The primary aims of the Centre are to:

• bring together research interests relating to community sanctions (with a European and international as well as a national focus), gender, crime and justice
• develop the links between criminal justice and social justice
• give students and colleagues working in these broad areas a clear identity.   

A second, but no less important, objective is to use the Centre as a base from which to apply for research funding. 

Thirdly, the Centre links academic and practitioner related interests - organising a number of workshops with members of the National Probation Service, Community Rehabilitation Companies, voluntary organisations and youth justice agencies. 

The Centre holds occasional seminars and workshops and runs a monthly reading group.