Providing Psychological Services in Forensic Settings

With a focus on clarity, accuracy, and scientific integrity, our assessments are designed to inform treatment, risk management, and judicial outcomes.

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Psychological expertise you can rely on.

Trusted Experts in Psychological Assessment, Treatment, and Expert Testimony.

Make Sense Psychological Services Ltd is an independent provider of high-quality psychological services, led by a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Our Director is a chartered member of the British Psychological Society (BPS), a full member of the Division of Clinical Psychology, and an affiliate member of the Division for Forensic Psychology. All clinical work is carried out in line with the BPS and HCPC ethical codes of conduct.

Founded in 2014, Make Sense has developed a strong reputation for delivering structured, evidence-based psychological risk assessments. We specialise in working with male and female clients across all age ranges, producing clear formulations and treatment plans grounded in the latest psychological research.

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Areas of Expertise

  • Violence Risk Assessment

    We provide structured, evidence-based assessments to evaluate the risk of future violent behaviour, using established clinical tools to inform risk management and decision-making.

  • Personality & Psychopathology

    Our in-depth assessments explore underlying personality traits, mental health conditions, and behavioural patterns to support diagnosis, treatment planning, and forensic evaluations.

  • Autism Assessment

    We conduct comprehensive ASD assessments for children and adults, combining clinical interviews, behavioural observations, and validated diagnostic tools to reach accurate, research-informed conclusions.

  • Cognitive Function Assessment

    Our cognitive assessments examine intellectual functioning, memory, attention, executive functioning, and decision-making capacity, supporting both clinical understanding and legal questions of competence.

  • Domestic Violence Assesment

    We assess patterns of coercive control, emotional, physical, and sexual abuse within intimate relationships to inform risk evaluations, safeguarding planning, and therapeutic or legal interventions.

  • Sexual Violence Assessment

    Our specialised sexual violence risk assessments provide a structured analysis of risk factors, behavioural history, and treatment needs, aiding in sentencing, parole, and ongoing risk management decisions.

  • Stalking Assessment

    Our stalking assessments evaluate patterns of fixation, obsession, and intrusive behaviours, alongside risk factors for persistence and escalation. These assessments support legal proceedings, risk management strategies, and safeguarding interventions.

  • Psychiatric Assessment

    Our psychiatric assessments provide a comprehensive evaluation of mental health conditions, diagnostic needs, and treatment planning. They support both clinical care and legal decision-making, ensuring a clear understanding of mental health presentation and risk.

  • ADHD Assessment

    Our ADHD assessments explore attention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, and executive functioning, identifying how these impact daily life and behaviour. Assessments inform clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, and support recommendations for educational, occupational, or forensic contexts.

Testimonials

  • "Having instructed Make Sense associates over a number of years I would have no hesitation in recommending their professionalism , the quality and efficiency in their production of psychological assessments and their empathy to those serving significant sentences of imprisonment within the UK penal system. Their attention to detail and willingness to collaborate with a view to the best possible report in every case is second to none. "

    Alastair Young, The Johnson Partnership Solicitors

  • "Ive instructed Makesense Psychology Services for several years instructing Dr Matthew Nicoll to do full risk assessments on prisoners due with up coming parole hearings. From interviewing the client to compiling the report every bit of it is professional, all my clients speak highly of the associates, their professionalism and their manner on dealing with very sensitive matters I personally find the report easy to read and the associates are very accurate with regards to risk and their recommendations I have no intentions of using any other firm"

    Mrs Clare Sievewright, RMNJ Solicitors

  • "I’ve worked with Make Sense Psychological Services on numerous occassions over the years, and I can honestly say their professionalism and expertise are second to none. Every expert I’ve instructed through them has been highly professional, ethical, and deeply knowledgeable in their field. Their reports are always clear, balanced, and persuasive, and their input regularly carries considerable weight within legal proceedings. It’s a service I’ve come to trust completely, and I will continue to use and recommend Make Sense Psychological Services without hesitation."

    Lloyd Stradling, Prison Law Consultant and Solicitor - Graham & Co Solicitors Limited

  • "I first instructed Make Sense in 2020 following a recommendation from a colleague, and I have instructed them on numerous occasions since. I have found the approach of Make Sense psychologists different to other psychologists. They take a very thorough approach to assessments, but their reports are not overly lengthy, so are easy to understand and I have also found them to be persuasive in my cases before the Parole Board. In oral evidence, I have found the psychologists to be very clear and on top of their instructions with an impressive knowledge of the cases. They deal well with challenges from Parole Board members and instil confidence. With more vulnerable clients I have found Make Sense to have a truly compassionate approach which has meant a lot to my clients. I would not hesitate to recommend Make Sense to anyone who requires expert psychological input in a Parole Board review."

    Catherine Bond, Consultant Solicitor, SL5 Legal

  • "We have worked with Makesense Psychology Services on a number of our more complex prison law cases and have been continually impressed by the quality of their work and professionalism. Their psychologists bring a calm, compassionate, and highly skilled approach to every case. The assessments are detailed, balanced, and always delivered with clarity and sensitivity to the unique circumstances involved. Their insight has often been key in helping us better understand our clients’ needs and in supporting fairer outcomes. Communication with the team is always efficient and friendly, and they consistently go above and beyond to accommodate tight deadlines and challenging situations. It’s clear they care deeply about both the people they assess and the professionals they work alongside. We have no hesitation in recommending Makesense Psychology Services to anyone seeking reliable, expert, and genuinely caring psychological input."

    Sally Patchett, Prison Law Consultant

  • The challenge for a Prison Law Advocate is balancing the needs of the individual prisoner and working within the requirements of The Parole Board in order to satisfy the statutory test for release. Make Sense Psychological Services provide specific and tailored psychological assessments for a wide range of offending behavioural concerns. The positive reports recommending progression are submitted to the Parole Board. As a result of the meticulous work carried out by Make Sense Psychology they ensure the respective client receives an impartial assessment of his risk factors preceding Parole and these reports and oral evidence presented go towards assuring the Paroleboard of manageability and potential release back into the community. The insight that Dr Nicoll and his team of qualified psychologists provide can be utilised by Probation along with a range of third party services so as to ensure that a successful reintegration into society can be achieved. In summary, an excellent service providing straightforward and comprehensive assessments.

    Mr Malcolm Wilkinson, Martyn Hewett Solicitor

Our psychologists are trusted to deliver over 400 comprehensive psychological reports each year - combining academic rigour with real-world experience.

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