Applications Now Open for Our Living Experience Advisory Panel

The Restorative Justice Council (RJC) is excited to announce that we are now accepting applications to join our Living Experience Advisory Panel (LEAP).

This panel aims to create a platform for individuals who have directly engaged with restorative processes, allowing them to share their insights and experiences to inform our policies, practitioner guidance, and practice standards.

We are looking for up to six individuals with lived experience in restorative processes to contribute to this important initiative. Whether your experience is positive or negative, we welcome perspectives from any stage of the restorative journey.

Who Can Apply?

We encourage applications from:

• RJC members and non-members who have participated in or accessed restorative processes as individuals who have been harmed or have caused harm.
• Individuals residing in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, or Scotland.
• Those who can commit to attending at least two panel meetings each year.
• People who are eager to share their experiences and learn from others.

Our goal is to ensure the panel reflects a diverse range of experiences, representing both those who have been harmed and those who have caused harm. We will implement safeguarding measures to protect all participants.

What Will the Panel Do?

The primary functions of the panel include:

• Offering advice and guidance from the participant's perspective concerning the RJC’s policies on restorative justice within the criminal justice system.
• Ensuring that the voices of individuals with lived experience are reflected in our policy responses.
• Representing these voices in national discussions, forums, and conferences when appropriate.
• Contributing to the development of the RJC’s Practice Standards Guidance and Practice Registration Frameworks.
• Providing insights related to awareness-raising resources for restorative justice.

We would greatly appreciate our members sharing the attached flyer (available for download below) with anyone who may be interested in joining the Living Experience Advisory Panel.

The application process is straightforward: interested individuals simply need to fill out a brief expression of interest form, which can be accessed HERE.

We look forward to welcoming new voices and perspectives to our panel!