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Russell Webster

@russellwebster.com
1K followers 758 following 970 posts

Researcher, evaluator, consultant & writer in drugs, alcohol & criminal justice. My blog keeps you up-to-date on the latest policy, practice and research.

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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 13h
The disproportionate impact on women of Assaults Against an Emergency Worker Women in Prison report finds the offence of Assault on an Emergency Worker is sweeping women into the criminal justice system who should not be there. www.russellwebster.com/the-dispropo...
russellwebster.com
The disproportionate impact on women of Assaults Against an Emergency Worker
Women in Prison report finds the offence of Assault on an Emergency Worker is sweeping women into the criminal justice system who should not be there.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 30/09/2026
#HiddenHeroesDay Today is Hidden Heroes Day when the Butler Trust celebrates all the unseen work with goes in our prisons, IRCs, probation and youth justice services. www.hiddenheroes.uk/hiddenheroes...
hiddenheroes.uk
#HiddenHeroesDay
First held in 2020, #HiddenHeroesDay is a national day, on 29 September each year, paying tribute to the #HiddenHeroes working in UK prisons, IRCs, probation and youth justice services.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 28/09/2026
While violent offenders walk free, these prison cells lie empty Danny Shaw explains a number of factors exacerbating the prison capacity crisis www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09...
telegraph.co.uk
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 28/09/2026
There are 87,499 people in prison today, an increase of 254 on last week and the highest figure since last November.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 28/09/2026
Podcast: Escaping the prison capacity "doom loop" The @TransformJust1 Podcast featuring @EnverSol & Cassia Rowaland from @instituteforgov and @robroballen.bsky.social open.spotify.com/episode/53SE...
open.spotify.com
Ep64: Escaping the prison capacity "doom loop"
The Transform Justice Podcast · Episode
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 28/09/2026
Changing the script A co-produced leaflet to help people think through the different options for using medication to help get off opioids from #livedexperience team at @revdoors.bsky.social www.russellwebster.com/changing-the...
russellwebster.com
Changing the script
A co-produced leaflet to help people think through the different options for using medication to help get off opioids.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 25/09/2026
Take part in an @revdoors.bsky.social study to inform the design of a gender specific approach to working with women in the justice system. We are looking to speak to women with experience of remand or recall (can be both) in the last 18 months. revolving-doors.org.uk/research-par...
revolving-doors.org.uk
Research participants call-out: women’s experience of recall and...
Take part in our study to inform the design of a gender specific approach to working with women in the justice system. We are looking to speak to women with experience of remand or recall (can be both...
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 25/09/2026
Staff shortages hamper probation public protection work @hmiprobation.bsky.social finds staff shortages mean public protection work is often sub-standard. www.russellwebster.com/staff-shorta...
russellwebster.com
Staff shortages hamper probation public protection work
Probation inspectorate finds staff shortages mean public protection work is often sub-standard.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 24/09/2026
If you have an interest in health in prison as someone who has been inside, a family member or a professional, please think about taking this online survey: Physical and Mental Health in Prisons Priority Setting Partnership docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
docs.google.com
Physical and Mental Health in Prisons Priority Setting Partnership
Have you had a physical and mental health condition at the same time while being in prison? OR Do you have a family member or someone you care for who has (or had) physical and mental health conditi...
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 24/09/2026
Today's Criminal Court Statistics Quarterly Bulletin show a new all-time high of 380,230 open Magistrates' Court cases See my chart below for quarterly trends since 2020 public.flourish.studio/visualisatio...
public.flourish.studio
Magistrates Courts
A Flourish data visualization by Russell Webster
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 24/09/2026
Today's Criminal Court Statistics Quarterly Bulletin show a new all-time high of 80,829 open Crown Court cases See my chart below for quarterly trends since 2020 public.flourish.studio/visualisatio...
public.flourish.studio
Crown Courts
A Flourish data visualization by Russell Webster
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 23/09/2026
The Government has committed to finally resolve the IPP injustice. To keep the momentum high, @ungripp.bsky.social has organised a drop in for MPs at Portcullis House on Tuesday 20 October 4-7 p.m. Please encourage your MP to attend www.ungripp.com/_files/ugd/f...
ungripp.com
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 22/09/2026
A Secure Future? @robroballen.bsky.social proposes a solution to the endemic problems of youth custody robroballen.substack.com/p/a-secure-f...
robroballen.substack.com
A Secure Future?
Solving the endemic problems of youth custody
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 22/09/2026
Profile of Pia Sinha @PRTuk Chief Exec by @zoesqwilliams.bsky.social in @Guardian The truth about UK prisons and organised crime: ‘They’re your good lads. Respectful. Keep their noses clean’ www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
The truth about UK prisons and organised crime: ‘They’re your good lads. Respectful. Keep their noses clean’
In more than two decades in the Prison Service, Pia Sinha gained a reputation as a fixer. Now, as head of the Prison Reform Trust, she’s sounding the alarm about overcrowding and other problems
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 22/09/2026
A tale of two trap houses: being cuckooed ruined my friend’s life – but did it then help save him? @Guardian long read by @maxdaly.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/news/ng-inte...
theguardian.com
A tale of two trap houses: being cuckooed ruined my friend’s life – but did it then help save him?
The long read: Drug gangs have moved off Britain’s streets and into vulnerable people’s homes. Addicts like my friend are easy targets, but the reality can be more complicated than it seems
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 22/09/2026
Two in five children feel unsafe in custody @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social surveys of children in custody finds standards generally poor with violence commonplace. www.russellwebster.com/two-in-five-...
russellwebster.com
Two in five children feel unsafe in custody
HMI Prisons surveys of children in custody finds standards generally poor with violence commonplace.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 21/09/2026
HMP Leicester Review of Progress Much positive progress but still a way to go via @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_repo...
hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
HMP Leicester – HM Inspectorate of Prisons
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 21/09/2026
Women in prison are losing education when they need it most @jonbcollins.bsky.social of @prisonersed.bsky.social and Natasha Finlayson of @workingchance.bsky.social raise concerns about cuts to education in women's prisons. www.russellwebster.com/women-in-pri...
russellwebster.com
Women in prison are losing education when they need it most
Jon Collins of PET and Natasha Finlayson of Working Chance raise concerns about cuts to education in women's prisons.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 18/09/2026
How can we rebuild trust in the justice system? New Common Ground Justice report on public perceptions of the CJS. www.russellwebster.com/how-can-we-r...
russellwebster.com
How can we rebuild trust in the justice system?
New Common Ground Justice report on public perceptions of the CJS.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 17/09/2026
The new issue of the Probation Institute Probation Quarterly is a bumper edition with over 100 pages of probation news, views, research and opinion including the importance of hope in desistance practice static1.squarespace.com/static/5ec3c...
static1.squarespace.com
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 17/09/2026
Prisoners to ‘double up’ in one-person prefab cells, leaked documents show via @syalrajeev.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Prisoners to ‘double up’ in one-person prefab cells, leaked documents show
Exclusive: Ten category C prisons in England and Wales asked to add second beds, in breach of safe occupancy limits
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 15/09/2026
There are 87,111 people in prison today, an increase of 243 on last week and the first time the population has passed 87,000 since last November.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 15/09/2026
The MoJ is piloting Check-In with your probation officer with facial recognition (E-Supervision) www.gov.uk/algorithmic-...
gov.uk
MoJ: Check-In with your probation officer (E-Supervision)
AWS Rekognition is used within the Check-In with your probation officer service to support identity verification by performing facial comparison between user-submitted video and a photo held on file.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 14/09/2026
HMP Bure inspection A mainly positive report although education, training & resettlement support sub-standard via @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_repo...
hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
HMP Bure – HM Inspectorate of Prisons
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 09/09/2026
The latest (summer 2026) resources for justice practitioners The newest additions to the Butler Trust Knowledge Exchange site for prison, probation and youth justice practitioners. www.russellwebster.com/the-latest-s...
russellwebster.com
The latest (summer 2026) resources for justice practitioners
The newest additions to the Butler Trust’s Knowledge Exchange site for prison, probation and youth justice practitioners.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 08/09/2026
A voluntary sector manifesto for criminal justice reform @clinks-charity.bsky.social has published a new manifesto setting out a comprehensive set of recommendations for justice reform for the new government. www.russellwebster.com/a-voluntary-...
russellwebster.com
A voluntary sector manifesto for criminal justice reform
Clinks has published a new manifesto setting out a comprehensive set of recommendations for justice reform for the new government.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 07/09/2026
There are 86,868 people in prison today, an increase of just 25 on two weeks ago (there were no figures published last Monday, because it was a Bank Holiday).
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 07/09/2026
HMP High Down inspection Encouraging progress, good employment options, progress on drugs and self-harm but more work to do, particularly on illicit economy. via @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_repo...
hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
HMP High Down – HM Inspectorate of Prisons
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 07/09/2026
What is behind the increase in prison violence? - Rapid Evidence Assessment examines causes of prison violence and their implications. www.russellwebster.com/what-is-behi...
russellwebster.com
What is behind the increase in prison violence?
Rapid Evidence Assessment examines causes of prison violence and their implications.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 04/09/2026
‘Recovery TikTok’: How Can Drug Treatment Services Support Young People? via Talking drugs www.talkingdrugs.org/recovery-tik...
talkingdrugs.org
‘Recovery TikTok’: How Can Drug Treatment Services Support Young People? - TalkingDrugs
As youth look to social media for information about substance use and treatment, existing services need to adapt to the changing times.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 01/09/2026
HMP Lindholme inspection Governor has brought stability but drugs, limited regime, healthcare, sentence progression and cleanliness all concerns. via @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_repo...
hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
HMP Lindholme – HM Inspectorate of Prisons
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 27/08/2026
We need a proportionate prison recall system @nacro.bsky.social says a focus on reducing prison recalls is the best way to tackle the prison capacity crisis. www.russellwebster.com/we-need-a-pr...
russellwebster.com
We need a proportionate prison recall system
Nacro says a focus on reducing prison recalls is the best way to tackle the prison capacity crisis.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 24/08/2026
HMP Altcourse progress review Prison improving but still major concerns includnig violence and self-harm via @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_repo...
hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
HMP Altcourse – HM Inspectorate of Prisons
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 24/08/2026
HMP Risley inspection An improving prison although needs better work & education & too many people released homeless via @HMIPrisonsnews hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_repo...
hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
HMP Risley – HM Inspectorate of Prisons
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 24/08/2026
Compassion fatigue in probation practice Anton Roberts summarises the evidence on compassion fatigue in probation practice for @HMIProbation www.russellwebster.com/compassion-f...
russellwebster.com
Compassion fatigue in probation practice
Anton Roberts summarises the evidence on compassion fatigue in probation practice for the probation inspectorate.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 24/08/2026
Man sentenced to unlawful #IPP serves at least thirteen years too long SL5 Legal barrister spots legal error 20 years after sentence, Appeal Court criticises "flaw in the system" www.sl5legal.co.uk/single-post/...
sl5legal.co.uk
Press Release: Court of Appeal quashes unlawful IPP sentence and criticises “flaw in the system” of IPP sentence appeals
The Court of Appeal today quashed an unlawful sentence of Imprisonment for Public Protection (IPP) imposed almost 20 years ago.In the case of Haycock, the Court of Appeal granted an extension of time ...
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 20/08/2026
Today's HMPPS workforce stats show that on 30 June this year there was a shortfall of 1,935 FTE probation officers against the target staffing level of 7,380 FTE, a vacancy rate of 26.2%. www.gov.uk/government/s...
gov.uk
HM Prison and Probation Service workforce quarterly: June 2026
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 17/08/2026
Public in England and Wales wrongly think most killers are minority ethnic Research from King’s College London finds that Reform voters’ perceptions were furthest from the truth via @vikramdodd.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
theguardian.com
Public in England and Wales wrongly think most killers are minority ethnic
Research from King’s College London finds that Reform voters’ perceptions were furthest from the truth
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 17/08/2026
HMP Five Wells inspection @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social found a number of significant improvements but also major concerns including poor access to healthcare hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_repo...
hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
HMP Five Wells – HM Inspectorate of Prisons
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 13/08/2026
Disrupting livestreamed child sexual abuse Research briefing on the scale of livestreamed child sexual abuse in the UK and abroad; including technological solutions and regulatory approaches. www.russellwebster.com/disrupting-l...
russellwebster.com
Disrupting livestreamed child sexual abuse
Research briefing on the scale of livestreamed child sexual abuse in the UK and abroad; including technological solutions and regulatory approaches.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 12/08/2026
Reframing masculinity and the justice system - Sophie King-Hill reviews the evidence on reframing masculinity and the justice system for the @clinks-charity.bsky.social Evidence Library. www.russellwebster.com/reframing-ma...
russellwebster.com
Reframing masculinity and the justice system
Sophie King-Hill reviews the evidence on reframing masculinity and the justice system for the Clinks Evidence Library.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 05/08/2026
Artificial Intelligence in Probation @hmiprobation.bsky.social report explores the current and potential uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Probation Service. www.russellwebster.com/artificial-i...
russellwebster.com
Artificial Intelligence in Probation
Probation Inspectorate report explores the current and potential uses of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the Probation Service.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 05/08/2026
Chief inspector calls for assessments in police custody to prevent seriously mentally ill people ending up in prison @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social flags up West Midlands problem hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/news/chief-i...
hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
Chief inspector calls for assessments in police custody to prevent seriously mentally ill people ending up in prison – HM Inspectorate of Prisons
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 04/08/2026
Rapists, child abusers and groomers will not leave prison early, says PM Burnham will also delay release of thousands of prisoners across England and Wales a month, until October @syalrajeev.bsky.social & @lexytopping.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Rapists, child abusers and groomers will not leave prison early, says PM
Andy Burnham will also delay release of thousands of prisoners across England and Wales a month, until October
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 03/08/2026
Burnham to focus on keeping child rapists in prison as release scheme talks enter final day Review goes down to the wire after ministers speak with victims’ representatives and support services via @lexytopping.bsky.social www.theguardian.com/society/2026...
theguardian.com
Burnham to focus on keeping child rapists in prison as release scheme talks enter final day
Review goes down to the wire after ministers speak with victims’ representatives and support services
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 03/08/2026
HMP Birmingham review of progress Some improvements but drugs, violence, vermin and overcrowding still major concerns. via @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_repo...
hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
HMP Birmingham – HM Inspectorate of Prisons
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 29/07/2026
Children and Policing Three national studies recommend a child first approach in policing. www.russellwebster.com/children-and...
russellwebster.com
Children and Policing
Three national studies recommend a child first approach in policing.
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 27/07/2026
HMP & YOI New Hall inspection Calm atmosphere, strong staff-prisoner relationships and good support for women in crisis. Improved healthcare, most women allocated to education and work. Via @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_repo...
hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
HMP & YOI New Hall – HM Inspectorate of Prisons
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 27/07/2026
HMP & YOI Brinsford inspection Violence, drug use, living conditions, restricted regime, levels of force used against prisoners all serious concerns. New governor & improved staff retention grounds for optimism. Via @hmiprisonsnews.bsky.social hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_repo...
hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk
HMP & YOI Brinsford – HM Inspectorate of Prisons
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Russell Webster @russellwebster.com · 24/07/2026
Cuckooing: How Drug Dealers Are Occupying UK Homes a Freedom of Information request by the BBC showed that police investigations into cuckooing in London alone nearly tripled from 2023/24 to 2025/26. via @Talkingdrugs www.talkingdrugs.org/cuckooing-ho...
talkingdrugs.org
Cuckooing: How Drug Dealers Are Occupying UK Homes - TalkingDrugs
When Matty's home was taken over by drug dealers, he found himself trapped between exploitation and homelessness, with no one to turn to for help.
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