Violence, trauma, and exposure to human distress are daily realities for prison staff across all grades and disciplines. We train them to manage physical risk - through de-escalation strategies, control and restraint techniques and protective equipment - but we continue to fall short in preparing them for the psychological and emotional toll of the work.
Despite overwhelming evidence that achievable, effective, proactive psychological support enhances wellbeing, safety and performance, prison services around the world still fail to adequately equip their people for this aspect of the job.
This session introduces a proven and practical framework - The Model of Dynamic Adaptation™ - developed through research with frontline prison staff and used successfully across UK justice settings. It demystifies the complexity of resilience and provides an intuitive structure to prevent psychological harm, promote individual and organisational thriving, and embed a culture of shared responsibility for wellbeing.
Whether you're a frontline officer, operational manager, or strategic leader, this approach enables you to recognise, respond to, and effectively manage dynamic pressures - before they cause damage. The accompanying Assessment of Dynamic Adaptation™ offers clear, evidence-based recommendations that deliver measurable outcomes, including significant returns on investment in staff wellbeing.
This is not just a model. It is a movement - designed to transform how we care for those who serve in some of the toughest environments.
Moderated by Doug Dretke, Deputy Chair, Staff Training and Development Network, ICPA, United States
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Jo Clarke
Psychologist, Petros. Resilience for Life, United Kingdom
Prof Jo Clarke is a Chartered Psychologist, academic, and international leader in the field of staff wellbeing and resilience. She is the founder and Director of Petros, a not-for-profit organisation specialising in psychological health and performance in high-pressure environments.
Jo spent over two decades working inside the British prison system, where she pioneered trauma-informed approaches long before they became mainstream. Her work blends rigorous academic research with real-world application, earning her a reputation for developing practical, evidence-based solutions that create lasting cultural change.
A compelling keynote speaker and trusted advisor to public and private sector organisations, Jo’s passion lies in equipping people—not just to cope, but to thrive. Her Model of Dynamic Adaptation™ is now being used by individuals, managers, and leaders to radically improve staff wellbeing and performance across justice and other critical sectors.
