The Forensic Update Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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 reducing risk alone is not enough, and how meaningful human lives sit at the centre of lasting change.

The conversation explores:

• The origins of the Good Lives Model
• Why offence categories can be psychologically misleading
• The limitations of purely risk-focused approaches
• Human needs, agency and strengths-based rehabilitation
• Dynamic risk factors and why formulation matters
• Ethical dilemmas in forensic and correctional practice
• Protective factors and the future of intervention design
• What the next generation of forensic psychologists should understand about treatment and rehabilitation

Tony also discusses why forensic psychology "isn't what you think," and explains why the field may need to rethink how it conceptualises offending behaviour, treatment, and desistance.

This is a thoughtful, challenging and deeply insightful conversation about the future of forensic psychology, ethical practice, and what genuinely helps people build different lives.

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 dissemination to the role of technology, artificial intelligence, and even virtual reality in forensic psychology, this conversation explores where the profession may be heading over the coming years - while keeping human connection firmly at the centre of practice.

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 some individuals engage in both self-harm and violence towards others and what can be done to reduce this. 

Dr Tanya Garrett from the University of Birmingham joins us to examine sexual boundary violations in custodial settings, why these may occur and what can be done to reduce. This conversation raises critical questions about recruitment, institutional culture, and how services can create environments where concerns are raised early and safely. (do we need the time slots in here so people know where in the podcast this starts and ends?)

Finally, Forensic Psychologist in Training (FPiT) Adam Fedorniak discusses neurodiversity within the prison workforce 

This episode sets the tone for the podcast: rigorous research, open discussion, and a commitment to translating psychological insight into practice.

If you would like to access the full papers discussed, visit the Forensic Update section on the British Psychological Society website at: Forensic Update | BPS - British Psychological Society

00:00:00 Welcome to the First Episode of Forensic Update

00:02:45 Dual Harms in Prisons - Scott Newey

00:48:20 Sexual Boundary Violations in Prisons – Dr Tanya Garrett

01:09:40 Neurodiversity in the Prison Workforce – Adam Fedorniak

01:15:30 Book Reviews and How to Contribute

01:17:10 How to Access Forensic Update Papers

The opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the individuals involved and do not represent the views of their employers, organisations, or partners. All content is provided for general information only. The hosts and producers assume no responsibility or liability for any errors, omissions, or outcomes resulting from the use of the information contained in this podcast. 

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 and threat assessment settings, Caroline reflects on the human side of forensic psychology and the importance of curiosity, formulation and meaningful human connection in working with risk and violence.

The conversation explores:

• Caroline's journey into forensic psychology
• The influence of Jimmy Boyle's A Sense of Freedom
• Personality disorder and understanding the person behind the offence
• Why formulation matters more than labels alone
• The emotional realities of forensic work
• Curiosity as a core forensic psychology skill
• The "delicate dance" of forensic interviewing
• Young people, social media and online extremism
• Technology, AI and the future of forensic practice
• Supervision, multidisciplinary teamwork and professional resilience

Caroline also shares powerful reflections on identity, humanity and the importance of seeing beyond offence-focused narratives when working with people who have caused serious harm.

This is a thoughtful, warm and deeply reflective conversation about what forensic psychology looks like when we stay curious, relational and human.

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 behaviour towards a far more nuanced understanding of trauma, human motivation, attachment, resilience and protective factors.

The conversation explores:

• How the field of sexual violence prevention has changed over time
• Trauma, ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and offending behaviour
• Why most people who experience abuse do not go on to offend
• Cognitive rigidity, trauma responses and therapeutic challenges
• The importance of social connection and community support
• Protective factors and the emerging role of the SAPROF-SO
• Why prevention should sit at the centre of forensic practice
• The emotional realities of working in sexual violence prevention
• Practitioner wellbeing, burnout and finding meaning in the work
• What effective intervention and rehabilitation really look like

David also discusses the importance of language in forensic practice, the shift away from offence-based labels, and why helping people build meaningful, connected lives is central to reducing future harm.

This is a thoughtful and compassionate conversation about trauma, prevention, rehabilitation and the future of forensic intervention.

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 forensic psychology has evolved and where the profession may be heading next.

The conversation explores:

• How forensic psychology has changed over the past 30 years
• The shift from formulation to checklist-driven risk assessment — and back again
• Why formulation remains central to understanding offending behaviour
• Cognition, aggression and the mechanisms that drive violence
• Hostile attribution biases, normative beliefs and decision-making
• Neurodiversity, acquired brain injury and violence risk
• Diagnosis, personality disorder and treatment planning
• Clinical psychopathy and why it still matters
• Treatment sequencing and tailoring interventions to individual needs
• The importance of maintaining the art of conversation in forensic practice

Jane also shares her thoughts on the future of forensic psychology, warning against over-reliance on assessment alone and advocating for a stronger focus on treatment, clinical formulation, and understanding the individual behind the behaviour.

This is a fascinating conversation for practitioners, researchers, trainees and anyone interested in how forensic psychology can continue to evolve while staying grounded in sound clinical practice.