Purpose
The Sentencing Academy is a research and engagement charitable incorporated organisation dedicated to developing understanding of sentencing in England and Wales and informing public debate.
It promotes an evidence-based approach to sentencing and encourages effective sentencing practices that reduce re-offending, provide justice to victims, and promote public confidence.
Our work is diverse and broad, covering sentencing for both youths and adults from out of court disposals through to release from custody and post-release conditions. We act as a hub for a growing network of researchers active in this field of work, commissioning, and co-ordinating original and experimental research.
Our Work
We offer a range of services as follows:
- Research reviews
- Commissioning and co-ordinating original and experimental research.
- Knowledge exchange and discussion seminars
- Bespoke practitioner learning and development seminars.
- Developing early career professionals through our Intern Programme
- Engaging with policy makers and key stakeholders
- Evidence led consultation response
- Awareness raising and access to expert knowledge and resources for the general public.
- Encouraging partnerships and collaborations
The Sentencing Academy Team

Professor Julian Roberts KC (Hon)
Co-Executive Director
The Sentencing Academy Trustees
Section Title
The Sentencing Academy has published a new analysis, authored by Jose Pina-Sánchez, Julian V. Roberts and Jonathan Bild, of sentence inflation in England and Wales since 2005. Read the report here:...
Background On 1 April 2025, the Government published the Sentencing Guidelines (Pre-sentence Reports) Bill. It will have its Second Reading on 22nd April. This draft legislation amends the Coroners...
The recent disagreement between the Lord Chancellor and the Sentencing Council has raised questions about how the Council develops its guidelines, and how much input the Government currently has into...
We are looking for a Research and Policy Officer on an initial one year fixed-term contract. The primary responsibility for this role will be to create content for our forthcoming Sentencing Hub...
This explainer discusses the role of the Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) in light of the Sentencing Council’s recently amended guideline regarding the Imposition of Community and Custodial Sentences...
By Ellie Cumbo Last week, the Independent Sentencing Review published its interim report. Although its scope is limited to just the first of seven themes that were set out in last year’s Call for...
Totality comes into play when one of two situations arises during a sentencing exercise: Where someone is being sentenced for multiple offences and where an offender is already serving an existing...
The Sentencing Academy has submitted a response to the Independent Sentencing Review 2024 to 2025. You can read our response below and also an additional technical appendix that sets out further...
Leading experts in the field of sentencing gathered to explore important and current sentencing-related issues at a seminar jointly hosted by the Sentencing Council, Sentencing Academy and The City...