Kerry Daynes

Forensic Psychologist and TV Presenter

Author •
TV Presenter / Broadcaster

Forensic Psychologist & Media Expert: A leading figure in high-security prisons and psychiatric hospitals, frequently featured on TV.
Advocate for Change: Patron of key charities and trustee supporting victims of violence and abuse.
Bestselling Author: Wrote The Dark Side of the Mind, a Sunday Times Top Ten bestseller.

What Kerry Daynes's clients say

Here is some of the feedback from audiences and clients who have worked with Kerry.

"Your wellbeing session has received really great feedback with many people saying it was the best they've been to at Discovery! Praise indeed."

Kate Kielty,

PR,

Discovery Communications

"What a hugely inspirational lady … everyone was transfixed. I have certainly found myself thinking in a different way."

Brian Collier,

Experience Economy Lead,

XFS

"I wish to thank you on behalf of the Isle of Wight Literary Festival for your incredible talk. You captivated the audience with your fascinating insights into a world most of us only encounter on our television screens."

Julia Dams,

Programme Director,

IoW Literary Festival

"On behalf of all the Festival team I would like to say a huge thank you for the amazing event at the Festival. We’ve had fantastic feedback from the audience that came and the staff about how fascinating and enlightening the talk was."

Becky Wholley,

Festival Co-ordinator,

"We would like to send you our most sincere thanks for your wonderful talk to our Conference. We have had some very positive feedback from the delegates; one emailed us to say ‘your keynote speaker was one of the best speakers I have ever heard; fluent, knowledgeable, funny. We agreed we could have happily listened to her for several more hours.’ You started the Conference off on a high note for which we are most grateful."

Jane Mayer,

Conference Organiser,

National Womens Register

"I wholeheartedly recommend Kerry to any business and any audience serious about taking their people to the next level. Kerry's talks for Health Enrich have set a really positive and upbeat tone for our client events. The content is unique and captivating; funny, informative and challenging. We have had great feedback, including from very senior and experienced leaders who got something new and valuable from Kerry’s keynote. She appeals to all levels and all industries which is a rare find and her messages are clear, immediately actionable and delivered in a way that is hugely enjoyable to listen to. On a more personal level, Kerry is as down to earth as she is professional and it was great working with her."

Zoe Lancaster,

Managing Director,

Health Enrich

"Kerry Daynes was one of the standout highlights of this year’s festival. An accomplished and engaging speaker, she captivated the audience with her recollections, observations and insight. Fiercely honest and highly entertaining, she was a gem of a guest and we would have her back in a heartbeat."

Lesley Richardson,

Open House Festival Bangor

"Kerry Daynes is a brilliant communicator, able to translate the intricate and fascinating world of psychology in a witty, warm and engaging way. Salon London has worked with her many times, and at many festivals across the country and can recommend her as a rare find - a speaker who can deliver her expert knowledge in the way audiences enjoy hearing it."

Helen Bagnall,

Co-founder,

Salon London and Salon North

"Compassionate and powerful"

Dr Emma Short,

Director ,

National Centre for Cyber-Stalking Research

"Back again by popular demand"

The Oldie Magazine, Soho Literary Festival

"What a revelation! Women in leadership roles or advancing up the career ladder really need to hear Kerry speak. Kerry is entertaining, warm and completely relatable."

Beverley Chadwick,

Vice President and Corporate Controller,

Squaretrade Inc

"The talk you did for us was one of the most interesting events I have had the pleasure of listening to (I was like a sponge with all the info you presented). I can’t wait to hear more from you."

Gemma Rowland,

Literature Festivals Manager,

Harrogate International Festivals

Available for

Kerry’s speaking themes

Languages:

English

Click the button below to check Kerry’s fees and availability for your event.

Kerry Daynes's 2024 biography

Kerry Daynes: Resilience and Justice – A Trailblazer in Forensic Psychology and Advocacy

Kerry Daynes’ entry into the field of forensic psychology was a true trial by fire. At just 21 years old, she stepped through the gates of HMP Wakefield, one of the UK’s most notorious prisons, unaware of the immense challenges and prejudice she would face—not just from inmates, but from prison staff. In one particularly harrowing incident, she was locked in a cell with a dangerous prisoner as a cruel prank, not by the inmates, but by the guards themselves. Despite such trials, Kerry persevered, demonstrating an unwavering resolve that would define her career.

Over the following years, Kerry worked in secure psychiatric hospitals, where she became renowned for her ability to connect with and treat some of the most complex, challenging, and often dangerous patients.

Her reputation grew, and she eventually established her own successful practice, offering psychological services in community forensic settings and serving as a court-appointed expert witness. Specializing in homicide and high-profile cases involving serious violence and sexual assault, Kerry’s practical, no-nonsense approach made her a sought-after expert in major police

In addition to her clinical work, Kerry shared her expertise as a lecturer in Applied Psychology at Manchester University from 2004 to 2007 and frequently guest lectured at other universities. Despite facing professional success, she experienced personal setbacks, including burnout and a terrifying experience with a stalker, which led her to pivot into mainstream psychology. In 2013, Kerry became the Regional Head of Psychology for a chain of independent Mental Health Recovery Hospitals.

Kerry’s contributions to psychology extend beyond her practice. She published her Sunday Times bestselling memoir Dark Side of the Mind in 2019, which received widespread praise for its candid portrayal of both offenders and victims as complex, multifaceted individuals, challenging common stereotypes.

She holds several prestigious qualifications: she is a Consultant Psychologist, Chartered Psychologist, and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, and she is also a Health & Care Professions Council Registered Forensic Psychologist. Additionally, Kerry is a Chartered Scientist and a member of the Science Council.

Kerry is deeply committed to social causes. She is a proud Patron of the National Centre for Domestic Violence and Talking2Minds, a charity focused on supporting military and blue-light services personnel affected by PTSD. Furthermore, she serves as a trustee for The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, a leading UK charity focused on personal safety and anti-stalking. In recognition of her dedication to her work and advocacy, Kerry was named an Inspirational Woman in 2023.

Through her resilience and dedication, Kerry Daynes has not only shaped the field of forensic psychology but also become a tireless advocate for those affected by trauma, violence, and injustice.