About Marcia
Intellectual rigour, empathy and real-world application
Speaker · Mental Health Trainer · Wellbeing Coach
Meet Marcia
Criminologist, social worker and trainer
Marcia Rice is a criminologist and training consultant who originally trained as a psychiatric social worker. For more than 30 years she has designed, delivered and evaluated mental health, forensic and social care training across the UK, Europe and the United States.
Her work centres on adult and young people’s mental health, safeguarding, criminal justice, diversity and wellbeing at work — and on holistic recovery for people living with the effects of physical, sexual or emotional trauma.
Whether she is leading multi-agency training or guiding people through healing, identity and personal growth, she brings a rare combination of intellectual rigour, critical reflection, empathy and real-world application.
“This was the best training on Adultification I have attended.”
Senior Parenting Support Advisor, April 2026
Experience
Over 30 years of practice, research and teaching
Statutory, voluntary, academic and corporate settings — from prisons and secure hospitals to universities, local authorities and government inquiries.
Forensic & Criminal Justice
Worked in the probation and prison services and at Broadmoor Hospital, specialising in female offenders, ethnic minorities and forensic psychiatry, and later directed forensic and legal advisory services.
NHS & Service Development
As a senior NHS manager at West Lambeth Health Trust she established community mental health provision that served as a model for holistic care in Britain.
Research & Academia
Studied criminology at Cambridge and socio-legal studies at Edinburgh, and was a project director and research evaluator at Rutgers University, New Jersey.
University Teaching
Has taught on the Royal Holloway, University of London child care PQ programme since 2004, and on its Parental Mental Health specialist programme.
National Influence
An expert member of government inquiries, including the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ inquiry into homicides and suicides, and a recipient of a Sir Kenneth Calman award.
Creator of THRIVE
Advises central and local government on adultification and extra-familial harm using THRIVE, the assessment and intervention model she developed.
BA (Hons) Sociology
CQSW
MSc Socio-legal Studies
MPhil Criminology (Cantab)
Sir Kenneth Calman award
Creator of the THRIVE model
Teaching
Where Marcia has taught
Royal Holloway, University of London · John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York · Rutgers University, New Jersey · University of East London · University of Birmingham · University of Central England · Croydon College · Tavistock Institute
Testimonials
What delegates and organisers say
“
A fantastic course, well organised and facilitated. Marcia was extremely knowledgeable, made sure people felt involved and gave a fantastic overview of an extremely complex subject. I would highly recommend it to all safeguarding professionals.
Family Conference Chair, November 2023
“
Marcia was amazing! Very knowledgeable without being boring. This course has given me the knowledge and confidence I needed. Simply brilliant!
Senior Social Worker, December 2024
“
I have never had a trainer so knowledgeable and positive. The way Marcia delivered the training, I felt very comfortable and relaxed throughout both of my courses.
Children and Families Manager, April 2025
“
Your delivery covered all the adult learning styles, with excellent subject knowledge, engagement, case studies and breakout rooms. Participants valued the session very much.
Safeguarding Lead Coordinator, February 2026
“
An incredibly informative training. Marcia acknowledged everybody’s ideas and tailored the activities to the participants. The best training on Adultification I have attended.
Senior Parenting Support Advisor, April 2026
Ready to begin?
Let’s create a safe, supportive space for learning and healing.