability of a modified group intervention based on the cognitive model of Clark and Wells (1995)" The Cognitive Behaviour Therapist, 18, e26. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S1754470X25100147Fiona also kindly provided a number of useful links you may wish to explore to find more resources, research and support information:FII Campaign website - www.withdrawfii.orgSystematic Review about autistic motherhood - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/23969415251343850 To download the FII consultation report - https://www.stgeorgeshouse.org/past_consultations/ www.hopegb.co.ukwww.asperger.org.ukWe welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected].

We were joined by Mental Health Nurse, Richard Lindsley, to discuss working in an attachment based way with children.Richard has over 30 years of experience working with children and young people, and after qualifying as a Mental Health Nurse, worked in CAMHS and then further specialised, working with looked after children.In the episode, Richard discusses TheraPlay and Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy in particular, and shared several heartfelt reflections from his own life and work. We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by Paul Gullon-Scott, Higher Assistant Psychologist and former Digital Forensic Investigator to discuss his work and pioneering research into improving the wellbeing of Digital Forensic Investigators through evidence based adaptations in workplace processes, culture and support.We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by Rosca, a talented musician who has lived experience of HMP Grendon.Throughout the episode he talked about engaging in group therapy and programmes at HMP Grendon, as well as his experiences of being a child refugee who found a sense of belonging in a gang in the UK. We were honoured that he could join us to reflect back on his journey after celebrating his recent release.Rosca has released several singles and we have linked his channels below:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@roscasworld1410 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/17JWoH51sP5nA3ZgX3V2xy Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gb/artist/rosca/1538069326We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

In today’s episode, as part of Male Breast Cancer Awareness Week 2025, we are joined by Dave, Mat and Dr Kerry Quincey to explore the social, emotional and psychological impact of being a man with a breast cancer diagnosis.Throughout the episode, we discussed masculinity, gender and systemic issues around the diagnosis, treatment and support for men with breast cancer.We are very grateful to have learned about this important topic from Dave and Mat. We were also able to reflect on what we can learn from other areas of psychology, such as health psychology, and how these insights can be applied in forensic settings. For more information on The Men’s VMU or to join, please visit www.themensvmu.org You can download the male breast cancer information leaflet from this website: www.againstbreastcancer.org.uk/charity-news/male-breast-cancer-informationWe welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by Matthew Callow, Community Psychiatric Nurse, to discuss his work in the community with people living with severe and enduring mental illness, and people who have a history of offending behaviour.Matthew is currently engaging in the Professional Doctorate in Nursing at Oxford Brookes University and he talked us through his research into the CPN's role in promoting positive physical health outcomes for patients with Schizophrenia.As Emily mentioned, we thought we would leave some 'light reading' on the important legislation Matthew cited throughout the episode below:Mental Capacity Act 2005https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2005/9/contentsMental Health Act 2007 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2007/12/contentsMental Health Bill 2025https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mental-health-bill-2025-fact-sheet/mental-health-bill-2025-fact-sheetWe welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by Mubarak Mansoor Ali to discuss his work, based internationally. Mubarak spoke about his experience working cross-culturally with clients, and the importance of recognising, and being sensitive to, cultural differences in emotion recognition, emotional regulation and experiences of grief.You can find Mubarak on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mubarakmali/?originalSubdomain=uk We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by Dr Kathryn Rowsell to discuss her research and practice in restorative practice and nature based approaches to wellbeing in forensic mental health settings.Somewhat ironically, we recorded this episode during stormy weather and dealt with some connection disruptions, but thanks to Kathryn's perseverance we managed to regroup to finish the episode.Kathryn has been a restorative practitioner for almost 25 years. Prior to training as a forensic psychologist she worked with young people at risk of offending, those who have offended, and with victims of crime. She has also specialised in supporting young people who were victims of sexual harm as an accredited ISVA. Kathryn is currently completing her training to become an ecotherapist. Access Kathryn's recent publication here: Rowsell K, Pegg K, Wallis P, Barker R. A. (2024). Systematic Review of Participant and Facilitator Experiences of Restorative Justice Interventions in the Forensic Secure Estate. International Journal of Forensic Mental Health.;23(3):229-240. https://doi.org/10.1080/14999013.2023.2289113 We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by the team at HMP Maidstone to discuss working therapeutically with foreign national prisoners.The team consists of, in order of appearance, Dr Laura Blundell (Consultant Clinical Psychologist), Claire Colquhoun-Flannery (Principal Forensic Psychologist) and Katherine Ahluwalia (Specialist Psychological Therapist & Counsellor).Together they discussed the practical challenges and joys of working in a prison housing foreign nationals, and the way they have adapted evidence based interventions to meet the needs of the population.We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by Dr Helen Wakeling and Dr Georgia Barnett to discuss working in private practice.As founders of KTA Consulting, they focus on putting knowledge into action through robust and innovative research, and evidence based practice and training within forensic psychology, probation and the criminal justice system.To find out more about Helen and Georgia's current work, and research publications, please visit their website: https://kta-consulting.co.uk/ We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by Professor Jim Orford to discuss the psychology of war.Jim is a Visiting Professor of Gambling Studies at King’s College and an Emeritus Professor of Clinical and Community Psychology at the University of Birmingham.Having trained as a Clinical Psychologist, Jim has focussed much of his work and research on addiction. Jim has adopted a social, community and political orientation to his work in psychology and co-founded the community psychology sections of both the British Psychological Society, and the European Community Psychology Association.Jim’s current research interests include the psychology of war and the psychology of economic inequality. You can find Jim’s most recent book ‘On the warpath: The Psychology of Public Support for Armed Action’, and other books he has authored and edited here: https://jim.orford.org/publications/Also, look out for Jim's upcoming book titled 'The Psychology Of Economic Inequality: Six Reasons Why We Fail to Challenge Great Inequalities of Income and Wealth' (ISBN : 978-3-031-85563-4). As well as a printed version, it will also be available for free as an open access publication. You can find a list of Jim’s research below:Orford, J. (2017). Turning psychology against militarism. Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 27 (4), 287-97.Orford, J. (2019). Psychology, history and war: two examples of academic discourses which fail to oppose war and militarism. The Journal of Critical Psychology, Counselling and Psychotherapy, 19(1), 48-59.Orford, J. (2024). On the Warpath: The Psychology of Public Support for Armed Action, New York: Oxford University Press.Jim Orford Q&A with Jennifer Gledhill, Psychology has been relatively silent on the question of war support, The Psychologist, June 2024, 50-52 https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/psychology-has-been-relatively-silent-question-war-supportOrford, J. (2025, forthcoming April). The Psychology of Economic Inequality: Six Reasons Why We are Failing to Challenge Great Inequalities of Income and Wealth, London: Palgrave (and Springer open access).We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by Professor Leam Craig, Consultant Forensic and Clinical Psychologist.Leam lectures at several universities, including Birmingham City University. He is also a partner at Forensic Psychology Practice Ltd, a private practice providing therapeutic services, psychological assessments, parole board assessments and psychological reports for various judicial settings.Timestamps:00:00 Start of the episode00:18 Introducing Professor Leam Craig01:32 Leam's route into Forensic Psychology05:17 Specialising in Expert Witness work09:01 Preparing to become an Expert Witness30:15 Leam's latest book publication36:52 Working in private practice41:27 Providing placement opportunities for trainees and studentsTo access some of Leam's research publications, follow this link to his Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.co.uk/citations?user=D8aXOwcAAAAJ&hl=en We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by Professor Kieran McCartan to discuss his extensive research career focussing on the origins, causes and prevention of sexual harm, and societal responses to those who commit sexual offences. We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected].

We were joined by Professor Graham Towl, Professor of Forensic Psychology at Durham University. We discuss Graham's various roles and responsibilities within the field, as well as his broad research interests, and the insights he has gained throughout his career so far. We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected].

We were joined by Sally Tilt, Regional Psychology Lead, BPS Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP) Chair and co-presenter of The Forensic Psychology Podcast. Sally discussed what the role of the DFP Chair entails, as well as what can be expected at the upcoming conference, held in Cardiff in June 2024. Sally also gave some behind the scenes information on the podcast she co-presents with Dr Kerensa Hocken. To listen to the podcast, click here: https://forensicpsychologypodcast.libsyn.com For more information on the upcoming DFP conference, click here: https://www.bps.org.uk/event/division-forensic-psychology-annual-conference-2024 We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected].

In this episode, we had a discussion with Jeffrey DeMarco about his career and his current work linking forensic psychology and the cyber world by helping organisations fight online crime and the victims of these crimes. Organisations and information mentioned: NSPCC - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/ CEOP - https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/ Victim Support - https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/ Revenge pornography helpline - https://swgfl.org.uk/helplines/revenge-porn-helpline/ Action Fraud - https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected].

We are joined by Natalie Parrett, Director of Custodial Psychological Services, to discuss working in private prisons. Natalie talks through her work at Serco alongside her role as a peer reviewer for The British Psychological Society's Forensic Update, and her interest in research and service development. To find out more about Serco please visit: https://careers.serco.com/UK/content/Psychological-Services-Careers/?locale=en_GB To read articles submitted to the Forensic Update please visit: https://explore.bps.org.uk/content/bpsfu#:~:text=The%20aims%20of%20the%20Forensic,concise%20and%20easily%20readable%20form To find out more about the International Corrections and Prisons Association please visit: https://icpa.org We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected].

We were joined by Dr Jo Shingler, Principal Forensic Psychologist at Dorset Strive, and Jenny Stickney, Advanced Occupational Therapist Practitioner in Strive (Dorset IIRMS). Jo and Jenny discuss how joint working between psychology and occupational therapy can benefit clients and support their successful transition in to the community. Jo and Jenny have also written a book around the transition from prison to the community and this is available by following the link below: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Journey-Prison-Community-Developing-Psychology/dp/1032311150 We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected].

We are joined by Marc Kozlowski, BPS chartered Forensic Psychologist and Associate Professor at Edinburgh Napier University to discuss roles within Forensic Psychology. Since becoming a chartered Forensic Psychologist, Marc has held a number of roles including Head of Psychology across four prisons in the UK. In addition, his work at Edinburgh Napier University has seen him develop a MSc in Applied Forensic Psychology, with aspirations of developing further Forensic Psychology courses in the future. In this episode, Marc also discusses his role as an accredited assessor at the Risk Management Authority, which involves preparing risk assessment reports for the High Court in Scotland. We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected].

Dr Itiel Dror is an academic with a vast research experience on human cognition and performance. His research applies the concepts of perception, decision-making and biases in the fields of medicine, aviation, and, forensic science and psychology. He is the a senior cognitive neuroscience researcher at the University College London. Relevant literature: Cognitive bias in forensic pathology - https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1556-4029.14697 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589871X22000705 Improving contributions of forensic expert witnesses - https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2013-09216-018 We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected].

We were joined by Dr Brandon Sparks, Assistant Professor in Forensic Psychology, to discuss his research around the experiences and ideology of incels. To access his publications in this area, please visit https://www.brandontsparks.com/research We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by Dr Brendan O'Mahony to discuss his work as a Forensic Psychologist working as a Specialist Member of the Parole Board, his role as an Intermediary and the training he delivers around questioning vulnerable persons.Below is a list of Dr O'Mahony's publications across these topics:O'Mahony, B.M., Milne, R., & Smith, K. (2024). The use of Intermediaries (communication specialists) at Parole Board Oral Hearings in England and Wales. Journal of Forensic Practice, 26 (2), 129-143O'Mahony, B.M. (2024). Assessing the Communication Needs of a Vulnerable Defendant with Intellectual Disabilities: The Role of the Court-Appointed Intermediary. In Leam Craig, Hugh Koch, & Gus Baker (Eds.) Psychology & The Law: Case Studies of Expert Witnesses, Wiley Blackwell. Chapter 11 pp 267-280.O'Mahony, B.M. (2019). 'Slowly, I established a connection...' The Psychologist, July 2019.Smith, K. & O'Mahony, B. Vulnerability and Criminal Investigations (2018). In Andy Griffiths and Rebecca Milne (Eds.) The Psychology of Criminal Investigation: From Theory to Practice, Routledge, pp 91-112O'Mahony, B.M., Milne, B. & Smith, K. (2018). Investigative interviewing, dissociative identity disorder and the role of the Registered Intermediary. Journal of Forensic Practice, 20 (1), 10-19.O’Mahony, B.M. (2016). How effective are judges and counsel at facilitating communication with vulnerable persons in a criminal trial? In Penny Cooper & Linda Hunting (Eds.) Addressing Vulnerability in Justice Systems, Wildy, Simmonds & Hill Publishing, London.O’Mahony, B.M., Creaton, J., Smith, K. & Milne, R. (2016). Developing a professional identity in a new work environment: the views of defendant intermediaries working in the criminal courts. Journal of Forensic Practice, 18 (2), 155-166.O’Mahony, B.M., Marchant, R. & Fadden, L. (2015). Vulnerable Individuals, Intermediaries and Justice, In G. Oxburgh, T. Myklebust, T. Grant & R. Milne (Eds.) Communication in Investigative and Legal Contexts: Integrated Approaches from Psychology, Linguistics and Law Enforcement. Wiley- Blackwell.O’Mahony, B. (2014). Helping Vulnerable People to Communicate their Evidence at the Police Station and in Court: The Role of the Registered Intermediary. The Irish Psychologist, 40, 8, 222-223.O’Mahony, B.M. (2012). Accused of murder: supporting the communication needs of a vulnerable defendant at court and at the police station. Journal of Learning Disabilities and Offending Behaviour, 3 (2), 77-84.O’Mahony, B.M., Milne, B. & Grant, T. (2012). To Challenge, or not to Challenge? Best Practice when Interviewing Vulnerable Suspects. Policing, 6, 3, 301-313O’Mahony, B. (2011). Perspective from the dock: communicating with a vulnerable defendant at Crown Court. Forensic Update, Issue 104, The British Psychological Society, Division of Forensic Psychology.O’Mahony, B.M., Smith, K., & Milne, R. (2011). The early identification of vulnerable witnesses prior to an investigative interview. The British Journal of Forensic Practice, 13, 2, 114-123 We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected].

Dr Cory Walters-Wright is a BPS chartered and HCPC registered Forensic Psychologist working at the Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. He is also a Senior Lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University and an expert witness. In this episode, Dr Cory shared his experience with qualification routes, job interviews and diversity within Forensic Psychology. You can see the videos produced by the Oxleas Forensic Psychological Therapies on: Diversity - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfH6ZsdoLuc&ab_channel=OxleasForensicPsychologicalTherapies Trauma informed care within prisons (trailer) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJFNoOBbzsw&ab_channel=OxleasForensicPsychologicalTherapies We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

In this episode, we are joined by Professor Clive Ruggles, chair and co-founder of The Alice Ruggles Trust, and Dr Rachael Wheatley, a BPS chartered and HCPC registered Forensic Psychologist and trustee of The Alice Ruggles Trust. The mission of The Alice Ruggles Trust is to help prevent what happened to Alice happening to others. To bring stalking to an end. The Alice Ruggles Trust raises awareness of stalking and coercive control, works to ensure the relevant legislation is effective and adhered to, and to bring about lasting improvements in the management of perpetrators and the protection of victims. To find out more, access resources and see how you can get involved, please visit www.alicerugglestrust.org Alongside colleagues, Rachael developed a stalking resource for practitioners which is available on the British Psychological Society website: www.bps.org.uk Rachael also co-developed the Early Awareness Stalking Intervention (EASI) project, a brief intervention for those who have been charged with stalking. Recent research publications include: Wheatley, R., Winder, B. and Kuss, D. (2020), "Using a visually adapted repertory grid technique (VARGT) with people who stalk", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 109-121 Wheatley, R. and Kuss, D. (2020), "Researcher-practitioner reflections: the therapeutic utility of the visually adapted repertory grid technique (VARGT) with stalkers", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 22 No. 2, pp. 97-108 Wheatley, R., Winder, B., & Kuss, D. J. (2020). What are the features of psychopathology for men who commit stalking offences? A systematic review. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 101461 Wheatley, R., Winder, B. & Kuss, D. (2020). ‘It’s so hard to get out of that bubble’. A phenomenological analysis with men who have stalked. Journal of Forensic Psychology Research and Practice We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

Dr Elizabeth Bates joined University of Cumbria (UoC) in January 2011 and is currently Principal Lecturer in Psychology and Psychological Therapies and within the Institute of Health. Liz’s doctoral work (2008-2012) focused on exploring the personality and psychopathological predictors of men’s and women’s partner violence perpetration. Since 2012, she has focused her work on exploring the experiences of male victims of domestic abuse. Liz is also a trustee of the charity ManKind Initiative, a UK based charity supporting male victims of domestic abuse, and is the Chair of the Male Psychology section of the British Psychological Society.Upcoming book release: https://www.routledge.com/Domestic-Violence-Against-Men-and-Boys-Experiences-of-Male-Victims-of-Intimate/Bates-Taylor/p/book/9780367545369 We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

We were joined by Andrew Bates, Regional Forensic Psychologist, and one of two Forensic Psychologists working in The Probation Service. We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

Dr Craig Harper is a senior lecturer and associate professor at Nottingham Trent University. In this episode, Craig discusses his research into public attitudes towards people with atypical sexualities, including individuals who own sex dolls. Craig's research focuses on the psychological mechanisms which underpin attitudes, including cognitive heuristics, and other decision making processes towards informing policy. Publications include: HARPER, C., LIEVESLEY, R. and WANLESS, K., 2022. Exploring the psychological characteristics and risk-related cognitions of individuals who own sex dolls. Journal of Sex Research. ISSN 0022-4499 (Forthcoming) HARPER, C.A. and LIEVESLEY, R., 2020. Sex doll ownership: an agenda for research. Current Psychiatry Reports, 22: 54. ISSN 1523-3812 A full list of Craig's publications can be found here: http://llr.ntu.ac.uk/rpd/researchpublications.php?pubid=558111e2-fe13-4e5f-b6d7-385c28c4303e We welcome your feedback. Please get in contact with us by commenting below, connecting with us on social media or emailing us at [email protected]

Dr. Jackie Bates-Gaston is a Chartered Forensic Psychologist who held a role as the chief of the Northern Ireland prison service for over 21 years. Currently, Jackie works as an occupational psychologist and a lecturer at the University of Ulster. She recently won a British Psychological Society award for her contribution to the world of Psychology. We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]

In this episode with Samatha Walkden we discuss the academic route to qualification in Forensic Psychology. Samantha is a Lecturer in Forensic Psychology at Leeds Trinity University and has recently completed her PhD which explored the double stigma effect experienced by individuals who have a mental health diagnosis and a history of offending and how political views, personal experience and empathy impact public attitudes. To read Samantha's article 'Public Attitudes towards Offenders with Mental Illness scale (PATOMI): Establishing a valid tool to measure public perceptions' please follow this link: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10597-020-00653-0 More information is available around stigma towards mental health from the resources below: Get Britain Talking: https://www.itv.com/britaingettalking/ Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/mental-health-problems-introduction/stigma-misconceptions/ Time To Change: https://www.time-to-change.org.uk/about-us We welcome your feedback. Please get in contact with us by commenting below, connecting with us on social media or emailing us at [email protected]

Lawrence Jones is a registered forensic psychologist and Head of Psychology at Rampton Hospital. He talked to us about working as a forensic psychologist in therapeutic communities, and the positives and challenges of this job. "Trauma-Informed Forensic Practice" by Phil Willmot and Lawrence Jones is out on the 11th of March. You can pre-order here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Trauma-Informed-Forensic-Practice-Issues-Psychology/dp/0367626918 We welcome your feedback. Please get in contact with us by commenting below, connecting with us on social media or emailing us at [email protected]

Rosalind Barnett is a Trainee Forensic Psychologist and a Lecturer in Psychology. In this episode, Rosalind discusses her doctoral research into public attitudes towards the use of sex bots, the wider implications of their use, and the broader moral discussions around the topic. At The Division of Forensic Psychology annual conference in 2021, she presented her work entitled 'The Rise of the Sexbots: Moral Disengagement, the Dark Tetrad, and Sexual Crime Myths in Association with Attitudes towards Sex Robots' Other publications include: Barnett, R. (2018). Influence of gender, ethnicity and makeup on age estimation by adults in the community. We welcome your feedback. Please get in contact with us by commenting below, connecting with us on social media or emailing us at [email protected]

Dr Ciáran O'Keeffe is an Associate Head of School and Associate Professor of Education & Research at Buckinghamshire New University. He runs several psychology related programmes such as BSc (Hons) Criminological Psychology, BSc (Hons) Psychology & Criminology, MSc Mental Health & Well-Being in Education, MSc Applied Forensic Psychology. Ciáran's area of research is predominantly in Parapsychology, mainly focusing on on testing mediums & psychics. He also has a background in Forensic Psychology and has worked with young offenders. You can order "Ghosted!" here: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/ghosted/

Recently we were joined by Dr Gwen Adshead to discuss working in hospital settings. Gwen is a Forensic Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist with some 30 years’ experience. She has worked as a Consultant Forensic Psychotherapist at Broadmoor Hospital for over 15 years and has acted as an expert witness for over 20 years. Gwen is particularly interested in moral reasoning and ethics in psychiatry, as well as the application of attachment theory, factitious disorder in mothers, personality disorder and offending, and homicide within the family. She recently published a book titled 'The Devil You Know: Stories of Human Cruelty and Compassion’, co-authored with Eileen Horne, which explores eleven narratives demonstrating the human capacity for empathy, change and redemption. She has also edited 'A Matter of Security: The Application of Attachment Theory to Forensic Psychiatry and Psychotherapy' alongside Friedemann Pfäfflin. Research publications include: Adshead, G. (2010). Becoming a caregiver: attachment theory and poorly performing doctors. Medical Education, 44, 125-131. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.2009.03556.x Dorkins, E., & Adshead, G. (2011). Working with offenders: Challenges to the recovery agenda. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment, 17(3), 178-187. doi:10.1192/apt.bp.109.007179 Ferrito, F., Vetere, A., Adshead, A., & Moore, E., (2012) Life after homicide: accounts of recovery and redemption of offender patients in a high security hospital – a qualitative study. The Journal of Forensic Psychiatry & Psychology, 23(3), 327-344, doi:10.1080/14789949.2012.668211 We welcome your feedback and questions. Please do either comment below or email us at [email protected]

Kerry Daynes is a BPS chartered and HPCP registered Forensic Psychologist. She has been working as a forensic psychologist and consultant for 20 years. Kerry has held many roles within prison, secure hospitals and community settings. She also works as a consultant for the police and set up her own private practice. She is the author of What Lies Buried and the Sunday Times Bestseller, The Dark Side Of The Mind. Currently working in TV, Kerry has a role as 'The Profiler' on the TV series "Faking It".

Mr Christopher Dean Chris is a chartered and registered forensic psychologist, an associate fellow of the BPS and chartered scientist. Chris has worked as a forensic psychologist for over 20 years in prison, hospital, probation and parole board settings. From 2005 – 2015 he worked in HMPPS headquarters: roles included being national clinical lead for various sex offender treatment programmes and head of a specialist team who pioneered the development of innovative, evidence-based assessments and interventions to prevent extremist offending and group-based violence. In 2015, he established Identify Psychological Services (Ltd), a company specialising in applied psychological services to prevent violent extremism. Through this company he has provided training, consultancy and technical assistance to government departments, agencies and correctional services around the world and has contributed to significant publications, notably the Council of Europe’s Handbook for Prison and Probation Services regarding Radicalization and Violent Extremism. Other current roles include being an academic supervisor for Cardiff Metropolitan University and a parole board member. Ms Monica Lloyd Monica worked for twelve years in HM Prison Service (as it was then) before joining HM Inspectorate of Prisons as Head of R&D. In that capacity she was part of the inspection of the Maze prison in Northern Ireland that took place as part of the Good Friday agreement, during which she spoke in depth to IRA and loyalist paramilitary prisoners. This sparked an interest in terrorist violence that was re-ignited ten years later when she re-joined NOMS (as it had become) to develop an evidence base for work with terrorist offenders. Despite opposition from sharp human rights lawyers, the BPS itself, and Islamist pressure groups, and a counter-vailing political pressure to deliver products to counter a new wave of terrorist violence, this proved to be the high spot of her career. This was followed by a career change to the University of Birmingham where she established a doctoral course in forensic clinical psychology, now in its eighth year, and continues her research into terrorist violence. Key publications: Lloyd, M. & Dean, C. (2015) The Development of Structured Guidelines for Assessing Risk in Extremist Offenders. The Journal of Threat Assessment and Management, Vol 2, Issue 1. 40-52. Lloyd, M, & Kleinot, P. (2017) Pathways into Terrorism: the Good the Bad and the Ugly. The Journal of Psychoanalytic psychotherapy: Applications, Theory and Research. http://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/AuImmw9CSqManxWgDW5y/full Opinions expressed in this video are those of the speakers, based on their training and clinical experience as Practitioner Psychologists. References to theories, research and named authors are not necessarily an endorsement. The intention of this platform is to encourage engagement with forensic psychology. We welcome your feedback and questions. Please do either comment below or email us at [email protected]

Professor Ray Bull is a specialist in the area of investigative interviewing. He is an Emeritus Professor of Forensic Psychology at the University of Leicester, a visiting Professor at the University of Portsmouth, and a part-time professor at the University of Derby. He has won awards such as being the first “Honorary Life-time Membership” of the 'International Investigative Interviewing Research Group’ and honorary fellow at the British Psychological Society due to his contributions to the field of Psychology. In 2008 he received from the European Association of Psychology and Law an “Award for Life-time Contribution to Psychology and Law” and from the British Psychological Society the “Award for Distinguished Contributions to Academic Knowledge in Forensic Psychology”. The documents refered by Professor Ray Bull and resources on the PEACE method can be found here: https://www.app.college.police.uk/app-content/investigations/investigative-interviewing/https://journals.equinoxpub.com/OLDLHS/article/view/36990/33539https://www.wcl.american.edu/impact/initiatives-programs/center/publications/documents/principles-on-effective-interviewing/ Opinions expressed in this video are those of the speakers, based on their training and clinical experience as Practitioner Psychologists. References to theories, research and named authors are not necessarily an endorsement. The intention of this platform is to encourage engagement with forensic psychology. We welcome your feedback.Email us: [email protected]

Dr Chantal Scaillet is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist who has considerable experience working in prisons and NHS settings, and has published in the areas of managing people with personality difficulties who have offended & working with trauma in young adult men. She is currently the Strategic Clinical Lead of the Pathways Service at HMYOI Aylesbury working with high risk, high harm young adult men. Chantal is also a guest lecturer for Masters students at Queen Mary University of London. Mr Craig Pinkney is a Criminologist, Urban Youth Specialist, PhD Researcher, Founder and Director of Solve: The Centre for Youth Violence and Conflict. Craig is acknowledged as one of the UK's leading thinkers/doers in responding to Gangs and Serious Youth Violence. He is an JNC qualified Youth Worker with over 16 years of experience as an Outreach Worker, Transformational Speaker, Gang Exit Strategist, Advisor, Mediator, Mentor and Filmmaker. Craig has recently started a project called Alternative Routes, please see link below to a video on our YouTube page. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hjhHAV8ebg&t=53s Craig's most recent publications include: https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/11851558-178e-4e82-adb1-e14575d7ca30/downloads/Responding%20to%20Youth%20Violence%20Through%20Youth%20Wor.pdfhttps://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/11851558-178e-4e82-adb1-e14575d7ca30/downloads/Out-of-Sight-COVID-19-report-Web-version.pdfhttps://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/11851558-178e-4e82-adb1-e14575d7ca30/downloads/NYA%20Hidden%20in%20Plain%20Sight.pdf

Dr. Jo Ramsden is the clinical lead for the cluster of services in Yorkshire/Humberside which is commissioned under the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway. She is interested in new ways of working with 'personality disorder' particularly in ways of working that are organisationally focused and trauma-informed. BOOK: www.pavpub.com Ramsden, J; Prince, S & Blazdell, J (2020) Working Effectively with ‘Personality Disorder’: Contemporary and critical approaches to clinical and organizational practice. PAPER: Ramsden, J (2019) “Are you calling me a liar”: Interviewing more for trust than knowledge with high-risk men with an anti-social personality disorder. International Journal of Forensic Mental Health 17:4, 351-361 Please get in contact if you have any questions about this episode. You can email us: [email protected]

Dr. Jessica Yakeley MB BChir MRCP FRCPsych is a Consultant Psychiatrist in Forensic Psychotherapy. She is Director of the Portman Clinic and Director of Medical Education Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust. She is also a Fellow of the British Psychoanalytic Society and Editor of the journal Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. She has a longstanding interest in medical education and has published the results of research into psychodynamic methods of teaching medical students about the doctor-patient relationship. She teaches and lectures widely, and has published many papers and chapters on medical education, risk assessment, MAPPA, prison health, antisocial personality disorder, and paraphilias. She is the author of Working with Violence: A Contemporary Psychoanalytic Approach (Palgrave MacMillan, 2010), and has edited four other books. She is currently leading the national delivery of services for a multi-site randomized controlled trial of mentalization-based treatment for antisocial personality disorder as part of the Offender Personality Disorder Pathways Strategy commissioned by the Ministry of Justice and NHS England. She is Vice-Chair of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Psychotherapy Faculty, and Research Lead for the British Psychoanalytic Council. Assessing and Managing Problematic Sexual Interests: A Practitioner's Guide (Issues in Forensic Psychology) https://www.amazon.co.uk/Assessing-Managing-Problematic-Sexual-Interests/dp/0367254182 If you have any questions or feedback please email us: [email protected]

Dr. Louise Bowers is a BPS registered applied psychology practice supervisor and she also supervises a number of students on the Post Graduate Forensic Psychology Practitioner Programme at Cardiff Metropolitan University where she lectures on the MSc in Forensic Psychology at Coventry University. She is a leader in applying forensic psychology to education and she is frequently commissioned as a consultant in mainstream and alternative educational settings. Louise is a Bond Solon/ University of Cardiff accredited expert witness and regularly provides reports and gives evidence in Parole Board hearings and in the Crown Court, Youth Court, Appeal Court and High Court. She is a forensic psychologist member of the BPS Expert Witness Advisory group. Louise was one of the first two forensic psychologists appointed to the Parole Board in 2003 where she served until 2010 when her term of office ended. She is currently a partner of the HCPC and sits on fitness to practice panels. Louise has developed particular expertise in working with children and young people who are involved with the criminal justice system or who are at risk of offending. She is the country’s leading expert in assessing the impact of publicly identifying children and young people who have committed extremely serious offences and where there is a high level of media interest. She has assessed the effects of removing anonymity for a number of such children and young people (at the point of sentencing or when they turn 18 years of age) and her evidence has been used to support a number of life-long anonymity orders being granted to young adults. Louise also specialises in risk assessment and treatment planning for sexual offenders, violent offenders, fire setters and those with mental health conditions and personality disorders. She is also able to assess for cognitive problems and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD and ADHD, which might impact an individual’s ability to participate effectively in the criminal justice process. She is frequently instructed as an expert in high-profile, challenging and unusual cases. Please get in contact if you have any questions. Email us: [email protected]

Elaine Cameron, BPS Chartered and HCPC Registered Forensic Psychologist, is currently working as Principal Psychologist at Ravenswood House Medium Secure Hospital. Elaine joined the Prison Service in 1999 as a Psychology Assistant where she began her work with those who had committed sexual offences. Elaine continued working with this population whilst working as a Forensic Psychologist in Training across two different prisons. Whilst undertaking her Msc in Forensic Psychology, Elaine worked within the Youth Offending Team primarily in a Restorative Justice intervention model. Having completed her Msc, Elaine joined HMP Grendon Therapeutic Community for 5 years and moved on to work at Broadmoor High Secure Hospital until joining the OPD (Offender Personality Disorder Pathway Service) in 2010, and part of the National PIPE Team (Psychologically Informed Planned Environment). Elaine was part of the initial pilot work setting up and developing one of two Progression PIPE’s for women. Elaine stayed at HMP Send for over 10 years where she leads the development of the OPD PIPE services for women at the prison. Her career has spanned the NHS, Prison and Youth Services. About BIGSPD | BIGSPD Home | perrie (perrielectures.org.uk) Please get in contact if you have any questions. Email us: [email protected]

Phil Willmot is a Consultant Forensic and Clinical Psychologist in the Men’s Personality Disorder Service at Rampton Hospital, where he has worked since 2002. He is also a part-time Senior Lecturer in Forensic Psychology in the College of Social Science. He has previously worked as a Forensic Psychologist in HM Prison Service. Specialism includes Forensic Psychology, personality disorder, trauma, violent and criminally diverse serious offenders, schema therapy. Book: Trauma-Informed Forensic Practice, edited by Phil Willmot and Lawrence Jones Please get in contact if you have any questions. You can email us at [email protected]

Professor Theresa Gannon's groundbreaking work with deliberate firesetters has resulted in the first effective treatment programme for offenders, which is being adopted by Australia, North America and Europe. Professor Gannon is shortlisted for Outstanding Impact in Society in the ESRC Celebrating Impact Prize 2016. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6VW4ISh-HU&ab_channel=ESRCSocial The ESRC outstanding impact in society film: https://esrc.ukri.org/news-events-and-publications/impact-case-studies/pioneering-treatment-for-firesetters/ The theory we developed on firesetting: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/28146/1/Gannon%20et%20al%20(2012)%20OPEN.pdf The evaluation of our treatment program in prisons: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/51903/1/snipp.pdf The evaluation of our treatment program in hospitals: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/64960/3/Tyler%20et%20al%20%20Revised%20Manuscript%20DEC%202017%20FV.pdf Please get in contact if you have any questions. Email us: [email protected]

The featured guest, Paul Kassman, is the Director of Changing the Game, an organisation which delivers therapeutic group programmes for men in prison who have been involved with gangs and violence in the community. Contact - [email protected] Opinions expressed in this video are those of the speakers, based on their training and clinical experience as Practitioner Psychologists. References to theories, research and named authors are not necessarily an endorsement. The intention of this platform is to encourage engagement with forensic psychology. We welcome your feedback. Email us: [email protected]

Opinions expressed in this video are those of the speakers, based on their training and clinical experience as Practitioner Psychologists. References to theories, research and named authors are not necessarily an endorsement. The intention of this platform is to encourage engagement with forensic psychology. We welcome your feedback. email us: [email protected]

In this episode, we discussed what are sexual offences and current research and issues in this area. Opinions expressed in this video are those of the speakers, based on their training and clinical experience as Practitioner Psychologists. References to theories, research and named authors are not necessarily an endorsement. The intention of this platform is to encourage engagement with forensic psychology. We welcome your feedback. email us: [email protected]

There are several different routes to qualifying as a Forensic Psychologist that we discuss in this video. Please check with individual universities on the courses they offer as they can change. Please get in contact if you have any more questions about the different routes. email us: [email protected]

We have created this vlog to share our understanding of the complicated reasons why people offend. It is not an attempt to justify or explain away crime. To all the victims of crime, we hope our work will look at the bigger picture and help us work towards ensuring what has happened to you does not happen again. Please follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook. You can also email us: [email protected]

Daniel is a Forensic Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and has been working with forensic service users predominantly in low and medium secure mental health services, which he discussed with us. He is responsible for the provision of psychological assessment and treatment for adult men on a high dependency medium secure ward. Dan is also a senior lecturer in Forensic Psychology at the University of Cardiff. References of papers mentioned: Markham, S. (2021). The omnipresence of risk and associated harms in secure and forensic mental health services in England and Wales. Social Theory & Health, 1-17. Markham, S. (2021a). The totalising nature of secure and forensic mental health services in England and Wales. Frontiers in Psychiatry, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.789089 We welcome your feedback. Leave a comment below, connect with us on social media or email us at [email protected]