The Forensic Psychology Podcast

Episódios

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  Managing neurodiversity in prisons | Dr. Karen Thorne and Ryan Aguilar 10.09.2026 1h 11min

  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 management, with a focus on the impact of acquired brain injury, neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative conditions on offending behaviour and rehabilitation.Ryan Aguiar is Associate Director of Psychology at the Secure Care Division, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, and head of psychology at Ashworth High Secure Hospital. Ryan is a consultant clinical neuropsychologist with 30 years experience in the NHS. Ryan has a special interest in the neuropsychology of offending behaviour and is engaged in clinical practice, teaching and supervision in neuropsychology and offending behaviour. Ryan is also called upon to provide expert evidence and consultation on neuropsychological matters in criminal proceedings.References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.Presenters: Dr. Sally Tilt and Dr. Kerensa HockenProducers: Andrew Wilkie and Katie StokesYou 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Good Lives Model part 2: The Practice | David Prescott 03.09.2026 1h

  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 treating sexual violence and trauma.  References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.Presenters: Dr. Sally Tilt and Dr. Kerensa HockenProducers: Andrew Wilkie and Katie StokesYou 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The Good Lives Model part 1: The Theory | Professor Tony Ward 27.08.2026 1h 6min

  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 Rehabilitation: Beyond the Risk Paradigm. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of New Zealand and won the 2021 Mason Durie Medal for excellence in research in social science.References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.Presenters: Dr. Sally Tilt and Dr. Kerensa HockenProducers: Andrew Wilkie and Katie StokesYou 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Exploring the evidence for psychopathy | Professor Rasmus Larsen 20.08.2026 1h

  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, Psychopathy Unmasked: The Rise and Fall of a Dangerous Diagnosis, which offers a critical review of contemporary research and the judicial use of the controversial diagnosis commonly known as Psychopathic Personality Disorder or “psychopathy”.References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.Presenters: Dr. Sally Tilt and Dr. Kerensa HockenProducers: Andrew Wilkie and Katie StokesYou 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Do we need green spaces in prisons? | Dr. Jennie Bradbury 13.08.2026 48min

  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 evolutionary psychology theory, led to her interest in understanding the role of the physical prison environment on wellbeing and behaviour. This led to Jennie studying the impact of the physical prison environment on staff wellbeing and subsequent behaviour. References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.Presenters: Dr. Sally Tilt and Dr. Kerensa HockenProducers: Andrew Wilkie and Katie StokesYou 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  A review of last 5 years in forensic psychology and a forward look | Dr. Jo Bailey 06.08.2026 51min

  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 on our Linktree.Presenters: Dr. Sally Tilt and Dr. Kerensa HockenProducers: Andrew Wilkie and Katie StokesYou 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Accredited Programmes – a new approach | Nicky Herron, Aubrey Van Zyl and Amy Lawson-Mayhew 18.09.2025 1h 6min

  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 based and trauma informed programmes we have today. Aubrey Van Zyl is a Senior National Specialist lead at Interventions Services. He started his journey with accredited programmes 20 years ago as a facilitator on various programmes. Since then, he has moved on to be a specialist trainer for accredited programmes and is now involved in the design of accredited programmes with a specialism in the review of underpinning theory, ensuring that evidence is translated into the design of accredited programmes. Amy Lawson-Mayhew is a National Specialist Lead within Interventions Services and a Registered Forensic Psychologist. Before her current role, Amy was a psychologist in the North-East and Yorkshire Psychology Services Team, delivering and supervising accredited programmes. Three years ago Amy joined Interventions Services to dedicate herself to the development and oversight of accredited programmes on a national level. References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Organised Crime | Lucie Homer 11.09.2025 1h 1min

  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, environment and regime development, and was involved in the opening of a new prison project in north Wales. She has developed and implemented services around peer mentoring and staff support/supervision as well as introducing counselling and trauma-informed services for those in prison and developing and delivering bespoke interventions with people unable to access other services.It is this interest in working with ‘hard to reach’ individuals and offending behaviours which led her into her recent PhD study around criminal social identity including with individuals involved in serious and organised crime.References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  The experience of working in probation | Jake Phillips 04.09.2025 1h 4min

  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 justice system such as drug interventions worker and various roles supporting people on probation to find work and access drug treatment. His academic research focuses primarily on probation policy and practice although he has carried out research in prisons, the police, parole and youth justice. He has carried out research on the emotional labour of probation work, probation practitioner wellbeing, the impact of inspection on probation, people who die whilst under probation supervision, privatisation in probation and, more recently, the concept of hope in the probation context. He is editor of Probation Journal and co-chair of the European Society of Criminology’s working group on Community Sanctions and Measures.References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Combining an academic and practitioner approach in forensic psychology | Theresa Gannon 28.08.2025 1h 6min

  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 texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Compassion Focused Therapy to intervene with anger | Russell Kolts 21.08.2025 1h 3min

  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 Out (with Tobyn Bell, James Bennett-Levy, and Chris Irons). Russell has specialised in applying CFT to problematic anger, reflected in his book The Anger Workbook, working with people in prison, and a TEDx talk entitled Anger, Compassion and What it Means to be Strong.References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Desistance | Shadd Maruna and Karen Johnson 14.08.2025 1h

  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 PhD through Queens University Belfast, supervised by Professor Shadd Maruna and Professor Michelle Butler, entitled Doing Justice to Desistance Narratives-Developing the Desistance Identity Tool. Professor Shadd Maruna is the Head of the Department of Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology at the University of Liverpool, and the Past President of the American Society of Criminology.  He is a long-term member of the Correctional Services Accreditation and Advice Panel.  Previously, he has worked at the Queen’s University Belfast, University of Cambridge and Rutgers University where he was Dean of the School of Criminal Justice. He received the Howard League for Penal Reform’s inaugural Research Medal in 2013, and his book Making Good was named the Outstanding Contribution to Criminology by the American Society of Criminology in 2001.References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Working as a forensic psychologist expert witness in the courts | Louise Bowers 07.08.2025 1h 2min

  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 private practice. Louise is a national trainer for the British Psychological Society’s Expert Witness Training Programme and delivers postgraduate workshops on expert witness practice. Louise has acted as an expert witness throughout her career and, in 2003, was one of the first two forensic psychologists appointed to the Parole Board. Today, she is most frequently found giving evidence in Crown Court or before the Parole Board, involving individuals accused or convicted of the most serious offences.References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Trauma-informed working in prisons | Jude Kelman 31.07.2025 57min

  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 trauma-informed care within women's prisons, and has published the findings from her research. Jude is passionate about improving outcomes for women in contact with the criminal justice system, and works hard to influence changes to policies and practices within the organisation, in order to enable women to receive the most effective support and services whilst they are in prison, as well as whilst they transition into the community after release.References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Stalking and Intimate Partner Violence | Mads Smyth and Niki Henneberry-Ebb 24.07.2025 1h 5min

  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 particular passion for developing and promoting innovative practice with a focus on reducing violence against women and girls.  She is the national lead for stalking for HMPPS Psychology Services Group and leads the Early Awareness Stalking Intervention (EASI) which is a Home Office-funded project delivered in partnership with the West Midlands Police that offers psychological intervention at the earliest opportunity to individuals who have engaged in stalking behaviours after a relationship has ended. Dr Madeline Smyth is a Registered forensic psychologist. She has over 20 years of experience working in the prison service and is a Principal Psychologist for HM Prison and Probation Service in North Wales. Madeline specialises in the assessment and treatment of individuals who have committed serious violent and sexual offences. Her primary area of professional and research interest is Intimate Partner Violence, which was the focus of her doctoral dissertation. She is also interested in developing the knowledge base on treatment in forensic populations.  Madeline is an academic supervisor at Cardiff Metropolitan University supporting Trainee Forensic Psychologists through their qualifications.References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Supervision in forensic practice | Jason Davies 17.07.2025 1h 7min

  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 Accreditation Panel and is the research and evaluation lead for the Offender Personality Disorder Pathway in Wales. He is widely published across a range of topic sand most relevant to this episode is his book Supervision for Forensic Professionals, which is currently being revised for a new edition. Jason was involved in developing the revised training that forms the basis for British Psychological Society Registration as an Applied Psychology Practice Supervisor.References for all texts cited in this podcast are on our Linktree.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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  **New series starts this Thursday!** 14.07.2025 1min

  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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How forensic psychologists with ADHD experience the profession | Dr Alice Bennett and Dr Rachel Worthington 15.08.2024 51min

  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 Rachel Worthington is a Registered Psychologist and a Senior Lecturer at Manchester Metropolitan University. Rachel has with over 20 years’ experience of working with clients inprisons, secure psychiatric hospitals and in the community. Her clinical work focuses on assessment and delivery of therapy for adult and adolescent clients with personality difficulties, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and acquired brain injury. More recently, she has developed a tool (the ‘Brain Friendly Passport’) to support people with neurodiversity to access more tailored support. Rachel has published widely onneurodiversity, and improving pedagogical approaches in Forensic Psychology. Key references: Dawson, P., & Guare, R. (2016). The smart but scattered guide to success: How to use your brain's executive skills to keep up, stay calm, and get organized at work and at home. Guilford Publications. Honos-Webb, L. (2010). The gift of ADHD: How to transform your child's problems into strengths. New Harbinger Publications. Ramsay, J. R., & Rostain, A. L. (2014). The adult ADHD tool kit: Using CBT to facilitate coping inside and out. Routledge. Sedgwick, J.A., Merwood, A. & Asherson, P. (2019). The positive aspects of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: a qualitative investigation of successful adults with ADHD. ADHD Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorders, 11(3), 241–253. Solanto, M. V. (2011). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for adult ADHD: Targeting executive dysfunction. Guilford Press. Worthington, R. E., & Bennett, A. (2023). Improving access to forensic psychology education and training for learners with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Forensic Update, 144, 32-39. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  How to support staff working in prisons | Prof. Jo Clarke 08.08.2024 1h 1min

  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 on the subject. Committed to life-long learning, she remains abreast of current research and developments in the area and with her dedicated team, strives to continually develop evidence-based interventions to promote thriving at work and at life. Further reading: Clarke, J (2022) How to thrive in treatment: Organizational and Individual duty of care In Sex offender Assessment, Treatment, and Management: Emerging Directions and Debates Uzieblo, K., Smid, W., & McCartan, K (Eds). Palgrave MacMillan Clarke, J (2017)  The Resilient Organisation in Ireland, J. L., Ireland, C. A., Fisher, M., & Gredecki, N. (Eds.) pp236-251. The Routledge International Handbook of Forensic Psychology in Secure Settings. Taylor & Francis Clarke, J & WIlson, P (Eds) (2013) Forensic Psychology in Practice: A Practitioners Handbook Palgrave MacMillan, Hants Paton, D., Violanti, J.M., (2008) Stress Shield: A model of police resiliency Johnston, P., Burke, K.J., Clarke, J.M., & Keenan, D International Journal of Emergency Mental Health, 10(2), pp 95-107 Clarke, J.M (2008)  Promoting Professional Resilience.  In M. Calder (Ed) Contemporary Risk Assessment in Safeguarding Children, pp.164-180. Russell House Publishing Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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  Incident Management | Dr. Carol Bond and Dr. Catharine Booth 01.08.2024 58min

  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 training prison officers and psychologists to become negotiators and negotiation advisors, respectively. Cath completed her doctoral research in exploring the experiences of prison officer negotiators. Dr. Carol Bond has been a forensic psychologist for over 30 years, spending most of her career working in prisons as well as practicing in secure psychiatric hospitals, working as a specialist member of the parole board and lecturing in academic settings. Throughout her career she has been involved in the management of serious incidents including training staff, advising negotiators and commanders during incidents, developing specialist training courses and working with other professionals involved in crisis management. She is the national lead for HMPPS negotiation matters and has recently completed her Doctorate exploring hostage incidents in UK prisons. Key references: McMains, M., Mullins, W., & Young, A. (2020) Crisis Negotiations: Managing Critical Incidents and Hostage Situations in Law Enforcement and Corrections (6th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429505225 Cialdini, Robert B. (2021) Influence, New and Expanded: The Psychology of Persuasion. New York: HarperCollins. Grubb, A. (2010) Modern day hostage (crisis) negotiation: The evolution of an art form within the policing arena. Aggression and Violent Behavior. 15. 341-348. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2010.06.002 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.