Sarah Leonard

Sarah Leonard is a Lecturer in the Division of Psychology & Mental Health at the University of Manchester. She holds a PhD in Psychiatry (2019) and specializes in forensic mental health pathways, particularly focusing on care transitions between secure psychiatric services and prisons. She is Co-Lead of the Health and Justice Research Network and Chair of the Research Ethics Oversight Committee.

• Education: BSc Psychology (2010), MRes Psychology (2011), PhD Psychiatry (2019)
• Awards: IAFMHS 2016 Presentation Award
• Roles: Academic Advisor, Supervisor of PhD students, and Principal Investigator on NIHR-funded projects

Her research focuses on improving healthcare access and quality for individuals in criminal justice settings, with expertise in mixed-methods studies. Key projects include investigations into aftercare planning for prison-remitted individuals and admission assessment processes in secure services. Recent publications address discharge planning, clinician decision-making, and pandemic impacts on incarcerated populations.

She supervises doctoral research in forensic mental health, transitions between youth and adult services, and lived experience-informed custodial care approaches.