'It is sometimes difficult to know where you want your career to go and then once you have decided, it is sometimes even more difficult to find the time, the money and the right kind of support. Together have helped me on all counts in my recent quest to complete a part-time masters in forensic psychology. It was a lot of hard work, but the commitment from the organisation certainly played a big part in my achieving a qualification which, at times, had felt out of reach.' Linda Bryant, FMHP Co-ordinator

Together aims to support staff to develop their careers and professional interests.

The organisation has recently supported FMHPs:

• to work towards chartership status as forensic psychologists. This has recently included supporting one practitioner in the completion of an MSc in Forensic Psychology.  Currently four practitioners are registered as trainee forensic psychologists and are being supported to gain the necessary clinical supervision required to apply for clinical status.  The tasks and responsibilities of the posts also provide the opportunity for completion of the key competencies required to achieve chartership status.  Another practitioner has also recently qualified as a Chartered Forensic Psychologist
• to undertake research interests relevant to the post. Recent research projects have included exploring the help-seeking behaviours of an Asian offender population.  These opportunities have also contributed to enhancing practitioners’ professional and academic status
• to pursue further training. Practitioners have attended various courses including in the areas of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Cognitive Analytic Therapy 
• to attend relevant professional conferences/seminars such as Severe and Dangerous Personality Disorders; Suicide Prevention; Treating Personality Disorders; Mental Health Needs of Minority Groups; Mental Health Policy; Substance Misuse and Mental Illness, etc.

Together Forensic Mental Health Practitioners have been recognised as experts in their field and are regularly invited to provide training and lectures, and to address professional conferences. Their activities have included:

• facilitating workshops at the national NACRO conference
• training London probation staff
• lecturing on the masters course of Forensic Psychology at Portsmouth University
• addressing undergraduate psychology students at Westminster University.

	'I would say that the FMHP post is unique in that it involves the different Key Roles that are required for Chartership (therapist, researcher, consultant and trainer). Therefore, one is able to practise and demonstrate the different competencies that are relevant to a Chartered Forensic Psychologist. This position is also very flexible and you are able to tailor your work in terms of your interests within the field of Forensic Psychology (i.e. anger management, personality disorder, etc.). The management is very supportive and you are allowed to take time off for supervision. However, it is worth noting that one needs to be proactive and motivated to make the most of the post and to identify a Chartered Forensic Psychologist to supervise one's work.' Johanna Wadman, Forensic Mental Health Practitioner