Experienced Forensic Psychologist takes on academic role

Dr Hart commented: “I am delighted to be leading this exciting opportunity for the development of our future forensic psychologists at Salford.  As an HCPC Registered Forensic Psychologist, I will work alongside the rest of the forensic psychology team to add practical experience to the modules as we develop these in time for our first cohort in September. 

“We will be working in partnership with the British Psychological Society to develop an accredited MSc which will form Stage 1 of the training required to become qualified Forensic Psychologists.  In the long-term, I hope to develop strong links across the University in the wider Criminal Justice area to further multi-disciplinary research and practice.”

The University already has a strong track record of delivering a portfolio of applied undergraduate and postgraduate provision for Psychology. 

Dr Steve Atkins, Head of Sport and Psychology at the University’s School of Health and Society said: “Helen has been a valued guest lecturer at Salford for many years, speaking on the BSc forensic modules and MSc Psychology of Coercive Control, as well as providing placements for students.  She is a highly regarded professional, so we are delighted that she is now part of University team.”

Dr Hart is a Chartered Forensic Psychologist and has worked in the area of forensic psychology for 25 years, completing her training via HM Prison Service where she was Head of Departments in medium and maximum secure prisons. She specialised in the assessment and treatment of very high-risk men who had committed violent and sexual offences, the assessment of psychopathy and personality disorders.  

She currently works in private practice across the criminal justice system, supporting professionals working within complex areas such as sexual exploitation and terrorism and provides expert witness reports for the court system, specifically within complex areas such as non-accidental injury and domestic violence.  She has completed a doctorate looking at trauma and community resilience following the Manchester Arena bomb.  

She also supports the work of the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology as part of their Qualification Board and is an Associate Fellow of the BPS. 

Dr Hart commented: “I am delighted to be leading this exciting opportunity for the development of our future forensic psychologists at Salford.  As an HCPC Registered Forensic Psychologist, I will work alongside the rest of the forensic psychology team to add practical experience to the modules as we develop these in time for our first cohort in September. 

“We will be working in partnership with the British Psychological Society to develop an accredited MSc which will form Stage 1 of the training required to become qualified Forensic Psychologists.  In the long-term, I hope to develop strong links across the University in the wider Criminal Justice area to further multi-disciplinary research and practice.”

Dr Steve Atkins, Head of Sport and Psychology at the University’s School of Health and Society said: “Helen has been a valued guest lecturer at Salford for many years, speaking on the BSc forensic modules and MSc Psychology of Coercive Control, as well as providing placements for students.  She is a highly regarded professional, so we are delighted that she is now part of University team.”

Dr Hart is a Chartered Forensic Psychologist and has worked in the area of forensic psychology for 25 years, completing her training via HM Prison Service where she was Head of Departments in medium and maximum secure prisons. She specialised in the assessment and treatment of very high-risk men who had committed violent and sexual offences, the assessment of psychopathy and personality disorders.  

She currently works in private practice across the criminal justice system, supporting professionals working within complex areas such as sexual exploitation and terrorism and provides expert witness reports for the court system, specifically within complex areas such as non-accidental injury and domestic violence.  She has completed a doctorate looking at trauma and community resilience following the Manchester Arena bomb.  

She also supports the work of the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology as part of their Qualification Board and is an Associate Fellow of the BPS.