An effective justice system plays an integral role in the maintenance of a peaceful, fair and cohesive society. Research within this theme attempts to understand the causes and mechanisms at play within the UK justice system and society, and examines issues such as reoffending, rehabilitation and the far-reaching impact of crime.
One of ADR UK’s flagship programmes of work within this research theme, Data First, is an ambitious data-linking programme led by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). It aims to unlock the potential of the wealth of data already created by MoJ, by linking administrative datasets from across the justice system and beyond, and enabling researchers – within government as well as accredited academics – to access the data in an ethical and responsible way.
More in-depth information about the individual data linkage and research projects being undertaken within this theme can be explored below.
Crime & justice projects
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ADR UK Research Fellows: Data First: Cross-justice system
24 August 2026
ADR UK is funding Research Fellows to conduct policy-relevant research using the Data First: Cross-Justice System - England and Wales dataset, a groundbreaking resource that includes Ministry of Justice data from across the justice system in England and Wales.
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ADR UK Research Fellows: Ministry of Justice & Department for Education linked dataset
24 August 2026
ADR UK is funding Research Fellows to conduct research and analysis using the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) & Department for Education (DfE) linked dataset. They will uncover insights into how educational factors contribute to young peoples’ interactions with the criminal justice system. The projects are the result of ADR UK Fellowship opportunities which invited applications to conduct research using eligible ADR England flagship datasets.
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ADR England Research Community Catalyst: Youth Transitions
23 July 2024
This project aims to build a research landscape informed by existing research and evidence gaps in the field of youth transitions. It provides opportunities to address these gaps using administrative data and offers a platform for existing and prospective researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and voluntary and community sector organisations to learn, collaborate and innovate.
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Crime & justice news
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ADR UK funds 17 Research Fellowships to answer critical policy questions using linked administrative data
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Bridging the research-practice gap: What linked administrative data reveals about young people’s pathways into criminal justice involvement
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Building a community for crime and justice administrative data
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Funding opportunity from UK Parliament: Thematic Research Leads
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Patterns of education, social care and youth offending: New insights from Data First to support the UK Government’s Safer Streets Mission
Crime & justice publications
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Data Insight: Ethnic disparities in recall on licence
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Data Insight: From custody to community: Does post-release supervision reduce re-offending?
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Data Insight: School exclusions and criminal justice system involvement
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Data Insight: Socio-emotional characteristics in early childhood and offending behaviour in adolescence
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Data Insight: Ethnicity, gender, remand, plea and sentencing
