Broadmoor Hospital's Commitment to Excellence: Awarded Registered Restorative Organisation Status
In a remarkable achievement, the Broadmoor Hospital Restorative Justice Team and Workforce Restorative Resolution Team have been awarded Registered Restorative Organisation status. This significant milestone underscores their unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality restorative practices within the West London NHS Trust.
The accreditation comes under the Restorative Justice Council’s (RJC) Registered Restorative Organisation Framework, a meticulous standard that emphasises the importance of restorative practice while allowing for the creativity and professional judgment of practitioners. Comprising five performance indicators, this framework outlines specific standards that organisations must adhere to in order to demonstrate their competence and alignment with the RJC’s Restorative Practice Guidance.
The assessment of Broadmoor Hospital’s Restorative Justice and Workforce Restorative Resolution Teams involved a multi-process approach, culminating in a site visit for discussions with staff and patients. Aisa Shearing, RJC Standards Officer, noted, “From the moment I arrived, I was struck by the therapeutic and supportive atmosphere that had been cultivated. The high quality of evidence presented and the passionate engagement of everyone regarding restorative practices were key highlights of this well-deserved positive assessment. Broadmoor’s ongoing commitment to being a restorative organisation is commendable, reflecting their efforts to create a safe and inclusive environment where individuals feel supported and heard.”
Jim Simon, Chief Executive of the RJC, commented on this important recognition, stating, “This is a well-deserved acknowledgement of their commitment to providing high-quality restorative practice, which is vital in raising the bar in restorative standards and ensuring participants have access to high-quality and safe restorative processes.”
The decision to apply for Registered Status stemmed from a desire for evaluation against set restorative standards that are recognised nationally. According to the team at West London NHS Trust, “We were keen to seek evaluation of our services against the restorative standards as nationally agreed. We were aware that the process would involve assessment and review, with feedback and open learning exchange, all of which ultimately improves the quality of our restorative work.”
Reflecting on the transformative impact of the registration process, the team noted significant developments in their practice, particularly in their high secure forensic services and workforce team. “Review of all the processes—from training strategy to face-to-face conferences—has helped to refine our activity, reach out to others to learn more about best practice, and generally keep us on track,” they shared.
This accomplishment has not only boosted the team’s capabilities but has also instilled a sense of pride within the organisation. “We were absolutely delighted to learn of our Registered Status, following a very positive experience with the RJC in reviewing our working practices,” they stated.
For other organisations contemplating registration, West London NHS Trust offers some insightful advice. “If you are thinking of applying for registration, you might be weighing up the costs and benefits. There is inevitably a cost of evaluation in terms of time and energy, but our experience has been that the positives of support from the RJC, and the benefits of potential improvement in practice standards, make the investment more than worthwhile.”
This achievement also carries a deeply personal significance for the team, as they remember their late mentor, Henry Kiernan, who dedicated his life to fostering restorative practices. “At West London NHS Trust, we were motivated to apply for this Registered Status following a long period of excellent support and training delivered and inspired by the Late Henry Kiernan, who passed away in 2023. We know that Henry would have wanted us to persevere and submit our practices for review, and in so doing share the values and principles of restoration with as many people as possible, supporting the culture of our organisation in this direction,” they reflected poignantly.
This recognition as a Registered Restorative Organisation is not just a milestone; it represents a commitment to continuous improvement, excellence in practice, and the fundamental belief in the power of restorative justice. As Broadmoor Hospital continues its journey, they stand as a beacon of hope and dedication in the field of restorative practices, striving for a culture that supports healing and resolution.