Rob Allen is director of the International Centre for Prison Studies. Prior to joining ICPS in March 2005, he ran Rethinking Crime and Punishment, an initiative set up by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to change public attitudes to prison and alternatives,

Rob was previously director of research and development at the crime reduction charity Nacro. He has been a member of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales since 1998. Since 2005, Rob has been Chair of CLINKS, the umbrella body which supports voluntary organisations working with prisoners and their families. Rob has undertaken work on criminal justice reform in 14 countries.

Rob is an advisor to the Innovation, Justice and Youth Project.