Personal statement

Holly is a Lecturer in Psychology and an HCPC-registered Forensic Psychologist specialising in Forensic Mental Health. Her passion lies in connecting students with the fundamental research and concepts of forensic psychology whilst considering the practical applications of psychology in front-line justice services. 

Her academic commitment is enriched by ten years of clinical practice within court, prison, and probation environments, where she has developed specialisms in working with women impacted by offending and delivering specialist assessment and intervention for sexual and domestic violence perpetrators. 

Holly's research portfolio includes qualitative and mixed-methods studies on the experiences of women experiencing street homelessness and a national evaluation of mental health and substance use support in Sexual Assault Referral Centres. 

Currently, her qualitative research explores how the insights of individuals with lived experience of the justice system can be used to improve forensic services, specifically investigating the potential of criminal justice peer support to reduce re-offending and promote wellbeing following release from prison.

Academic qualifications

  • BPS Stage 2 qualification in Forensic Psychology
  • MSc Forensic Psychology
  • BSc Psychology

Professional memberships

  • Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (CPsychol)

Other external roles

  • Holly conducts sexual violence risk assessments to assist with Parole board hearings. 

Areas of expertise

  • Forensic Mental Health
  • Experience of women in the criminal justice system
  • Key debates in Forensic Psychology
  • Promoting the voices of ex-offenders in the justice system 
  • Approaches to desistance
  • Feminist theories of offending.