The Accreditation Process

Accredited Assessors are not employed by the RMA, they are accredited by us and engaged and remunerated by the court. Our Accreditation process is thorough and has been developed in consultation with a wide variety of stakeholders and practitioners.

As an accreditation body, we support assessors in a number of ways. Upon appointment, assessors will be provided with an induction to introduce key processes and documentations. New assessors will meet members of the RMA team and be introduced to existing assessors. RMA staff are always available to assessors throughout the period of accreditation for advice, support and guidance.

“Being an Accredited Assessor is a role that has a unique influence on the decision making of the High Court. If the court applies the Order for Lifelong Restriction, our reports galvanise resources to manage and reduce risk.

I never could have imagined, as a trainee, working as an accredited assessor, but with the support of the RMA team, who are extremely approachable and friendly, my learning continues to increase with every new assessment”.

– Dr John Marshall (Accredited Assessor)

The RMA opened the application process for new Accredited Assessors in 2021-22, the application period is now closed. The Accreditation process followed four stages:

Pre-application
Application
Interview
Maintenance of Accreditation

Only those who meet the initial eligibility criteria in the Pre-application stage were invited to progress to Application. Interested parties had to complete and submit their eligibility questionnaire to apply.

I became an Accredited Assessor because I was looking for a new challenge. The cases looked really interesting; and I liked the idea that I could play a critical role in public protection, as well as helping formulate risk management plans for risky, complex individuals – hopefully helping the individual lead a better life in the long term. I enjoy trying to make sense of complex cases; and multi-agency working as part of this. The support offered from the RMA is also invaluable. I really value being able to play a role in public protection. For anyone considering becoming an Accredited Assessor I’d recommend speaking to existing accreditors about their experiences, reviewing the Information for Applications; and I’d say – don’t be afraid to go for it!”

– Allyson Campbell (Accredited Assessor)

Applications were only accepted between 17 – 21 January 2022.

The Information for Applicants document below provides all the detailed information applicants may have needed for each stage in the Accreditation process. It was designed to support individuals in making an informed decision about whether it was the right time for them to apply. If you have any questions about the role, the benefits of being accredited, or the accreditation process, you can e-mail us.

“Being an independent practitioner provides many opportunities for a diverse range of work and being an assessor is one of the most fulfilling of them all. Assessors rarely get cases that are not complex in nature and this leads to many opportunities to work with a variety of professionals as well as enhancing my own development.

The duty of care towards the public and to the individual being assessed is pivotal and it is rewarding to know that the assessment helps the offender and a variety of professionals to understand the complexities of the case. It is satisfying to know this can then be used to offer support and employ risk management strategies to keep the public safe.

There is loads of support available from the RMA, which I have found invaluable on my journey and anyone who enjoys undertaking risk assessments and formulating complex presentations would be thoroughly suited to this role.”

– Rachel Roper (Accredited Assessor)

INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

“I work in a busy NHS job and thought it would be difficult to find the time to be an accredited risk assessor. However, the application process highlighted to me the value my knowledge and skills as a consultant Forensic Psychiatrist could bring to the role

Finding time for assessments can be a challenge but this is outweighed by the benefits I get from being an assessor. The variety and complexity of cases improves my clinical practice and supports my professional development.”

– Dr Stuart Doig (Accredited Assessor)