Expert Witness Services
Criminal Proceedings
-
Assessment of Forensic Risk
I have extensive expertise in the assessment of violence and sexual risk. I am trained in the use of a range of structured professional judgement tools, including:
· HCR-20 and FAM – for the assessment of general violence
· SARA – for intimate partner violence
· RSVP – for sexual violence
· SAVRY – Structured Assessment of Violence Risk in Youth
· J-SOAP – Juvenile Sex Offender Assessment Protocol
These tools are used to support evidence-based opinions on risk, protective factors, and areas for intervention.
-
Following a full risk assessment, I provide a comprehensive psychological formulation to understand an individual’s difficulties within their broader context. This process helps to clarify areas of risk, inform effective risk management strategies, and identify appropriate pathways for treatment and progression.
-
I have extensive experience in the assessment and management of complex cases. My reports focus on developing a clear and balanced understanding of each individual and the factors contributing to their presentation. I am skilled in formulating cases that involve overlapping mental health needs, trauma histories, and risk-related behaviours, ensuring that recommendations are evidence-based and sensitive to each person’s circumstances.
I am experienced in the assessment of personality disorder using the International Personality Disorder Examination (IPDE), and in the assessment of psychopathy using the Psychopathy Checklist–Revised (PCL-R).
I also hold a specialist interest in working with individuals serving Indeterminate and Life Sentences, particularly those beyond tariff.
-
I have expertise in the assessment of neurodevelopmental and learning difficulties. I am experienced in evaluating individuals for autism spectrum conditions and learning disabilities, using standardised tools such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). My approach focuses on understanding each individual’s strengths and challenges, providing clear and comprehensive assessments that help inform support, intervention, and decision-making.
Family Proceedings
-
I assess children and adults at all stages of the child protection process, evaluating parental protectiveness and a parent’s capacity to make and sustain meaningful change. My assessments aim to provide a clear and balanced understanding that supports informed decision-making and promotes the best interests of the child.
-
I provide diagnostic assessments that explore the factors contributing to parenting difficulties, including mental health, personality, and substance use. My approach aims to develop a comprehensive formulation that considers the patterns and cycles of difficulty within families, and how these may be linked to a parent’s own early experiences.