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On Probation
Justice Committee on TR Transition

Many witnesses who gave evidence to the Committee highlighted the inherent difficulties about the division of offender management between high risk and low-medium risk offenders, making the point that risk is dynamic and that there will need to be excellent communication across the two bodies to manage effectively those offenders whose risk levels rise and fall.

29th January 2014
Policing
Raising police standards and tackling misconduct

This seems to be a particularly bold and radical approach to addressing two separate problems. The Stevens Report makes a very strong recommendation that this new ISPC should be entirely independent of the police service. This seems to me to be absolutely right in terms of the investigation of serious complaints. However, although the inspection function would benefit from a broader perspective, surely the intimate knowledge of police officers is absolutely key to make inspections a helpful and constructive exercise, rather than just a bureaucratic requirement?

28th January 2014
On Probation
The future of probation is unclear and uncertain

Charlie says there is potential for the resettlement prisons to be a major factor in helping prisoners maintain contact with families. However, she questions whether more offenders might end up in prison because of TR and is particularly concerned about the fate of long term prisoners – will they lose services and interventions to help fund the new resettlement work?

27th January 2014
On Probation
The Justice Committee questions the rationale for TR

One of the driving forces of TR is the desire to improve reoffending rates and cut costs. The Committee was particularly interested to get a sound cost benefit analysis of the proposed changes. The Committee criticises the MoJ for being “less than forthcoming” with information about the costs of TR and highlights two key points…

24th January 2014
On Probation
The Justice Committee interim report on Transforming Rehabilitation

The report maintains a balanced approach throughout although concerns and criticisms are pretty constant. The Committee acknowledges that although Transforming Rehabilitation appears to be a very risky initiative, “there are risks involved in not taking action to deal with the gaps and weaknesses in the present system.”

23rd January 2014
On Probation
Vicky Pryce’s cost benefit analysis of women’s imprisonment

On reflection, I probably had unrealistic expectations for what is a mainstream book. Vicky Pryce has been a positive voice for reform of women’s prisons since her release and is donating the royalties from Prisonomics to Working Chance, an excellent organisation which helps women with criminal convictions find work.

22nd January 2014

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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"
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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."
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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"
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GAVIN LOCKHART-MIRAMSChief Exec, Crest Advisory
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ANDREW BROWNHead of Drug and Alcohol Improvement at Public Health England
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FIONA SHEIL
FIONA SHEILVoluntary Sector Expert
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Richard Rowley
Richard RowleyCriminal Justice Consultant
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