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In this study of 420 self‐inflicted deaths in prisons a number of themes emerge. First, important definitional issues in the study of suicide. Second, the observation of the inverse relationship between risk of suicide and time spent at the individual prison institution. Third, that significant age group differences in suicide rates are not distinguishable in prison. Fourth, that factors associated with an increased or decreased risk of suicide are often dynamic at a societal, institutional and individual level.

Psychological services in prisons in England and Wales have a relatively lengthy history going back over 50 years. Over the past ten years there have been significant changes in psychological practice, in terms of both increases in numbers of staff and in the types of professional activity undertaken. Changes to the organisational structure of services are outlined, reflecting the concept of ‘offender management’, in prisons and probation in particular, but also in the wider context of ‘joined up government’. The need to look at the configuration of psychological services afresh is discussed.

The numbers of psychologists employed in HM Prison Service have doubled in the past three years to over 600 staff. HM Prison Service is the largest single employer of applied psychologists. With a governmental focus firmly on ‘joined up’ services in the criminal justice field (Boateng, 1999), the launch of the National Probation Service (NPS) in April 2001 has set the scene for closer partnership working between the two organisations. There has not historically been a national structure for the employment of psychologists in the probation service. With the creation of the NPS and an increased emphasis on partnership working, a national integrated role for psychologists is ripe for development. This presents both organisations with some significant partnership challenges and opportunities (Towl, 2000).

Suicide in prisons has been the subject of much research effort (Topp, 1979; Dooley, 1990; Liebling, 1991; Bogue & Power, 1995; Towl & Crighton, 1998; Snow, 2002). For a pithy critique of UK research and practice see Crighton (2000) and Crighton (2003) respectively. Some of the research has clearly had a direct influence upon policy and practice in suicide prevention. However, despite this, the overall trend of rates of suicide in prisons is upwards.The comparatively high rate of suicide among prisoners and indeed offenders more generally may call into question the very humanity of our criminal justice structures and processes. The nature of imprisonment involves state containment; this carries with it a heavy weight of responsibility and accountability for the well‐being of the prisoner, a responsibility that may be amplified in the case of specific groups of prisoners, such as juveniles or young offenders.This paper reflects on research and practice in what is known about suicide in prisons. The language of suicide is also touched on, because of its relevance in working with the suicidal. Following on from this, the potential role of applied psychologists in preventing suicide will be outlined.

Numerous contributors to the BJLPS have commented about the importance of a conceptualisation of leadership at a range of organisational levels. For our interview in this issue Graham Towl was in conversation with Alan Griffin, Children's Services Manager at the Chilston Service at Barnardos in Tunbridge Wells. The Chilston project enjoys a national reputation as a centre for good practice in working with some challenging and vulnerable children. The high‐quality resources of the project are drawn upon from throughout the South East (and sometimes beyond). Such effective local leadership is probably one of the more demanding but hidden roles in public services.Alan Griffin has a background working in both the health sector and Social Services. Working for Barnardos has been his first job in the third sector. He is a qualified social worker and therapist.

The Prison Service is the largest single employer of forensic psychologists in the UK. This paper gives an overview of the range of contributions from this growing group of applied psychologists.

This paper provides a review of the language used to describe suicidal and self‐injurious behaviours in prisons. The effects of such linguistic practices on the treatment of suicidal prisoners are critically evaluated. The paper concludes with coverge of evidence‐based practice in the area of suicide and intentional self‐injury. A number of possible future developments are discussed.