Russell Webster keeps you up to date with drugs and crime

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Alcohol/Drugs/Gambling

How drug treatment is following drug dealing onto the internet

The internet has revolutionised the way that drugs are created and sold. There is an increasing number of online drug dealing sites and now treatment is getting in on the online act with a proliferation of computer assisted therapies.

20th May 2013

Payment by Results

The lessons from justice reinvestment

Earlier this week, the MoJ published the findings from the first evaluation of the justice reinvestment project conducted by Kevin Wong and his colleagues from Sheffield Hallam University. The pilot operates a payment by results approach which means that if the pilot areas succeed in reducing demand on criminal justice services (by 5% for adults and 10% for young offenders), they receive additional funds generated by the savings to invest in further reducing re-offending initiatives.

17th May 2013

On Probation

Crossing the probation Rubicon

The publication of the MoJ’s response to Transforming Rehabilitation last Thursday 9 May has made it almost certain that the plans to overhaul the reducing reoffending system will take place.
By bringing the timeline even further forward, the Secretary of State has built in 6 months’ slippage before next general election.
Even if the Labour Party wins the next election, there is no sign that @SadiqKhan would undo the changes.

13th May 2013

Payment by Results

Payment by results across public services

Sitra, the housing support training and consultancy organisation, produced a short but interesting report this week

10th May 2013

On Probation

The Transforming Rehabilitation Timeline

Timeline for the government’s “Transforming Rehabilitation” project which involves the most radical change ever to, and significant privatisation of, the probation service and new focus on short term prisoners.

9th May 2013

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Meet Russell

Russell has over 20 years’ experience as a researcher and consultant specialising in substance misuse and crime.

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Policy advice and research, service evaluations, publications & communications.

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Russell has worked as a researcher, evaluator, consultant, policy expert, writer, trainer and communications expert.

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Prison, probation, police, substance misuse, commissioning & payment by results.

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Keep up-to-date with drugs & Crime

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Alcohol/Drugs

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Probation

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Can the Rehabilitation Revolution make our prisons safe again?

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Testimonials

"Russell goes about his craft in a way that is both supportive, taking account of competing pressures on those he seeks to engage, and challenging through honest feedback and thought provoking conclusions."

"Russell has worked as a consultant for RAPt/Forward for over seven years on a wide range of projects. He has detailed knowledge of the world of drugs and crime and can be relied on to produce quick and accurate briefings which draw on the latest research as well as developments in the pipeline. We have used Russell to provide specialist input on a wide range of subjects and have always been pleased with the quality of his output.."

"Russell is a canny analyst of all things in criminal justice reform. His helpful takes on policy development and his good use of digital media makes him one of the most useful people to know in the sector. His clear-eyed scrutiny of payment by results and the Transforming Rehabilitation reforms is particularly impressive."

"Russell is incredibly knowledgeable and he is also an extremely good listener. His criminal justice experience means that as well as setting up an evaluation system for Fine Cell Work, he has helped to shepherd us through the planning needed for a big, new piece of work. All of our team have found him an absolute pleasure to work with."

“Russell Webster is a pleasure to work with. His wealth of experience and knowledge with an ability to write really accessible information for a range of audiences are a great combination. He has a deep understanding of a wide range of issues in criminal justice which he puts to use in a variety of ways. We find working with Russell very beneficial for our charity’s audiences’ needs”

"Russell's ability to get on with the job, appreciate how busy everyone is and produce an honest evaluation was really welcome and helpful. We wouldn't hesitate to ask him to undertake more work for us."

"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"

"Russell Webster consistently provides up to date, accurate and often hidden information alongside useful, critical and sometimes very funny analysis. His website is a must read for anyone interested in understanding the ever changing context of justice policy and practice. Working with Russell is a pleasure and his contriubution to the sector is invaluable. His update is one of the few regular emails I look forward to."

"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"

"If Russell covers something you know it's likely to be important, and have implications for policy and practice. His analysis of the crime and drug policy world always gets to the nub of the issues and provides a way of cutting through to the heart of what's important."

"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."

"Russell’s explanations and summaries are always helpful and often more helpful to me than the original report. He provides me the basis of the subject with up-to-date, accurate, evidence-based information and critical analysis but always with compassion and understanding. It is a rare combination in these times."

"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."

“Russell Webster is always worth a read – the key issues objectively explained. In an area where everyone has an opinion, it’s good to know someone who also has facts.”

Keep up-to-date with drugs and crime

The latest research, policy, practice and opinion on our criminal justice and drug & alcohol treatment systems