Restorative Justice Week 2025 runs from 16-22 November. Restorative justice (RJ) gives a victim of crime the chance to communicate with their offender in a safe environment. It also holds offenders accountable for their actions, letting them take responsibility and make amends.
We spoke to Lauren, our Restorative Justice Officer, about why RJ is important and what her role involves.
What is restorative justice?
Restorative justice is a way of resolving issues between neighbours, staff, etc. It’s about bringing people together who have been affected by a dispute, conflict or crime with those that are responsible. We organise for them to have a conversation in a safe environment, with the aim of resolving their issues.
What do you do as an RJ officer?
I meet with tenants and stakeholders to resolve issues and to educate them on how restorative justice can be an effective conflict resolution tool.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
My favourite thing is how different each day is! I get to work with a great team and meet many of our tenants. It’s nice being able to help tenants resolve their issues, meaning they’re happier in their homes.
What does your role involve on a day-to-day basis?
I work with our Tenancy Services Officers to offer RJ in cases where it would be appropriate. I book and attend initial meetings with those involved to get a better understanding of what the issue is and how it’s affecting them. I take the time to explain and discuss the RJ process with all those involved, and how it could help them.
Some of my other tasks include planning RJ conferences, where we bring together two parties who have had the problems. I’ll source suitable venues, find a time and date that suits everyone, and then facilitate the meeting alongside the Tenancy Services Officers.
At the end of the meeting, both parties reach an outcome agreement that suits them, and is right for their situation. They each have a signed copy, as does the Tenancy Services Officer for the case, so everyone knows where they stand, and what’s expected of them going forward.
Why is Restorative Justice week so important?
Restorative Justice week raises awareness of RJ and the impact it can have. Many people can be hesitant to engage with the service because it can be intimidating to sit in a room with the person/people you don’t get on with and discuss the reason for the conflict.
Having that conversation in a safe, neutral environment and having staff there to guide that conversation, helps to make sure it’s a positive and constructive experience for everyone.
How can someone get involved in RJ as a career?
I have a degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and previously worked in prisons in a few different roles. In my last role, I managed the RJ service for a charity. I enjoyed the role so much, but after six years of working in prisons, I was ready for a new challenge.
How do I apply for restorative justice?
If you need to request a RJ meeting, you can do this through our form on the website under ‘How do I sign up for RJ?’ Once you’ve submitted your form, someone from the RJ team will call you back for a confidential chat to help you decide if RJ is right for you.
We understand how difficult it can be to resolve issues with your neighbours. In some situations, it can be helpful to have an unbiased person lead the conversation and help everyone involved to share their side of the story.
We have lots of useful information about restorative justice on our dedicated webpage, and you can read more about the positive impact of RJ here.
