Dr. Dave Barker

Dr Dave Barker is a highly experienced Consultant Psychiatrist with a background in forensic psychiatry and has extensive medico-legal expertise.

Dr Barker has extensive experience in both general and forensic psychiatry, developed over numerous senior roles within the UK healthcare sector. His work has involved managing complex cases in forensic and general psychiatry settings, leading multidisciplinary teams, and acting as Responsible Clinician for various services, including acute, rehabilitation, and neuropsychiatric care.

Dr Barker has developed expertise in neuropsychiatry and neurorehabilitation through his previous role as a Consultant Psychiatrist at a specialist neuropsychiatry rehabilitation unit in Bristol. His deep understanding of the interface between neurology and psychiatry is underpinned by significant academic achievements,

His particular interests include the assessment and management of complex neuropsychiatric conditions, including acquired brain injury, neurodegenerative disorders, and functional neurological disorders. Through his clinical work, he has developed specific expertise in managing the psychiatric and behavioural sequelae of various neurological conditions, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and alcohol-related brain damage.

Dr Barker has considerable experience in preparing medico-legal and court reports since 1996. He has given oral evidence in Magistrates, County and Crown Court on numerous occasions. Has been commissioned to write reports for the Parole Board and Crown Prosecution Service, as well as writing reports instructed by solicitors and the courts in Criminal and Civil cases, including for personal injury and employment tribunals. These number over 100 reports.

Since 2004 Dr Barker undertook the Certificate of Completed Specialist Training (CCST) in Forensic Psychiatry. He has special training in the completion of court compliant reports, particularly in criminal cases, including fitness to plead and stand trial; criminal court disposal; and recommendations related to hospital orders, including those subject to restrictions by the Secretary of State. In January 2017, Dr Barker completed the Bond Solon training in the subjects of the Excellence in Report Writing and Courtroom Skills. He is to be registered on the Cardiff University Bond Solon (CUBS) Accreditation Scheme, the gold standard in expert witness training, to further hone his skills. Thus he will complete the following examined training courses and be fully CUBS trained for Civil Law and Procedure by later in 2025.

Most recent updated training include: Excellence in Report Writing (November 2024), Courtroom Skills (December 2024), Cross-Examination Day (December 2024). Additionally, he completed the following to add to his medico-legal skills armoury. Personal Injury Essentials (November 2024), Clinical Negligence Essentials – Part 1 (November 2024), Clinical Negligence Essentials – Part 2 (November 2024)

General Medical Council 3562246, Royal College of Psychiatrists 11427, The Medical Protection Society 186739, Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, Training Director – South West Division, Member of the Academy of Medical Educators, Member of the Royal Society of Medicine, Member of the Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management, Member of the Association for the Study of Medical Education