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Penelope Gibbs

@penelopegibbs.bsky.social
1.8K followers 1K following 191 posts

My passion is to improve UK justice. Lead charity www.transformjustice.org.uk (email there). Also visiting fellow www.kellogg.ox.ac.uk and chair www.appropriateadult.org.uk

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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Charlie Radclyffe @charlierad.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Loved this @transformjustice.bsky.social podcast episode • experience of police custody • cause/exacerbate harm • how to make process fairer and safer for vulnerable people. Ep63: Appropriately supported? Vulnerability in police custody @penelopegibbs.bsky.social overcast.fm/+AA6PG9gMwLE
overcast.fm
Ep63: Appropriately supported? Vulnerability in police custody — The Transform Justice Podcast
Suspects can be held in police custody for up to 24 hours - and sometimes longer. During this time, they may be questioned by police. But what happens when someone in custody has a mental health condi...
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
📢 CourtWatch is back - and this time we’re taking on the whole of England and Wales! We’re looking for volunteers to observe hearings in their local magistrates’ courts and report back to us. 🔗Sign up now to get info on online training sessions transformjustice.eo.page/courtwatchlo...
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
✅No prior experience is needed, and you’ll get training and support along the way. ✅The data we gather gives us a better picture of what’s going on inside magistrates’ courts - and what needs to change. 👀Read more about the project here: www.transformjustice.org.uk/focus-areas/...
transformjustice.org.uk
Transform Justice - CourtWatch
Mass observation of the magistrates’ courts
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
💡New Insight 💡 Shoplifting is on the rise. What's the best method of dealing with it? Ella Thomson draws on observations from the @courtwatchldn.bsky.social project to explore how police, courts & govt could go about tackling this issue. Read it now!⬇️ www.transformjustice.org.uk/news-insight...
transformjustice.org.uk
Is prosecuting shoplifting the answer? - Transform Justice
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FairChecks @fairchecks.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
🚨🔊 In a newly-published youth justice white paper, the government have announced a commitment to ‘set out a targeted, proportionate package of potential reforms for the childhood criminal records regime, by the end of 2026.’
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
💡New Insight💡 The inquiry into the Southport murders attributes a significant amount of blame to the parents of attacker Axel Rudakubana, then 17 years old. But is blaming the parents helpful, or productive? @penelopegibbs.bsky.social weighs in. ⬇️ www.transformjustice.org.uk/news-insight...
transformjustice.org.uk
Is it helpful to blame the family of Axel Rudakubana? - Transform Justice
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 07/05/2026
Following the 2024 Southport attack, in which 3 young girls were killed and many others injured, a recent inquiry examined missed opportunities to prevent the tragedy. Here @selinawallis.bsky.social explores the significance of the attacker's online activity. 🎧Full episode: pod.fo/e/40b338
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨 The Southport attack left a haunting question: how does a teenager so known to services fall through the cracks? Prof. Lynn Davies & @selinawallis.bsky.social join us to unpack the missed opportunities & how to prevent a similar tragedy in the future. 🎧Listen now: pod.fo/e/40b338
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 08/04/2026
Join us next week for a CourtWatch London webinar! ☑️ Hear about findings from both our newly-released reports ☑️Hear from courtwatchers on their experiences and their takes on defendant treatment and efficiency in London magistrates’ courts. 🎟️ Register now - eventbrite.co.uk/e/courtwatch...
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Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 01/04/2026
On the latest episode of the Transform Justice Podcast, @eppiesprung.bsky.social discusses why she is open about her past offence and how she came to set up @nextchapterscotland.org.uk. 🎧 Listen to the full episode here: pod.fo/e/39e682 #TransformJusticePodcast #FairChecks #NextChapterScotland
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
📅 Co-Op Foundation Webinar - Weds 15 April 11am Join us, @theayj.bsky.social & the Co-Op Foundation for a webinar exploring what the public think about the use of prison for children. Featuring a research overview and a panel Q&A. Secure your place now ➡️ www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/public-per...
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 26/03/2026
⚠️ New CourtWatch London report! How are defendants treated in the magistrates' courts? Are they able to effectively participate in their hearings? Find out what our courtwatchers observed in our brand new report ⬇️ www.transformjustice.org.uk/publication/...
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
FairChecks @fairchecks.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
🎉Government review of childhood criminal records disclosure will be happening by the end of this year! A brilliant step forward towards a fairer system. ➡️Keep up with the FairChecks campaign - sign up to join us: fairchecks.org.uk
fairchecks.org.uk
Home - #FairChecks
A fresh start for the criminal records system We’re fighting to ensure that people with criminal records have a fair chance to find work and fulfil their potential. Will you join us? SIGN UP Sign the ...
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Thanks to some great peers & to www.fairchecks.org.uk supporters, gov has committed to propose reforms to childhood criminal records by end of year. Lets support people who got into trouble with the law as children to wipe the slate clean of old/minor records www.theyworkforyou.com/lords/?id=20...
fairchecks.org.uk
Home - #FairChecks
A fresh start for the criminal records system We’re fighting to ensure that people with criminal records have a fair chance to find work and fulfil their potential. Will you join us? SIGN UP Sign the ...
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Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 20/03/2026
Thanks to some great peers & to www.fairchecks.org.uk supporters, gov has committed to propose reforms to childhood criminal records by end of year. Lets support people who got into trouble with the law as children to wipe the slate clean of old/minor records www.theyworkforyou.com/lords/?id=20...
fairchecks.org.uk
Home - #FairChecks
A fresh start for the criminal records system We’re fighting to ensure that people with criminal records have a fair chance to find work and fulfil their potential. Will you join us? SIGN UP Sign the ...
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨 Is ostracising people who’ve committed sexual offences the best way to stop it happening again? We're joined by Eppie Sprung of @nextchapterscotland.org.uk and Belinda Winder to discuss sexual offending - why it happens and what to do about it. 🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/39e682
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 05/03/2026
Lucy Jaffe discusses forgiveness and the 'magic' of restorative justice on the latest episode of the Transform Justice Podcast. 🎧Catch up on the full episode (also featuring @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social) here: pod.fo/e/3895fe @whymeuk.bsky.social @penelopegibbs.bsky.social @robroballen.bsky.social
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Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
In 2014, four masked men rushed into @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social's house and beat him severely. After discovering restorative justice charity @whymeuk.bsky.social Paul and his wife and daughter, who were also present, sat down with one of the attackers. 🎧Listen to the full episode: pod.fo/e/3895fe
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
It's a bit rich of Serco to push for increase in video court hearings due to their failure to get people detained in police custody to court on time. But agree with implication that police remand too many. 70% of defs remanded by police are released by the court www.lawgazette.co.uk/commentary-a...
lawgazette.co.uk
Why risk video justice?
There is no evidence video justice saves costs, but there is ample evidence it impedes effective participation.
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Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
It's a bit rich of Serco to push for increase in video court hearings due to their failure to get people detained in police custody to court on time. But agree with implication that police remand too many. 70% of defs remanded by police are released by the court www.lawgazette.co.uk/commentary-a...
lawgazette.co.uk
Why risk video justice?
There is no evidence video justice saves costs, but there is ample evidence it impedes effective participation.
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Video calls are great for keeping in touch with friends. But not so good in high stakes situations with strangers. Vulnerable defendants in criminal court struggle to effectively participate on video. But Sir Brian Leveson wants massive increase in video hearings www.lawgazette.co.uk/commentary-a...
lawgazette.co.uk
Why risk video justice?
There is no evidence video justice saves costs, but there is ample evidence it impedes effective participation.
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Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 16/02/2026
Video calls are great for keeping in touch with friends. But not so good in high stakes situations with strangers. Vulnerable defendants in criminal court struggle to effectively participate on video. But Sir Brian Leveson wants massive increase in video hearings www.lawgazette.co.uk/commentary-a...
lawgazette.co.uk
Why risk video justice?
There is no evidence video justice saves costs, but there is ample evidence it impedes effective participation.
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
I thought video links for defendants had died a (justified) death but Sir Brian Leveson has revived them despite evidence video stops defendants' effective participation in hearings. There are also indications video leads to judicial bias & more punitive outcomes www.lawgazette.co.uk/commentary-a...
lawgazette.co.uk
Why risk video justice?
There is no evidence video justice saves costs, but there is ample evidence it impedes effective participation.
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Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 13/02/2026
I thought video links for defendants had died a (justified) death but Sir Brian Leveson has revived them despite evidence video stops defendants' effective participation in hearings. There are also indications video leads to judicial bias & more punitive outcomes www.lawgazette.co.uk/commentary-a...
lawgazette.co.uk
Why risk video justice?
There is no evidence video justice saves costs, but there is ample evidence it impedes effective participation.
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨 What if justice put people first? Restorative justice centres victims, reduces reoffending & creates real accountability. So why is it so hard to access? @paulkohlersw19.bsky.social & Lucy Jaffe discuss RJ & efforts to expand its use. 🎧Listen now: pod.fo/e/3895fe
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
🎙️New Transform Justice Podcast episode out tomorrow! In the meantime, have you listened to our most recent episode? @penelopegibbs.bsky.social and @robroballen.bsky.social look back through 2025: the reforms, debates and missed opportunities that shaped the year. 🎧 Listen now: pod.fo/e/374dde
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Nick Davies @njdavies.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Govt's court reforms have focussed on crown court backlogs, but they will put more pressure on magistrates courts that also have record backlogs. A great new @transformjustice.bsky.social report looks at the causes of poor productivity in the magistrates
transformjustice.org.uk
Beyond reasonable delay: efficiency in London magistrates’ courts - Transform Justice
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
We're heading into uncharted territory when it comes to prison population levels. In the latest episode of the Transform Justice Podcast, we discuss what exactly could be causing this rise in numbers, and what the possible solutions could be. 🎧Listen to the latest episode now: pod.fo/e/374dde
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
FairChecks @fairchecks.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
"I can absolutely testify to the incredibly difficult journey of living in the long shadow of the criminal record." Paula Harriott speaks at the Justice Select Committee on criminal records and rehabilitation last week. Will you join us in pushing for change? Sign up now ➡️ fairchecks.org.uk
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
FairChecks @fairchecks.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
FairChecks was invited to speak at a Select Committee session on criminal records and rehabilitation. Here @penelopegibbs.bsky.social explains how criminal records impact social mobility. 💙We need fair criminal record checks - join the campaign today! fairchecks.org.uk
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
CourtWatch @courtwatchproject.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
⚠️ New CourtWatch London report! It’s finally here… the culmination of more than 2300+ magistrates’ court hearings observed, recorded and analysed. A massive thank you to all of our volunteer courtwatchers for making this possible! Read it now: 🔗 transformjustice.org.uk/publication/...
transformjustice.org.uk
Beyond reasonable delay: efficiency in London magistrates’ courts - Transform Justice
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 16/01/2026
💡New Insight 💡 Dr Jill Harbord of University of Sussex explores the marginalisation of people facing homelessness in our magistrates' courts. Read it now ⬇️ @sheltercharity.bsky.social | @crisis-uk.bsky.social | @stmungos.bsky.social www.transformjustice.org.uk/news-insight...
transformjustice.org.uk
“Am I going to prison?”: how defendants are excluded & marginalised - Transform Justice
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 09/01/2026
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨 Start the year strong with a big-picture view of criminal justice policy. @penelopegibbs.bsky.social & @robroballen.bsky.social reflect on the reforms and debates that shaped 2025 & look ahead to 2026. 🎧Listen now for the latest developments in prisons, courts & more: pod.fo/e/374dde
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Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 07/01/2026
⚠️Can rehabilitation be delivered in prisons - and where are we going wrong? Andi Brierley joins us to discuss how we can ensure people leaving prison have the opportunity to move away from offending. 🎧Catch up on the latest episode of the Transform Justice Podcast now! pod.fo/e/3648a8
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
We need more magistrates (there's recruitment drive) but most recent gov stats suggest recruitment processes are biased in favour of white, privately educated professionals, so there is high risk that new JPs will be not be representative of the people www.transformjustice.org.uk/news-insight...
transformjustice.org.uk
The slow road to the bench: reforming magistrate recruitment - Transform Justice
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Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 03/01/2026
We need more magistrates (there's recruitment drive) but most recent gov stats suggest recruitment processes are biased in favour of white, privately educated professionals, so there is high risk that new JPs will be not be representative of the people www.transformjustice.org.uk/news-insight...
transformjustice.org.uk
The slow road to the bench: reforming magistrate recruitment - Transform Justice
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Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 24/12/2025
How can we reduce reoffending and ensure people feel equipped and inspired to rebuild their lives after being released from prison? Andrea Coomber of @thehowardleague.bsky.social explores in the latest episode of the Transform Justice Podcast. 🎧 Catch up on the full episode here: pod.fo/e/3648a8
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
🚨NEW EPISODE🚨 Sharing a cell built for one. Freezing through winter. Locked in 22 hours a day. Is this “rehabilitation”? We're joined by Andrea Coomber @thehowardleague.bsky.social & Andi Brierley @leedstrinity.bsky.social to ask whether prisons can rehabilitate. 🎧Listen now: pod.fo/e/3648a8
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Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
A childhood offence (such as affray - being in a flight) for which you receive a non custodial sentence may no longer have to be disclosed for life... www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/202...
telegraph.co.uk
Access Restricted
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Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
A childhood offence (such as affray - being in a flight) for which you receive a non custodial sentence may no longer have to be disclosed for life... www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/202...
telegraph.co.uk
Access Restricted
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
⚠️Arrested for terrorism for… holding a sign? On our latest podcast episode, Sarah Lunnon discusses being arrested under the Terrorism Act during recent @defendourjuries.bsky.social protests. 🎧Catch up on the full episode here: pod.fo/e/35277d
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Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
What should be the cost of speeding up criminal court cases? More people in our over-crowded prisons? The government has published no modelling of the potential impact of restricting juries & increasing magistrates' sentencing powers www.transformjustice.org.uk/news-insight...
transformjustice.org.uk
The devil is in the detail - why restricting juries may backfire - Transform Justice
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Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Several Just Stop Oil protesters have been imprisoned for contempt of court after trying to explain their motivations. If a judge rules that the right to protest isn’t a valid defence, even mentioning why you acted can be a whole new offence. Listen to the full episode now: pod.fo/e/35277d
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
For more on the proposal to restrict jury trials and implement an intermediate court, listen to our March podcast episode. Alex Chalk KC & Dominic Thomas join us to debate this controversial idea - listen now: 🎧 pod.fo/e/2b5a06
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Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 02/12/2025
Re jury proposals worth noting there are serious backlogs in magistrates' courts as well as Crown (partly due to inefficiency) & that JPs, to whom greater sentencing powers are being given, aren't diverse & recruitment favours middle class, white people www.transformjustice.org.uk/news-insight...
transformjustice.org.uk
The slow road to the bench: reforming magistrate recruitment - Transform Justice
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Reposted by Penelope Gibbs
Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
David Lammy wants to end the court backlog by restricting the usage of jury trials. Listen to our podcast episode from March where Alex Chalk KC and Dominic Thomas debate this issue, discussing the introduction of intermediate courts and other solutions to reduce the backlog. 🎧➡️ pod.fo/e/2b5a06
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Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
In March barrister Dominic Thomas passionately put the argument against restricting jury trials in our podcast.
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Transform Justice @transformjustice.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Dame Rachel de Souza, children's commissioner, speaks on custodial remand of children at @longfordtrust.bsky.social Lecture 2025. ⚠️Last chance to fill in our short survey! ⚠️ Do you work with children at risk of remand? We want to hear your views: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F... (Closes Monday)
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Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
Is the criminal justice system curbing the right to protest?
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Penelope Gibbs @penelopegibbs.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
Is the criminal justice system curbing the right to protest?
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