The Forensic Psychology Podcast
Sally Tilt and Dr Kerensa Hocken from HM Prison and Probation Service Psychology team interview colleagues who do vitally important work in prisons across the country.
Episodes
Compassionate leadership | Dr. Deborah Lee
Dr. Deborah Lee is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Honorary Associate Professor at University College London. She has specialised in the field of trauma for 35 years and runs the Veteran Mental Health service and trauma services in Berkshire Healthcare. She is a founding board member of the Compassionate Mind Foundation, which is a charity set up to disseminate the
Innovation in research | Dr. Dominic Wilmott
Dr Dominic Willmott is an Associate Professor in Legal and Criminological Psychology at Loughborough University in the UK and Adjunct Professor in Psychology at SWPS University in Poland. His research primarily investigates bias within criminal legal systems, with a particular focus on jury decision-making in rape trials and the influence (and prevalence) of rape myths on societal&n
The experience of the IPP sentence | Dr. Lisa Smith
* This episode was recorded in March 2026, prior to Prime Minister Andy Burnham's announcement to the House of Commons that he intended to legislate to resolve IPPs before the end of the current parliament.Dr. Lisa Smith is a Chartered and Registered Forensic Psychologist and she leads the HMPPS Indeterminate Sentence Prisoner (ISP) team for psychology services. Her work focuses on provi
Occupational psychology within the civil service | Antonia Dietmann and Jo Lishman-Cook
Jo Lishman-Cook is a Chartered Occupational Psychologist, Head of Occupational Psychology, Chief Occupational Psychologist for the Ministry of Justice and Deputy Head of the Government Occupational Psychology Profession across the Civil Service. She leads on strategic programmes that strengthen performance across MoJ and HMPPS, including the design of hiring strategies for senior&nb
Managing neurodiversity in prisons | Dr. Karen Thorne and Ryan Aguilar
Dr Karen Thorne is a Principal Forensic Psychologist in HMPPS, working on the Community Pathway. She's also the Neurodiversity Lead for HMPPS Psychology Services. She has over 30 years’ experience working with complex, high-risk populations across custodial and community settings. Karen has a special interest in neuropsychologically informed assessment, formulation and risk man
The Good Lives Model part 2: The Practice | David Prescott
David Prescott is an award-winning, internationally recognised expert in the field of offending behaviour. A mental health practitioner of 36 years and the Editor of Safer Society Press, he is the author and editor of over 20 books in the areas of understanding and improving services to people at risk of offending. He is best known for his work in the areas of understanding, assessing, and tr
The Good Lives Model part 1: The Theory | Professor Tony Ward
Tony Ward is a professor of clinical and forensic psychology at Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand. He has published over 490 chapters, articles and books in the areas of male sexual offending and general rehabilitation and practice. Tony is the lead author of several books including The Good Lives Model of correctional rehabilitation, Theories of sexual offending , and&
Exploring the evidence for psychopathy | Professor Rasmus Larsen
Rasmus Rosenberg Larsen is an Assistant Professor of Forensic Epistemology and Philosophy of Science at the University of Toronto and an Affiliated Scientist at the National Center for Ontological Research. His work lies at the intersection of psychology, epistemology and law, with research published in top-tier journals such as The Lancet. Rasmus is the author of the book, Psychopa
Do we need green spaces in prisons? | Dr. Jennie Bradbury
Dr. Jennie Bradbury is a BPS chartered and HCPC registered forensic psychologist who has worked in prisons and the community for almost two decades, specialising in assessing and addressing intimate partner violence and stalking, and has a passion for compassionate practice in forensic settings. Jennie's work as a therapist using therapeutic approaches which draw on&n
A review of last 5 years in forensic psychology and a forward look | Dr. Jo Bailey
Dr. Jo Bailey joined HM Prison and Probation Service in 1992 and has worked with a range of client groups in a variety of settings. Her career has spanned from Psychological Assistant to Head of Profession. In amongst this, Jo found time to complete a PhD on the release and recall of indeterminate sentenced prisoners.References for all texts cited in this podcast are
Accredited Programmes – a new approach | Nicky Herron, Aubrey Van Zyl and Amy Lawson-Mayhew
Nicky Herron is a Registered Forensic Psychologist with over 25 years’ experience. For 15 years she has worked within Intervention Services, leading the development of several Accredited Programmes. Nicky has been a key figure in the evolution of accredited programmes, seeing their development from being largely risk-focused towards the strengths b
Organised Crime | Lucie Homer
Lucie Homer is a Chartered and HCPC Registered Forensic Psychologist and has worked for His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service for 25 years. Lucie is currently the Regional Lead Psychologist for Wales, overseeing the operational delivery of psychological services across custody and community settings. Lucie has a particular interest in service, env
The experience of working in probation | Jake Phillips
Jake Phillips is Associate Professor at the University of Cambridge where he is the director of the MSt in Applied Penology, a masters course for people working in managerial and leadership roles in the criminal justice system. Prior to moving to Cambridge he worked at Sheffield Hallam University for 12 years. Before doing his PhD – at Cambridge – he worked in various roles in the criminal ju
Combining an academic and practitioner approach in forensic psychology | Theresa Gannon
Professor Theresa Gannon is a Professor of Forensic Psychology at University of Kent and has worked in forensic psychology practice for nearly two decades in NHS and prison settings. She has published widely in the areas of rehabilitation, sexual offending and fire setting and has make a significant contribution to advancing theory and practice.References for all
Compassion Focused Therapy to intervene with anger | Russell Kolts
Professor Russell Kolts is a Professor of Psychology at Eastern Washington University. An internationally-recognized trainer in compassion-focused therapy (CFT), he has co-authored scientific articles on compassion, CFT, and various areas of psychology, as well as several books, including CFT Made Simple and Experiencing Compassion Focused Therapy from the Inside
Desistance | Shadd Maruna and Karen Johnson
Karen Johnson is a Registered Forensic Psychologist. She has worked for HM Prison and Probation Service for 17 years. She is currently the Regional Lead Psychologist in the South-East and East area, where she leads psychology services delivered across 10 Prisons, and the regional probation directorate for the East of England. Karen is completing a
Working as a forensic psychologist expert witness in the courts | Louise Bowers
Dr Louise Bowers is a HCPC-registered Forensic Psychologist, a BPS Chartered Psychologist, and the Director of The Forensic Psychologist Service, which she co-leads with her business partner, Emma Stevenson. With over 30 years of post-qualification experience, Louise has worked across a diverse range of settings, including HM Prison and Probation Service, the NHS and
Trauma-informed working in prisons | Jude Kelman
Dr Jude Kelman has worked as a forensic psychologist within HM Prison and Probation Service for 30 years. She is the Lead Psychologist for Women's prisons, leading a team of approximately 75 forensic psychologists working across the 12 women's prisons within England and Wales. She has recently completed PhD at King's College London, examining traum
Stalking and Intimate Partner Violence | Mads Smyth and Niki Henneberry-Ebb
Niki Henneberry-Ebb is a Registered forensic psychologist. She has worked as a psychologist in HM Prison and Probation Service for over 20 years and is a Principal Psychologist in the Midlands. Niki has specialised in the assessment and treatment of individuals who have committed serious violent offences in the context of intimate relationships and stalking, and has a
Supervision in forensic practice | Jason Davies
Professor Jason Davies is a Chartered and Registered clinical and forensic psychologist and a Professor of Forensic and Clinical Psychology at Swansea University and a consultant with Swansea Bay University Health Board. Jason has worked as a clinician and academic and he is a member of the Ministry of Justice Correctional Service Advice and Accreditat
**New series starts this Thursday!**
Sally and Kerensa return for a brand new series of The Forensic Psychology Podcast this Thursday.Presenters: Dr. Sally Tilt and Dr. Kerensa HockenProducer: Andrew WilkieAssistant Producer: Richie MakepeaceYou can follow this podcast on LinkedIn by clicking here.The Forensic Psychology Podcast is a co-production between HM Prison and Probation Service and the Prison Radio Association charity. Hoste
How forensic psychologists with ADHD experience the profession | Dr Alice Bennett and Dr Rachel Worthington
Dr Alice Bennett is a Registered Psychologist at HMP Frankland and has worked in the Prison Service since 2006, mainly within discrete units for those who are considered high-risk in high secure prisons. Outside of the prison walls, Alice engages in research and is a journal reviewer. She advocates practitioners publishing work as well as promoting co-working between academia and practice. Dr Rach
How to support staff working in prisons | Prof. Jo Clarke
Professor Jo Clarke, PhD., is an internationally acclaimed academic and expert on resilience, and founder of the Petros organisation. Jo learned her craft working as a psychologist in the prison service for over 20 years. She is a regular speaker and trainer, nationally and internationally, on the subject of individual and organizational resilience, and has authored a number of chapters and papers
Incident Management | Dr. Carol Bond and Dr. Catharine Booth
Dr. Catharine Booth joined HM Prison and Probation Service in 1997. During her career she has worked with men, women and children in custody and currently works in HMPPS North West Psychology Services. Cath has been involved in the management of serious incidents in prisons for over 20 years as a practitioner and trainer. She acts as a Silver and Gold negotiation advisor (NA) and is involved in tr
The Power-Threat-Meaning Framework | Dr. Lucy Johnstone and Dr. Jo Ramsden
Dr. Lucy Johnstone is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and worked in Adult Mental Health for many years. She has written and lectured widely on critical perspectives in mental health theory and practice. She is a lead author of the 'Power Threat Meaning Framework' (2018). Dr. Jo Ramsden is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Lead for Yorkshire Humberside Personality Disorder Partners
Remembering Dr. Ruth Mann
Fiona Williams is a Psychologist with over 30 years of experience in HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS). She is the Head of Interventions Services, a team of specialist staff who are responsible for the design of accredited programmes. Her remit also includes responsibility for accredited programmes staff training and the quality assurance of all programme delivery across over 200 prison an
In memory of Erwin James: Reflections from a Lifer
Last week we very sadly lost Erwin James, who was a champion of prison reform through his journalism - a career he started while still serving a life sentence in prison. In 2021, we were honoured to welcome Erwin as a guest on the Forensic Psychology Podcast, and we wanted to repost that interview to remind ourselves of his thoughts on the role forensic psychologists played in his time in prison.
Inside the long-term high secure estate | Jane Read and Debbie Marsh
Jane Read has over 25 years experience of working within the High Security prison estate. In that time she has worked in the Dangerous and Severe Personality Disorder Programme (DSPD) and was closely involved in the development of the assessment & treatment models for this programme. For 15 years Jane was the director of psychological services at HMP Wakefield and since January 2018 she has been
Brain Injuries | Prof Huw Williams Live at HMPPS National Psychology Conference 2023
Professor Huw Williams is a professor of Clinical Neuropsychology. He has pioneered research focusing on traumatic brain Injury in those involved in the criminal justice system, and neuro-rehabilitation and crime. He and colleagues have shown that a substantial number of people in contact with the law have traumatic brain Injuries. Findings have influenced screening and assessment for TBI national
Risk Assessment
R. Karl Hanson, Ph.D., C.Psych., is one of the leading researchers in the field of risk assessment and treatment for individuals with a history of sexual offending. Originally trained as a clinical psychologist, he was a researcher and research manager in the area of corrections and crime policy for Public Safety Canada between 1991 and 2017. Dr. Hanson has published more than 175 articles, includ
Open Prisons
Adrian Turner joined the prison service 1988 as a prison officer, working at Ashford Remand Centre. He subsequently worked at HMP Full Sutton, HMP Norwich, HMP Whitemoor, PSC Newbold Revel, HMP Lindholme, HMP Channings Wood, HMP Gloucester, HMP Eastwood Park, HMP Bristol, HMP Sudbury and currently works as the Senior Operational Lead for the open estate. Prior to working in headquarters he was Gov
Bias in Forensic Psychology: Live at the European Congress of Psychology, Brighton 2023
Martine Ratcliffe has worked as a forensic psychologist for HM Prison and Probation Service for 20 years. She’s currently the national diversity and inclusion (D&I) lead for the Psychology Services Group. Her passion for D&I has been amplified through her work with men, women and children in custody and from personal experience as a mixed-race woman working within HMPPS. Dr Tansy Warrilow is a cli
Psychology Across HMPPS: Wales
In this special mini-series of the Forensic Psychology Podcast, Sally and Kerensa talk to people who work as psychologists across the five directorates of the prison service, to get an idea of what their jobs entail and the environments they work in. Rebecca Ministro and Harriet Chapman both work in the directorate that covers prisons in Wales. For more information about careers in prisons, visit
Psychology Across HMPPS: Women's Directorate
In this special mini-series of the Forensic Psychology Podcast, Sally and Kerensa talk to people who work as psychologists across the five directorates of the prison service, to get an idea of what their jobs entail and the environments they work in. Poppy Marston and Rebecca Young both work in the directorate that covers women's prisons. For more information about careers in prisons, visit https:
Psychology Across HMPPS: Youth Custody Service
In this special mini-series of the Forensic Psychology Podcast, Sally and Kerensa talk to people who work as psychologists across the five directorates of the prison service, to get an idea of what their jobs entail and the environments they work in. Alex Bonas and Mel Lewis both work in the Youth Custody Service with children and young adults. For more information about careers in prisons, visit
Psychology Across HMPPS: Directorate of Security
In this special mini-series of the Forensic Psychology Podcast, Sally and Kerensa talk to people who work as psychologists across the five directorates of the prison service, to get an idea of what their jobs entail and the environments they work in. Lucy Nuttall and James Bourton work in the directorate for the highest security prisons within the prison estate. For more information about careers
Psychology Across HMPPS: Men's Directorate
In this special mini-series of the Forensic Psychology Podcast, Sally and Kerensa talk to people who work as psychologists across the five directorates of the prison service, to get an idea of what their jobs entail and the environments they work in. Elizabeth Kelly and Angelika Guttman both work in the directorate that covers men's prisons. For more information about careers in prisons, visit htt
Life After Prison
Sally and Kerensa are joined by Zak and Jules, the hosts of the Prison Radio Association's brand new podcast Life After Prison. At the age of 20, Jules was convicted and sent to prison. During her time behind bars she developed a passion for exercise and achieved her professional gym qualifications. Since her release she's worked as a personal trainer, and through this work she got involved with N
Forensic psychology in secure hospitals
This episode features a forensic psychologist who worked in Broadmoor secure hospital for nearly three decades. Derek Perkins, Ph.D. is a UK Consultant Clinical & Forensic Psychologist at West London NHS Trust, and Honorary Professor of Forensic Psychology at Royal Holloway University of London. He is the co-director of the online Protect research group on internet-related sexual offending, and a
Behind the Crime on BBC Radio 4
Sally and Kerensa will be presenting a brand new series called Behind the Crime on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesdays at 8pm. Starting on Wednesday 3 August, they'll be talking to three people who have committed criminal offences, putting those offences into the context of the lives they've led. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0019r5b These are powerful, emotional, dramatic conversations. They're also co
Children in Custody
This episode features two forensic psychologists working within the Youth Custody Service. Alisa Purton is a registered Forensic Psychologist and an Associate Fellow and Chartered Scientist of the British Psychological Society. Alisa joined the prison service in 2001 and has worked with children in custody since 2008. She is currently the lead psychologist for HMPPS Youth Custody Services which i
Forensic psychology outside prison
Dr Jo Wood is a Registered Forensic Psychologist who has worked for the probation service for over 20 years. She is the lead psychologist for the Manchester division and works with a range of agencies as part of her work within Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). She specialises in work with individuals who commit sexual or violent offences and also individuals who have learning d
Reflections from a Lifer: Erwin James
Erwin James has been a Guardian columnist and contributor since 1998. Currently he is Editor in Chief of Inside Time, the national newspaper for people in prison. He became a writer in prison where he served 20 years of a mandatory life sentence. He has been a consultant for Iain Duncan Smith MP on prisoner rehabilitation and a Commissioner on the panel of the Westminster Commission on Miscarriage
The parole board and the role of forensic psychologists
Martin Jones has been Chief Executive of the Parole Board since October 2015. He has spent the majority of the past 30 years working in the justice system in a range of delivery or policy roles. In the summer of 2021 Martin was awarded a CBE for services to victims, transparency and diversity in the parole system. Fiona Ainsworth is a Chartered Forensic Psychologist and associate fellow of the BPS
Forensic psychology in women's prisons
Gillian Sutcliffe is Chartered and Registered Forensic Psychologist. She has worked for HMPPS since 2001 and in women’s prisons for 3 years, currently based at HMP Low Newton. Gillian is national lead for safety of women, and an interest in developing practice for women convicted of sexual offences. Becky Day is a Chartered and Registered Forensic Psychologist and has worked for HMPPS for over 12
Compassion-focused therapy
Professor Paul Gilbert is a Clinical Psychologist at the University of Derby and honorary visiting Prof at the University of Queensland. He retired from the NHS in 2016 after over 40 years as a Consultant Clinical Psychologist. He has researched evolutionary approaches to psychopathology with a special focus on mood, shame and self-criticism in various mental health difficulties for which compassi
Aggression
Professor Jane L. Ireland PhD is a Chartered Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist, and Chartered Scientist. She has a background in both psychology and law. She holds a professorial chair at the University of Central Lancashire and is clinical lead for violence therapies at a secure forensic psychiatric unit. Jane regularly provides expert witness services in family, criminal and personal injury ca
Diversity, inclusion and the super power of curiosity
Martine Ratcliffe has worked as a forensic psychologist for HM Prison and Probation Service for 20 years. She’s currently the national diversity and inclusion (D&I) lead for the Psychology Services Group. Her passion for D&I has been amplified through her work with children, becoming a mum and from personal experience as a mixed-race woman working within HMPPS. Further Reading: The Lammy Review (2
HMPPS is looking for Trainee Forensic Psychologists
Working as a psychologist can be thrilling, rewarding and challenging – and HM Prison and Probation Service are looking for trainees right now! In this special bonus episode, Neil Gredecki from HMPPS Psychology Services explains what they’re looking for, and how to apply. There are 150 traineeships available, and full details are here: https://bit.ly/3ep8nCU Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
How can forensic psychologists respond to trauma?
David S. Prescott is an award-winning, internationally recognised expert in the field of offending behaviour. A mental health practitioner of 36 years and the Editor of Safer Society Press, he is the author and editor of 20 books in the areas of understanding and improving services to people at risk of offending. He is best known for his work in the areas of understanding, assessing, and treating
Some exciting news from Sally and Kerensa
The Forensic Psychology Podcast will be returning in April 2021 for a brand new, extended series. In the meantime, we want to hear from you! Email Sally and Kerensa at hello@forensicpsychologypodcast.com with your questions for our first guest of the new series, David Prescott, a mental health practitioner and specialist in treating sexual violence and trauma. David is the Editor of Safer Society
Is personality disorder a health or a justice issue?
Clare Barstow spent 25 years in prison, having been convicted of murder nearly 30 years ago. Since her release has volunteered for prison charities, given many talks in prisons and in the community, and helps to shape services for the better through sharing her experiences. Sarah Skett is a Registered Forensic Psychologist and an Associate Fellow fo the British Psychological Society. She has worke
Let's call it stalking
Dr Rachael Wheatley is Senior Forensic Psychologist for HM Prisons and Probation Service in the Midlands region. She specialises in identifying and working with those who stalk and those who manage them. She is currently setting up a virtual reference group nationally with links to partner organisations across the community. Support for people affected by stalking is available from the following s
Does fairness matter in prison?
Flora Fitzalan Howard is a Registered Forensic Psychologist working as a researcher and evidence-based practice specialist within Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service’s Evidence-Based Practice team. She worked in prisons as a practitioner psychologist before specialising in research and evidence-based practice. Her research interests have focussed on procedural justice, prison culture, sel
How do we tell if someone will reoffend?
Jo Shingler is a Chartered Forensic Psychologist who specialises in psychological risk assessment with people in prison. Her recommended reading: Gannon, T. A., & Ward, T. (2014). Where has all the psychology gone? Aggression and Violent Behavior, 19(4), 435-446. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2014.06.006 Maruna, S. (2011). Why do they hate us? International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Crimino
How do we help people change?
Laura Baverstock is the National Specialist Lead for HM Prison and Probation Service's Horizon programme, which is an intervention delivered to men who have a sexual conviction as part of an antisocial criminal orientation, and are considered to be at a medium, high or very high risk of re-conviction. Dr. Jamie Walton delivers interventions for people with sexual convictions in prisons in the Midl
What is an ideal environment for change?
Dr. Jamie Bennett is Deputy Director for the Operational Security Group in HM Prison and Probation Service. He was previously Governor of HMP Long Lartin, a high security prison, and HMP Grendon, the only prison to operate entirely as a series of therapeutic communities. He is also Editor of the Prison Service Journal. @drjamiebennett Richard Shuker is Head of Psychology and research at HMP Grendo
An Introduction to Forensic Psychology
Dr. Jo Bailey is Head of the Psychology Services Group in HM Prison and Probation Service. With nearly 30 years experience in the prison service, she's our perfect guide to the role of forensic psychology in our criminal justice system. Chloe Dafe is a trainee forensic psychologist for HM Prison and Probation Service. She previously worked for the charity User Voice and the London CRC before joini
Meet Sally and Kerensa
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