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Prison
Can technology transform how offenders are managed in the community?
The Independent Sentencing Review looks beyond “the basics” at technology that could transform how offenders are managed in the community
4th June 2025
On Probation
Sentencing Review recommends investment in probation and the Third Sector
The Sentencing Review says a fully-funded and -functioning probation service is essential to implement its recommendations.
3rd June 2025
On Probation
Targeted approaches to different groups of offenders
The Sentencing Review makes specific recommendations for different groups of offenders including prolific offenders, women, older offenders, foreign national offenders, sex offenders and drug and alcohol offenders.
2nd June 2025
Criminal Justice
Providing support to victims
Despite its focus on tackling the prison overcrowding crisis, the Independent Sentence Review dedicates a chapter to providing support to victims.
30th May 2025
Prison
Incentivising progression from custody to community
The Independent Sentencing Review recommends a new system for prisoners to earn early release
29th May 2025
On Probation
Reducing our reliance on custody
The Independent Sentencing Review sets out plans to reduce our reliance on custody
28th May 2025
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"I have commissioned Russell to carry a number of research and evaluation projects of our work with long term unemployed people, in particular substance mis-users. Russell has demonstrated an inate ability to connect with our service users, staff and partners to produce highly objective and thought provoking pieces of work. Russell is an expert in his field, a passionate champion of social justice and I have always welcomed his input as a critical friend of our charity"
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"Russell knows his way around the criminal justice system as well as anyone. He combines practical knowledge with a sharp intellect. But what is equally impressive is that his compassion shines through his work. From the day we met, Russell's advice has been invaluable; without it we would not be able to support some of our most important clients. I would (and do) recommend him without qualification"
"The best source of information on Payment by Results is russellwebster.com"
"Russell is a mine of information, he's my go to for anything criminal justice related and I often refer people to him and his work, which is always accurate and accessible - no mean feat given the ever-changing landscape. Not only is Russell an expert in his field, he's an approachable and helpful person too; making him a pleasure to work alongside."
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"No nonsense interpretation about PbR, huge respect for Russell’s unwavering determination to make a difference."
"Russell was the Evaluator on the project I led. I found him to be extremely useful as much more than someone 'marking my homework' which was the role I expected him to take. His experience helped guide me forward, avoid mistakes I might have made, and steady my nerves when I got rattled. An excellent person to have on the team"
"Russell worked with Sussex Police and Emerging Futures as an independent evaluator on a project aligned to the MOJ’s Female Offender Strategy from May 2018 to June 2019. Russell worked diligently with the team to collate data, feedback at all levels from commissioners, staff and Service Users building on case studies and contributing well to performance meetings. As a result, Russell provided an excellent final evaluation report."
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