Teams from CNWL’s Women’s Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) services have successfully presented their work at the British & Irish Group for the Study of Personality Disorders (BIGSPD) conference in Blackpool this June, sharing learning with colleagues from across the UK and Ireland.

The annual conference brings together practitioners, researchers and people with lived experience to share innovation and best practice in personality disorder care.

Following their earlier selection to present at the national conference (as announced in March), CNWL teams went on to deliver four presentations and a poster, showcasing innovative clinical work and partnership approaches developed within prison settings. 

CNWL is unique among NHS trusts in hosting four national prison-based OPD services, three of which are located within the women’s estate, including services at HMP Bronzefield, HMP Downview and HMP Send. 

Showcasing innovative practice

Presenting to full rooms, teams shared work across a range of topics, including trauma-informed approaches in women’s prisons, supporting identity and inclusion, transitions within psychologically informed environments, and strengthening staff reflective practice through operational and clinical partnerships.

The presentations drew strong engagement from audiences across community, inpatient and prison settings. Each session prompted thoughtful discussion, with particularly meaningful feedback from experts by experience, who highlighted the value of these approaches. One presentation was co-delivered with a former service user, reflecting CNWL’s commitment to co-production and compassionate, consistent care.

National recognition

The team’s poster presentation was awarded the Delegates’ Choice Award, recognising their work to expand the Options OPD Service programme at HMP Downview to better meet the diverse and complex needs of women in prison.

Pride in CNWL teams

The conference provided an important opportunity to share CNWL’s learning on a national stage, contributing to the wider understanding of personality disorder and the role of psychologically informed approaches within the criminal justice system.

Colleagues described a strong sense of pride in seeing teams present their work with passion and expertise, demonstrating the quality and innovation of OPD services across CNWL.