The ultimate shock absorber

Abstract

Since the publication of its strategy in 2012, the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) Pathway continues to develop across the National Probation Service and prison estate. The relational crux of the Pathway exists between the probation officer and service user, with the former holding the lead professional role. This study aimed to develop an understanding of practitioners’ experience of inhabiting this role, in order that enhanced insight into the relationship at the centre of the Pathway could emerge. Discussion focuses on the implications of the findings for enabling relational security and psychologically informed practice in complex and risk averse systems.