Meet Our Management Team

At Make Sense Psychological Services, our management team provides the leadership, expertise, and operational support that underpin the high standards of our clinical work. With decades of combined experience across forensic psychology, clinical practice, and healthcare administration, they ensure the smooth and ethical delivery of services to our clients and partners.

Led by Director and Clinical Psychologist, Dr Matthew Nicoll, and Lead Psychologist, Michele Unwin, the team combines strategic oversight with hands-on clinical expertise. Alongside them, Melissa, our experienced Administrator, plays a key role in coordinating operations and supporting the efficient running of the organisation. Together, they ensure every assessment, intervention, and report reflects our core values of professionalism, accuracy, and compassion.

  • Dr Matthew Nicoll

    Director & Clinical Psychologist

    Dr Matthew Nicoll is the Founder and Director of Make Sense Psychological Services Ltd. As an Independent Psychologist, he has over ten years’ experience producing independent psychological reports and providing oral evidence at parole hearings. His main expertise lies in risk assessment, formulation, and treatment planning of complex cases, often within the context of personality disorder and mental health. In addition to his clinical work, he oversees service development and provides management, supervision, and consultancy for the G4S arm of the company.

    Dr Matthew Nicoll

  • Michele Unwin

    Lead Psychologist

    Michele is a HCPC registered Forensic Psychologist and chartered member of the BPS. She is the Head of Psychological Services at HMP Oakwood Michele and the Lead On Psychological Provisions at Five Wells with over 17 years of experience working within the prison service. She specialises in the assessment and treatment of sexual and violent offenders, with particular expertise and interest in the assessment of intimate partner violence. Michele has a vast range of experience in the implementation, delivery, and management of OBP’s and has delivered a range of therapies including DBT and schema therapy.

    Michele Unwin

  • Melissa Collingburn

    Administrator

    Melissa has over 30 years’ experience and knowledge working in various administration roles within the NHS. She is the administrator for Make Sense Psychology Ltd, currently working mainly with the prison/G4S side. She has previously worked with the Director (Matthew Nicoll) within High Secure Forensics/NHS and approached by him to work for MSP, having now worked together since late 2011.

    Melissa Collingburn

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

If you’re interested in becoming an associate, need more information about our services, or have a specific enquiry for our leadership team, please get in touch. Our management team will ensure your enquiry is directed to the right person.

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