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On Probation
First Justice Data Lab results of 2014

Even with just one positive result in this month’s Justice Data Lab publication, it’s heartening to see that prison education – an area often very vulnerable to cuts – can help reduce reoffending, even when it simply consists of small grants for art and hobby materials.

15th January 2014
Policing
A new deal for the police

The report acknowledges the Winsor review, supports some aspects of it and rejects others. It criticises the way that Winsor has been handled and says their needs to be much more engagement and discussion with police officers themselves. It’s attitude to Winsor is summarised as…

14th January 2014
On Probation
The Probation Association on Transforming Rehabilitation

He points out the dangers that many skilled professional staff are leaving the probation service and expresses the hope that the new Probation Institute will be a cohesive force to ensure that the same levels of dedication and professionalism are found in future versions of the probation service.

13th January 2014
Alcohol/Drugs/Gambling
US tweeters resolve to smoke more marijuana in 2014

Although I tend to agree with the arguments of those who contend that the War on Drugs has caused more problems than it has solved, I’m still instinctively sceptical about the merits of legalising drugs on the basis that it’s always a lot harder to get the genie back in the bottle.

10th January 2014
On Probation
Damning inspection of offender management in prisons

“This lack of progress is of particular concern as it casts doubt about the Prison Service’s capacity to implement the changes required under the Transforming Rehabilitation Strategy designed to reduce reoffending rates, especially for short-term prisoners.”

9th January 2014
Commissioning
How well is NOMS managing our prisons?

The NAO chooses to highlight a key challenge in managing the prison estate in the future. Many of the cost savings are due to commissioning larger prisons – the Titan Prison planned for Wrexham will be Britain’s largest with about 2,000 prisoners). Smaller prisons tend to perform better and, although, there is no evidence base, many criminal justice commentators hold the view that it is easier to help prisoners address their problems and plan for successful release at smaller jails.

8th January 2014

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"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."
Carrie Peters
Carrie PetersDirector of Operations, Ingeus Justice
"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.."
Mike Trace
Mike TraceCEO, Forward Trust
"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."
Andrew Neilson
Andrew NeilsonThe Howard League
"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."
Katy Emck
Katy EmckCEO, Fine Cell Work
“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”
Anne Fox
Anne FoxCEO, Clinks
"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."
deborah cartwright
deborah cartwrightCEO, Oasis
"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"
PHIL NICHOLS
PHIL NICHOLSSocial Enterprise & Skills Consultant
"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."
CHARLIE WEINBERG
CHARLIE WEINBERGCEO, Safe Ground
"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"
GAVIN LOCKHART-MIRAMS
GAVIN LOCKHART-MIRAMSChief Exec, Crest Advisory
"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."
ANDREW BROWNHead of Drug and Alcohol Improvement at Public Health England
"The best source of information on Payment by Results is russellwebster.com"
FIONA SHEIL
FIONA SHEILVoluntary Sector Expert
"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."
JOE GARDHAM
JOE GARDHAM CEO
"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."
Chris Ford
Chris FordSubstance Misuse Expert
"No nonsense interpretation about PbR, huge respect for Russell’s unwavering determination to make a difference."
Richard Rowley
Richard RowleyCriminal Justice Consultant
"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"
James Caplin
James CaplinExecutive Coach
"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."
Sam Sanderson
Sam SandersonSussex Police
“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.”
Peter Dawson
Peter DawsonDirector, Prison Reform Trust

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