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The Forensic Update Podcast

The Forensic Update Podcast

The British Psychological Society 10 Episodes Oct 6, 2026

The Forensic Update Podcast comes from the Division of Forensic Psychology at the British Psychological Society. It explores the professional interests of forensic psychologists and the ongoing development of psychology as a profession, as a body of knowledge and as a set of practical skills. Episodes typically cover research, practice and policy issues relevant to psychologists working in forensic settings. The show is aimed at practitioners, researchers and anyone interested in the intersection of psychology and the law.

Episodes

10 - Dr Abi Willis: IPP Sentences, Risk Assessment and Safe Uncertainty
10 - Dr Abi Willis: IPP Sentences, Risk Assessment and Safe Uncertainty Oct 6, 2026 36:55 In this episode of the Forensic Update Podcast, Dr Rachel Worthington is joined by clinical psychologist Dr Abi Willis to explore one of the most complex and challenging areas of forensic psychology: risk assessment for people serving Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) sentences. IPP sentences were abolished in 2012, but not retrospectively, meaning people sentenced under the system can rema
09 - Richard Shuker: Therapeutic Communities and the Power of Relationships
09 - Richard Shuker: Therapeutic Communities and the Power of Relationships Aug 13, 2026 21:30 In this episode of the Forensic Update Podcast, we're joined by Richard Shuker, Chartered and HCPC registered forensic psychologist and Head of Clinical Services at HMP Grendon, to explore the fascinating world of therapeutic communities within prisons. Drawing on decades of experience at Grendon, Richard discusses how therapeutic communities differ from more traditional approaches to rehabilitati
08 - Mary McMurran: Risk Assessment, Rehabilitation and the Future of Forensic Psychology
08 - Mary McMurran: Risk Assessment, Rehabilitation and the Future of Forensic Psychology Jul 15, 2026 29:41 In this episode of the Forensic Update Podcast, we're joined by Mary McMurran, one of the UK's leading forensic psychologists whose work has transformed our understanding of motivation, rehabilitation, personality disorder and forensic formulation. Drawing on an exceptional career spanning prisons, secure hospitals, academia and the Parole Board for England and Wales, Mary reflects on how forensic
07 - Anthony Beech: Neuroscience, Rehabilitation and the Future of Forensic Psychology
07 - Anthony Beech: Neuroscience, Rehabilitation and the Future of Forensic Psychology Jul 1, 2026 27:20 In this episode of the Forensic Update Podcast, we're joined by Anthony Beech, one of the UK's most influential forensic psychologists, whose work has shaped research, training and clinical practice for more than three decades. Professor Beech reflects on the evolution of forensic psychology, from early approaches to rehabilitation of those in custody through to today's growing understanding of ne
06 - Jane Ireland on Aggression, Cognition and Forensic Psychology
06 - Jane Ireland on Aggression, Cognition and Forensic Psychology Jun 17, 2026 29:59 In this episode of the Forensic Update Podcast, we're joined by Jane Ireland, Professor of Forensic Psychology at Liverpool John Moores University, Violence Treatment Lead at Ashworth High Secure Hospital, and Academic Lead for the Ashworth Research Centre. With more than three decades of experience spanning forensic practice, research, academia and violence treatment, Jane reflects on how forensi
05 - Understanding Sexual Harm Through a Trauma-Informed Lens with David Prescott
05 - Understanding Sexual Harm Through a Trauma-Informed Lens with David Prescott Jun 3, 2026 29:25 In this episode of the Forensic Update Podcast, we're joined by David Prescott, internationally respected mental health practitioner, educator and author with more than 40 years of experience working in the field of sexual violence prevention, trauma and rehabilitation. David reflects on how forensic practice has evolved over the decades, from simplistic explanations of offending behaviou
04 - Dr. Caroline Logan: Curiosity, Humanity and the Future of Forensic Psychology
04 - Dr. Caroline Logan: Curiosity, Humanity and the Future of Forensic Psychology May 20, 2026 35:11 In this episode of the Forensic Update Podcast, we're joined by Dr. Caroline Logan, consultant forensic clinical psychologist, honorary associate professor at University College London, and internationally respected expert in personality disorder, forensic interviewing, violence risk and extremism. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience across forensic mental health services, law enforcement
03 - Professor Tony Ward: The Good Lives Model and the Future of Rehabilitation
03 - Professor Tony Ward: The Good Lives Model and the Future of Rehabilitation May 13, 2026 39:13 In this episode of the Forensic Update Podcast, we're joined by Tony Ward, internationally recognised forensic and clinical psychologist and creator of the Good Lives Model (GLM). Tony reflects on the development of the GLM and challenges some of the traditional assumptions that have shaped forensic psychology for decades. Together, we explore what rehabilitation should really look like, why reduc
02 - Sally Tilt on the Future of Forensic Psychology, Research Culture & Why Podcasts Matter
02 - Sally Tilt on the Future of Forensic Psychology, Research Culture & Why Podcasts Matter May 9, 2026 12:31 In this episode of the Forensic Update Podcast, we're joined by Sally Tilt, Chair of the Division of Forensic Psychology at the British Psychological Society. Sally reflects on the evolving landscape of forensic psychology, the importance of accessible research communication, and why podcasts have the power to bring academic work to life in a completely different way. From the future of research d
Forensic Update 01 - Dual Harm, Sexual Boundaries and Prison Staff Neurodiversity
Forensic Update 01 - Dual Harm, Sexual Boundaries and Prison Staff Neurodiversity Feb 23, 2026 01:16:37 Welcome to the first episode of the Forensic Update podcast from the Division of Forensic Psychology (DFP) Division of Forensic Psychology | BPS part of the British Psychological Society (BPS). In this launch episode, we explore three urgent and complex issues shaping contemporary custodial practice. Deputy Prison Director Scott Newey discusses his research into dual harm in prisons, examining why

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