Russell Webster. (audio) From Probation Officer to Consultant: A Journey Making Academic Work Accessible | The Locked up Living Podcast: Surviving and thriving in prisons and other challenging environments

Russell Webster was born and bred in Coventry and with a degree in modern languages behind him, Russell spent ten years working in the social care field. He qualified as a probation officer in 1987 and worked with offenders in North and East London. He also worked for a range of voluntary sector organisations in both this country and the USA. Russell developed his consultancy skills through work with two national voluntary organisations before going freelance in 1996. Russell has been a full-time researcher/consultant ever since. Although the work always varies, it mainly comprises research for various government departments, needs assessments for local commissioners and evaluation work with community organisations. He is perhaps best known for this blog which keeps readers up to date with the latest research, policy and practice in the drugs & crime sectors. https://www.russellwebster.com/blog/ Russell is a former probation officer turned consultant. Talks about his journey and experiences in the criminal justice system. He discusses how he got into probation work, the challenges he faced, and why he eventually left the profession. Russell also talks about his transition to freelance work and the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and understanding one's strengths and weaknesses. Russell's expertise in communication and networking has made him a respected figure in the criminal justice field. Russell Webster, a freelance criminal justice consultant, shares his journey and experiences in the field. He discusses how he got started in research and evaluation, highlighting the importance of working with others who have different skill sets. He also talks about his passion for evaluating positive projects, such as a charity that teaches prisoners how to stitch, and the satisfaction he finds in making a difference. Russell emphasizes the need for accessibility in academic work and the value of networking and partnerships. He concludes with practical advice for those considering freelance consulting. keywordsRussell Webster, probation officer, criminal justice system, freelance work, self-reflection, communication, networking, freelance consulting, criminal justice, research, evaluation, positive projects, accessibility, networking, partnerships takeaways Russell Webster's passion for making a difference and his interest in people led him to become a probation officer. Although he enjoyed the job, Russell realized that he wasn't particularly skilled at helping people make sense of their lives and create effective plans for the future. He made the decision to leave the profession and pursue freelance work, which allowed him more flexibility and the ability to be there for his family during challenging times. Russell's expertise in communication and networking has made him a respected figure in the criminal justice field, despite not considering himself an influencer. Working with others who have different skill sets can enhance your own abilities and lead to better outcomes. Evaluating positive projects can be more satisfying and impactful. Making academic work accessible to a wider audience is important for increasing its reach and impact. Networking and building partnerships can open up new opportunities and collaborations. Maintaining a work-life balance and setting boundaries is crucial for personal well-being as a freelancer.