Polly Turner

Polly Turner is a Clinical Senior Lecturer and Programme Director for the MSc Forensic Psychology and Mental Health at the University of Manchester, within the Division of Psychology & Mental Health. She also serves as Academic Lead for Fitness to Practise in the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health (FBMH). Her roles include curriculum design, student supervision, and academic advising for postgraduate forensic psychology programs. She holds HCPC registration as a Forensic Psychologist and is a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society.

Education: PhD in Psychology (University of Central Lancashire, 2015), Diploma in Forensic Psychology (BPS, 2009), MSc Forensic Psychology (Manchester Metropolitan University, 2003), BSc Psychology (Goldsmiths College, 2002).

Research focuses on forensic mental health, risk assessment, therapeutic interventions (e.g., CBT, DBT), and professional boundaries in clinical settings. Her work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to Quality Education and Good Health. Key publications explore jury decision-making in autism cases, nursing staff boundaries in secure units, and forensic training methodologies.

Professional awards include HEA Senior Fellowship and leadership roles in the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology. She has served as External Examiner for forensic psychology programs at multiple universities and led national training committees. Current projects include studies on sexual offender recidivism and virtual reality applications in child exploitation research.