Peaks Academic Research Unit

Peaks Academic and Research Unit (PARU)

The role of PARU is to conduct evaluation and research studies relevant to dangerous and severe personality disorder (DSPD) services at the Peaks Unit and to encourage evidence-based practice and evaluation of treatments. The unit promotes a research culture and evidence-based practice, while assisting staff in their research efforts. PARU run seminars along with a journal club and other similar events.

PARU has very close links with the University of Nottingham (particularly the Division of Psychiatry, Section of Forensic Mental Health) where several staff hold appointments. PARU maintains a reprint collection of articles relevant to personality disorder and offending behaviour and also maintains the evaluation database. All research projects and proposals relating to the Peaks and personality disorder services are considered and monitored by PARU.

The development of international links is a priority for PARU with several international researchers holding formal links with them through their formal appointments as international Fellows of the Institute of Mental Health and of PARU.

PARU is currently creating a possible international network of those interested in developing innovative clinical programmes and to advance training and research in forensic mental health. The unit publishes extensively and has several books in press.

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