Best HM Courts Podcasts (2025)

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Accredited Programmes – a new approach | Nicky Herron, Aubrey Van Zyl and Amy Lawson-Mayhew 1:06:05

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30d ago1:06:05

1:06:05

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…

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Organised Crime | Lucie Homer 1:01:39

1M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

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,…

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The experience of working in probation | Jake Phillips 1:04:34

1M ago1:04:34

1:04:34

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 – …

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Combining an academic and practitioner approach in forensic psychology | Theresa Gannon 1:06:21

2M ago1:06:21

1:06:21

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. Re…

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Inside the Courtroom: Inspiring young minds through mock trials 15:18

2M ago15:18

15:18

What if your first encounter with the justice system was inside a real courtroom, not as a spectator, but as a lawyer, magistrate or legal adviser? This episode explores the Magistrates' Mock Trial Scheme, a partnership between HMCTS and Young Citizens that brings authentic courtroom experiences to thousands of 12 – 14-year-olds across the UK. We s…

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Compassion Focused Therapy to intervene with anger | Russell Kolts 1:03:35

2M ago1:03:35

1:03:35

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 …

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Desistance | Shadd Maruna and Karen Johnson 1:00:27

2M ago1:00:27

1:00:27

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 …

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Working as a forensic psychologist expert witness in the courts | Louise Bowers 1:02:40

2M ago1:02:40

1:02:40

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 S…

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Justice Connected: Inside Common Platform 12:31

3M ago12:31

12:31

We take you behind the scenes of Common Platform — a single digital case management system developed to bring together the police, Crown Prosecution Service, prisons, legal professionals, and the judiciary on one shared platform. We delve into how this ambitious digital transformation is improving access to information, enhancing collaboration, and…

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Trauma-informed working in prisons | Jude Kelman 57:24

3M ago57:24

57:24

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…

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Stalking and Intimate Partner Violence | Mads Smyth and Niki Henneberry-Ebb 1:05:34

3M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

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…

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Supervision in forensic practice | Jason Davies 1:07:01

3M ago1:07:01

1:07:01

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 Accred…

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New series starts this Thursday! 1:13

3M ago1:13

1:13

Sally and Kerensa return for a brand new series of The Forensic Psychology Podcast this Thursday. Presenters: Dr. Sally Tilt and Dr. Kerensa Hocken Producer: Andrew Wilkie Assistant Producer: Richie Makepeace You can follow this podcast on LinkedIn by clicking here. The Forensic Psychology Podcast is a co-production between HM Prison and Probation …

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Applying for Probate: Top Tips, Tools and What to Expect 25:54

5M ago25:54

25:54

Applying for probate is something many people will face at some point, but it often comes during a deeply difficult time. In this episode of Inside HMCTS, we chat with Arjan and Nigel about the process of applying for probate. Whether you're applying online or using a paper form, this episode offers clear, supportive guidance to help navigate what …

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The Final Countdown: Reflecting on the modernisation journey for courts and tribunals 26:42

7M ago26:42

26:42

Launched in 2016, the HMCTS Reform Programme reaches its formal conclusion at the end of March 2025. It underpins a quiet revolution which has moved our courts and tribunals from paper to digital, stabilised and secured systems and set us up for the 21st century. In this episode, host Aaron Wilson is joined by CEO Nick Goodwin and Operations Direct…

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Evicting the Stereotypes: The Real Bailiffs at Work (Part 2) 20:07

7M ago20:07

20:07

In the second part of our bailiff podcast, we continue to shine a light on the daily challenges our bailiffs face and the skills required to be a success. Join us as we uncover the intricacies of their day-to-day roles and gain valuable insights into what makes a great bailiff, from effective communication to resilience under pressure. Plus, don't …

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Evicting the Stereotypes: The Real Bailiffs at Work (Part 1) 22:23

8M ago22:23

22:23

This episode takes a look at the day-to-day reality for our bailiffs. We're joined by a range of experienced bailiffs who share insights into their daily roles, challenges they face, and the reality behind the TV stereotypes. We'll also join one of our teams on the road, as county court bailiffs Wendy and Karen provide a first-hand look at their wo…

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From Summons to Service: Your Complete Guide to Jury Duty 19:59

8M ago19:59

19:59

Have you ever wondered how you get selected to sit on a jury and what happens once you are chosen? Listen to the latest episode of Inside HMCTS, where we take an in-depth look at jury service and the selection process. In this episode, we will be joined by Craig Robb, Deputy Director of Crime (Live Services) at HMCTS. After serving as a juror last …

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12 Months of Justice: The HMCTS 2024 Review 15:25

10M ago15:25

15:25

Join us for a special end-of-year review episode of Inside HMCTS, where we reflect on the justice highlights of 2024 across all jurisdictions. From new systems and campaigns to the opening of additional courtrooms and significant events, we cover the progress and transformation within HMCTS. Tune in to hear from our colleagues and special guests as…

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Global Effort: Ensuring justice for all 19:02

11M ago19:02

19:02

In this episode of Inside HMCTS, we delve into the recent OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) Global Roundtable on Access to Justice held in Ottawa, Canada. Join us as we explore the innovative approaches and practical strategies that are improving access to justice worldwide. Our special guest, Luc Altmann, Head of Insigh…

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Knives Down: Inside the community fight against knife crime - Part 2 25:22

12M ago25:22

25:22

In the second part of our anti-knife crime podcast, we hear from some of the speakers who participated in the event, including Detective Superintendent Saj Hussain, from the Metropolitan Police, who shares insight into the role of the police in tackling knife crime. We have inspiring contributions from Steel Warriors, a charity group who transform …

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Knives Down: Inside the community fight against knife crime - Part 1 12:26

12M ago12:26

12:26

Our latest episode of Inside HMCTS delves into an impactful anti-knife crime event held at Westminster Magistrates’ Court earlier this month. In the first of this two-part episode, we speak with Ian Rawlins, a Legal Adviser from London, about the inspiration behind the event and the importance of educating young people on the dangers of knife crime…

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Classroom to the courtroom 23:23

1y ago23:23

23:23

The latest Inside HMCTS podcast offers an insightful look into the collaboration between HMCTS and the University of Reading, providing law students with valuable real-world experiences in the criminal justice system. Join us as we meet District Judge Sam Goozee, Senior Legal Manager Rachel Newman, and Associate Professor Liz Conaghan as they delve…

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How forensic psychologists with ADHD experience the profession | Dr Alice Bennett and Dr Rachel Worthington 51:41

1y ago51:41

51:41

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…

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Finding Resolution: Inside the Small Claims Mediation Service 11:38

1y ago11:38

11:38

Discover how our Small Claims Mediation Service is helping to resolve disputes without the potential stress of having to go to court. In this episode, we’ll explore the benefits of mediation and hear the real-life story of David Kerry, one of our satisfied users who successfully used the service to find a resolution to his dispute with a large comp…

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How to support staff working in prisons | Prof. Jo Clarke 1:01:48

1y ago1:01:48

1:01:48

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…

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Incident Management | Dr. Carol Bond and Dr. Catharine Booth 58:40

1y ago58:40

58:40

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 G…

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The Power-Threat-Meaning Framework | Dr. Lucy Johnstone and Dr. Jo Ramsden 1:00:40

1y ago1:00:40

1:00:40

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 …

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Accessible Justice: courts and digital services for all 22:17

1+ y ago22:17

22:17

In our fourth episode of Inside HMCTS podcast, we focus on how we’re making our courts and tribunals more accessible for everyone and how we are supporting people to use our online services. When people need to come to one of our courts or tribunals, or use our online services, they may require need extra help. We’re committed to removing common ba…

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Remembering Dr. Ruth Mann 1:17:45

1+ y ago1:17:45

1:17:45

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 …

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In memory of Erwin James: Reflections from a Lifer 55:29

1+ y ago55:29

55:29

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 for…

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Unveiling justice: Showcasing our courts at public open days 15:30

1+ y ago15:30

15:30

In the third episode of the Inside HMCTS podcast, we discuss the benefits to those members of the public able to join us at an open day in their local court or tribunal. Open days offer great opportunities to give local communities the chance to take a look behind the scenes of justice being delivered in their local area. They demonstrate openness …

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Inside the long-term high secure estate | Jane Read and Debbie Marsh 59:25

1+ y ago59:25

59:25

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 H…

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Brain Injuries | Prof Huw Williams Live at HMPPS National Psychology Conference 2023 49:09

2y ago49:09

49:09

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 in…

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Risk Assessment 1:04:17

2y ago1:04:17

1:04:17

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. H…

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Neurodiversity and remote hearings 18:34

2y ago18:34

18:34

In our latest episode, we're focusing on an important and timely topic – making courts and tribunals more accessible for neurodivergent people. Neurodiversity, expresses the diverse ways people think, interpret, and process information, and it is at the forefront of our efforts to ensure justice is accessible to everyone. Our host, Liz Bryant, talk…

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Open Prisons 55:48

2y ago55:48

55:48

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 e…

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Bias in Forensic Psychology: Live at the European Congress of Psychology, Brighton 2023 49:15

2y ago49:15

49:15

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 woma…

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Reducing the heat: what to expect from our online divorce service 25:02

2y ago25:02

25:02

In this episode, we discuss the benefits of a modernised divorce process. Since 2016, HMCTS has been transforming court services after the government invested £1.3 billion into the reform of our justice system. Hear from those working behind the scenes who help deliver a modernised online divorce process, and from those who have used the service on…

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Psychology Across HMPPS: Wales 15:56

3y ago15:56

15:56

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…

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Psychology Across HMPPS: Women's Directorate 17:54

3y ago17:54

17:54

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 …

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Psychology Across HMPPS: Youth Custody Service 15:55

3y ago15:55

15:55

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…

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Psychology Across HMPPS: Directorate of Security 20:01

3y ago20:01

20:01

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 …

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Psychology Across HMPPS: Men's Directorate 14:32

3y ago14:32

14:32

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 mo…

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Life After Prison 23:40

3y ago23:40

23:40

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 trai…

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Forensic psychology in secure hospitals 58:35

3y ago58:35

58:35

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 …

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Behind the Crime on BBC Radio 4 2:47

3y ago2:47

2:47

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, …

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Children in Custody 1:00:35

3+ y ago1:00:35

1:00:35

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 psyc…

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Forensic psychology outside prison 51:18

4y ago51:18

51:18

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…

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Reflections from a Lifer: Erwin James 55:19

4y ago55:19

55:19

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 …