Ian is a criminologist and Ph.D. student, studying and lecturing in restorative justice at the School of Law, University of Leeds, UK. He was born in Canada, but has spent most of his life in Northern England.

He has conducted research for a number of organisations, including Restorative Solutions, the Restorative Justice Council, Search for Common Ground and the United Nations Office of Disarmament Affairs.

He is also the founder of the Community of Restorative Researchers, a new research network which aims to enhance communication and collaboration between researchers, practitioners and policymakers in the field of restorative justice.