What are restorative processes?

The concept of restorative processes is based on Restorative Justice that has been used in the context of the criminal justice system in the UK for a number of years. Some success has been achieved in reducing offending behaviour. More significantly, recent international research has shown that, when restorative processes are used to deal with other forms of harmful behaviour including bullying, workplace conflict and other forms of conflict, those involved report much higher levels of satisfaction than is the case when more formal processes are used. Restorative processes acknowledge that harm is caused to people and relationships rather than to any abstract rule or legislation and attempt to repair some of the harm by enabling the parties involved to identify what there needs are and then trying to assist them in meeting those needs.

In our experience, the effective application of restorative processes that also recognise the benefit of a holistic, multi-agency approach is particularly relevant in the context of education to try to deal more effectively with exclusion.

Restorative processes training is provided for a minimum of 8 students in order that each can obtain maximum benefit from the course and others' experience, with a maximum of 24. The training is normally at a location chosen and arranged by the client and is of 5 days' duration. However, arrangements can be made to provide modular training for clients who are unable to set aside a block of 5 days at any one time. Awareness training and restorative reprimand, final warning and cautioning training specifically for those working in the context of criminal justice can be arranged for at least 6 students.

When selecting a training provider, service managers may need to look closely at the duration and content of the course as some of the other training providers may not provide sufficient time for all students to practice the skills of a facilitator in a safe learning environment. Another important aspect of the 5-day training is that, by way of skills practice exercises, it provides students with an understanding of the issues as they affect all potential restorative conference participants. This, again, may not be provided on courses of shorter duration provided by other trainers.