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 Katie, 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?
As a Restorative Justice Officer, I help people who have been affected by conflict to communicate in a safe and supported way. This can give victims a chance to ask questions, explain the impact of what happened, and help those responsible understand the consequences of their actions.
What’s your favourite thing about your job?
My favourite thing about the job is seeing the positive impact restorative justice can have on people's lives. It can help victims find answers and move forward, while also encouraging offenders to take responsibility and make meaningful changes.
What does your role involve on a day-to-day basis?
No two days are the same! I spend time speaking with victims, offenders, and partner agencies, assessing cases, arranging and facilitating restorative meetings, and making sure everyone involved feels supported throughout the process. I also raise awareness of restorative justice and the benefits it can offer.
Why is the annual Restorative Justice week so important?
Restorative Justice Week is an opportunity to raise awareness about RJ and the difference it can make. Many people are unaware that this service exists, so the week helps highlight how restorative justice can support recovery, accountability, and positive outcomes for everyone involved.
How can someone get involved in RJ as a career?
There are several routes into restorative justice. Many people start in areas such as criminal justice, victim support, youth work, social work, policing, or mediation. Volunteering with restorative justice services and gaining relevant training can also provide valuable experience and help you to build a career in the field.
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.
