Meet Scott van der Merwe

Scott is a BPS Chartered and HCPC-registered Forensic Psychologist, and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society’s Division of Forensic Psychology. He specialises in sexual and violent offending risk assessment and treatment, with over 17 years’ experience working with adult and young adult prisoners across a variety of offending backgrounds. Scott has previously served as Head of Psychology at a Category C prison, where he managed the psychology department, and now works in private practice providing assessment, treatment, and expert testimony.

  • Chartered & HCPC-Registered Forensic Psychologist

    • HCPC Registered (PYLXXXX)

    • Chartered Member of the British Psychological Society (BPS)

    • Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society (Division of Forensic Psychology)

  • Scott has worked in forensic settings for over 17 years, including extensive experience with adult and young adult prisoners with sexual and violent offending histories. He was previously Head of Psychology at a Category C prison, managing the psychology department, and is highly experienced in providing risk assessment, treatment, and expert evidence in both prison and court settings.

  • Scott specialises in forensic risk assessment and intervention for sexual and violent offending, and has extensive experience delivering and managing accredited interventions within HMPPS. He is also highly skilled in providing expert witness testimony, receiving extremely positive feedback from Parole Board panels and solicitors.

    • Risk assessment tools: HCR-20 V3, RSVP, SARA v3, ERG22+

    • Structured psychological assessments: IPDE, PCL-R

    • Cognitive assessments: WAIS-IV

    • Proficient in supervising, managing, and providing clinical oversight for accredited offending behaviour programmes

  • Scott has extensive experience in the delivery, management, supervision, and clinical oversight of accredited interventions within HMPPS, supporting treatment integrity and professional development.

Scott van der Merwe is a Forensic Psychologist, Chartered with the BPS and Registered with the HCPC. He has over 17 years’ experience working with adult and young adult prisoners with sexual and violent offending histories. He previously served as Head of Psychology at a Category C prison and is trained in a range of structured risk, psychological, and cognitive assessment tools. Scott is also highly competent in providing expert witness evidence for Parole Boards and courts. He is trained in and proficient in the delivery, management, supervision, and clinical oversight of a variety of accredited interventions within HMPPS.

Discover the rest of our highly experienced psychologists and specialists, each bringing their own expertise to support our clients.