Ms Lisa Farren

After finishing my undergraduate degree, I pursued my interest in working within the criminal justice sector. During my employment I was able to complete my MSc Forensic Psychology part-time, and worked towards achieving the status of being a Chartered Forensic Psychologist with the BPS. I am also registered with the HCPC.  

Over the twenty years I have worked in the field of forensic psychology, I have broadened my risk assessment experience, working with those who have committed a range of offending behaviour. I have also aided offenders develop their insight into their behaviour, and aimed to reduce their risk of offending through involvement in offending-behaviour programmes. I also enjoy working with staff via training and consultancy to help them in managing offenders with complex presentations.  

This is  a role I am continuing with, following taking up the position of course director of the MSc Forensic & Investigative Psychology, which I commenced in September 2022. This enables me to continue my professional development and share my experiences with the students who attend the course. I feel this enriches the learning journey and enables students to develop their real-life understanding of applied psychology in the forensic field.

I am also on the BPS Register of Applied Psychology Practice Supervisors, and therefore supervise trainee forensic psychologists in their second stage of working towards qualified status. Therefore, within both my roles, I am able to enjoy aiding the learning and development of individuals in the field of forensic psychology. 

I am fairly new to the academic world of teaching. Prior to undertaking the role of course director of MSc Forensic & Investigative Psychology, my involvement in teaching others has mainly been via the delivery of training. This training has been varied and associated with my role as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist.

In addition, I am on the Register of Qualifications in Test Use (RQTU), held by the BPS. I have therefore been involved in the training of HMPPS psychology staff, to enable them to work towards a related internal qualification.

Since working at CCCU I have been involved in the teaching on several modules of the MSc Forensic & Investigative Psychology. This includes, 'Understanding Criminality and Offending Behaviour', 'Criminal Justice and the Investigative Process' and 'Forensic Assessment, Treatment and Practice'. 

Chartered Forensic Psychologist currently working within HMPPS, and therefore have strong and current links to the field that I teach in.