Medico-Legal Experience

Dr Dave Barker is a highly experienced Consultant Psychiatrist with a background in forensic psychiatry and extensive medico-legal expertise. Since 1996, he has prepared over 100 court-compliant reports for criminal and civil cases, including fitness to plead, criminal court disposals, and Parole Board reviews, and has provided testimony in Magistrates, County, and Crown Courts.

In 2017, Dr Barker completed Bond Solon training on Excellence in Report Writing and Courtroom Skills, and he is currently completing advanced expert witness training with Cardiff University Bond Solon (CUBS) Accreditation Scheme, which will qualify him further in civil law and procedure by January 2025.

More recently, Dr Barker has excelled as a medical leader, educator, and academic, currently serving as Director of Medical Education for a large organisation. Building on this wealth of experience, he is actively working to expand and re-establish his medico-legal practice.

Clinical Experience

Dr Barker is a highly skilled Consultant Psychiatrist with 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.

From 2022 to 2024, Dr Barker served as Deputy Regional Medical Director for the South West, where he provided leadership in clinical governance, quality improvement, and staff recruitment and retention, supporting the development of high standards of psychiatric care across the region.

Previously, Dr Barker held the role of Consultant Psychiatrist at Cygnet Brunel in Bristol (2017–2024), where he was the Responsible Clinician for neuropsychiatric rehabilitation services, managing complex cases within a 32-bed male facility. As Medical Director at Cygnet Hospital Taunton (2017–2023), he led medical teams in a 54-bed hospital, improving clinical care and governance, and helping achieve a Good CQC rating across all domains, with Outstanding in the caring domain.

His earlier experience includes a significant tenure as Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist at Cygnet Hospital Kewstoke in Weston-super-Mare (2006–2018), where he led multidisciplinary teams, provided care across forensic psychiatry services, and collaborated closely with the NHS to align patient care pathways.

Dr Barker’s extensive experience in these senior clinical roles underscores his commitment to advancing psychiatric care and supporting patient-centred treatment across various services.

Special Interests

Dr Barker has developed expertise in neuropsychiatry and neurorehabilitation through his current role as Consultant Psychiatrist at Cygnet Brunel’s specialist neuropsychiatry rehabilitation unit. 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.

Memberships of Professional Bodies

• Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists
  • Training Director – South West Division
  • Regional Advisor (departing) – London 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

Further information

Download Dr Barker’s CV to learn more about his research publications, qualifications and more.