Procedural Justice in Prison and Probation Settings

: From Measurement and Evidencing Importance to Implementation and Furthering Evidence-Based Practice

Abstract

This thesis describes a programme of procedural justice (PJ) research in English and Welsh prison and probation settings, which aimed to develop valid and reliable measures of PJ, examine the importance of PJ in relation to numerous groups and priority outcomes, and develop insight into how to effectively develop PJ practice in situ. My seven studies/publications were undertaken in response to challenges facing His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service in the mid- to late-2010s in relation to violence, well-being, caseload volume, rehabilitation, and staffing. The findings are relevant to criminal justice practitioners, academics, and policy makers who are interested in PJ and in addressing criminal justice outcomes.
Chapter One provides an overview of the notable underpinning theory and pre-existing research. Chapter Two presents my publications relating to the measurement and examination of the importance of PJ perception: three quantitative studies and one qualitative study with prison staff, people in prison, and people on probation. Chapter Three presents two mixed- methods studies (of disciplinary adjudications and complaints handling) relating to PJ implementation. Chapter Four brings together the implications of my seven publications and summarises considerations for future research and practice.
In summary, my publications make original contributions to knowledge in the following areas:
1) methodological advancement regarding the measurement of PJ perceptions in English and Welsh prison and probation settings, 2) knowledge and understanding of the importance of PJ perceptions in relation to people’s outcomes in these settings (including, but not limited to, violence, well-being, work engagement, and rehabilitative outcomes), and 3) experimental methods, and learning regarding implementation efforts, to develop PJ practice in real-world settings, and furthering EBP.

Date of Award	20 Feb 2025
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Portsmouth
Supervisor	Dennis Gough (Supervisor) & Francis Pakes (Supervisor)