By Jonathan Ley, Founder & CEO, Make Time Count Today
The recent publication of the “Independent Sentencing Review: Final report and proposals for reform” is a significant moment for everyone involved in the criminal justice system. It’s a comprehensive piece of work, and I commend the Rt Hon David Gauke and the entire panel for their thorough examination of such a complex and challenging area. The context is clear: our prison system is under immense pressure, and as the foreword states, this review is a consequence of that crisis.
At Make Time Count, we’ve been immersed in these challenges for several years now. My own journey into this sector, initially to help improve operations at the London Probation Service, was an eye-opener. The “shock” I often refer to – at outdated processes, the lack of innovative technology, and the cyclical nature of reoffending – was a powerful motivator. It became clear that a different approach was needed; one that leverages modern tools to create a more effective, rehabilitative, and ultimately, safer system for everyone.
The review’s broader aims – revisiting statutory purposes, strengthening alternatives to custody, reducing reliance on custody, and incentivising progression – are all laudable and necessary. We particularly welcome the emphasis on a more sustainable footing for the prison population and the drive to reduce reoffending – an area Make Time Count has heavily invested into over the last 5 years. The broader aims align closely with our core mission at Make Time Count: to build an “ecosystem of support” around individuals, connecting them with the services they need to break the cycle of reoffending, much like our “AirBnb for Help” concept.
Chapter 8: The Role of Technology – A Resounding Endorsement of a Modern Approach
While the entire review warrants careful consideration, Chapter 8, “The Role of Technology,” is, for us, particularly relevant. The review rightly states that “technology can improve the way we monitor and supervise offenders and facilitate greater data-sharing and join-up between services.” This is the very foundation upon which Make Time Count has been built.
The chapter’s acknowledgement that we need to “get the basics right” before exploring more advanced AI is crucial. During our own engagement with frontline staff at Approved Premises, for instance, we heard repeatedly about the lack of basic technology, like webcams for virtual meetings, and the persistence of paper-based processes. The review’s recognition of IT systems being “reportedly outdated and clunky” is a reality we’ve seen firsthand.
The ISR’s three guiding principles for technology in offender management – Prioritisation, Personalisation, and Protecting the Public – are exactly what we champion.
- Prioritisation: Using technology to free up probation officers’ time to focus on high-value, human-centric work.
- Personalisation: Tailoring supervision and rehabilitation to individual needs, moving beyond one-size-fits-all.
- Protecting the Public: Leveraging data and real-time insights to better manage risk
It’s encouraging to see the review’s recommendations echo the solutions we’ve been developing and deploying. Let’s look at how our work aligns with these key areas:
At Make Time Count, we believe we have built a robust, secure, and user-centric platform that directly addresses many of the technological recommendations within the ISR. From Condition Management and Calendar Management to our Service Partner Onboarding Portal and User Engagement tools, our focus has always been on practical, scalable solutions that deliver tangible benefits.
Crucially, we offer more than just recommendations. In partnership with Cranstoun, we have developed a national solution for diversion through our Diversion Hub partnership model. This model exemplifies how effective technology can be seamlessly integrated with the specialist in-person support and treatment expertise of an organisation like Cranstoun. The Diversion Hub is designed to enable a dedicated third party to manage Out of Court Resolutions efficiently and effectively on behalf of police forces. This frees up significant police resources, ensures individuals receive swift, evidence-based interventions tailored to their needs, and ultimately contributes to reduced reoffending and enhanced community safety. It’s a testament to what can be achieved when proven technology and frontline expertise combine to deliver a gold standard in criminal justice.
The ISR provides a strong mandate for the criminal justice system to embrace technology more fully. We have seen firsthand the appetite for change among frontline staff and the potential for technology to genuinely transform how we manage offenders and support victims. We stand ready to collaborate with the MOJ, police forces, probation services, and other CJS partners – and to expand innovative partnership models like our Diversion Hub with Cranstoun – to turn these well-considered recommendations into a working reality. The time for incremental change is past; the review calls for a bolder vision, and technology is key to achieving it.
Jonathan Ley is the Founder of Make Time Count, a social enterprise dedicated to transforming the criminal justice system through innovative technology and collaborative working. You can learn more at maketimecount.today.