Dr Gwen Adshead who in 2024 gave the BBC Reith Lectures, spoke on Monday 13 October about her work as a forensic psychiatrist working with some of Britain’s worst  offenders. She talks about the nature of violence and the balance between public protection and punishment, and whether rehabilitation and restorative justice and even forgiveness is possible.

Dr. Gwen Adshead is a distinguished forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist with nearly three decades of experience in the NHS, including work in prisons and secure hospitals like Broadmoor. In her role as both a forensic psychiatrist and psychotherapist, Professor Adshead has tried to understand the psychological mechanisms that give rise to violence and life-threatening behaviour toward others. She is a strong advocate for a more therapeutic, compassionate and rehabilitative approach to working with offenders, focusing on understanding the underlying psychological factors contributing to their behaviour rather than simply punitive measures.

Gwen Adshead is deeply engaged in discussions about the ethical dilemmas faced by forensic psychiatrists, particularly regarding issues of responsibility, free will, and the balance between public protection and individual rights.  She has published over 100 academic works and holds an MA in Medical Law and Ethics, as well as an honorary doctorate from St George’s Hospital Medical School. A highly respected lecturer, she has been a visiting professor at Yale and Gresham College. In 2013, she received the Royal College of Psychiatry’s President’s Medal. She is also the co-author of the Sunday Times bestseller The Devil You Know: Encounters in Forensic Psychiatry. In 2024 she gave the BBC Reith Lectures.

The suggested price for tickets is £10 to cover our costs, but free tickets are also available so as not to exclude anyone who would like to come. All are welcome.