Supporting competence in practitioners working in personality disorder services

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a “spotlight” on the literature relating the selection, recruitment and development of staff working in personality disorder (PD) services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews key documentation in the field of PD practice in relation to staff.

Findings

Despite the publication of guidelines for working with PD clients, a number of large scale enquiries suggest that some services have often failed to absorb and implement the recommendations made which has resulted in serious consequences.

Practical implications

A number of considerations relating to enhancing staff competency when working in PD units are presented.

Originality/value

The review outlines a number of good practice guidelines relating to the different stages of recruitment and employment for staff working with PD clients.

Citation

Johnson, H., Gredecki, N. and Wilks-Riley, F.R. (2016), "Supporting competence in practitioners working in personality disorder services", The Journal of Forensic Practice, Vol. 18 No. 4, pp. 306-310. https://doi.org/10.1108/JFP-08-2016-0042