Christopher David Skinns is an independent commentator. He has a long-standing interest in penal policy, first stimulated by his work with young offenders immediately after graduating. After completing postgraduate degrees at Sheffield University, UK, and Cambridge University, UK, he went on to further develop this interest by teaching criminology in higher education. He completed a PhD at Hull University, UK. After retiring from university teaching, he began work with the Independent Monitoring Board for Prisons.