Call for Abstracts - Restorative Justice Council 2025 Annual Conference

Restorative Pathways: Transforming Justice, Education, Health, Workplaces and Communities

Dates: 17–18 November 2025 (Online)

The Restorative Justice Council invites submissions for its 2025 Annual Conference, taking place online on 17–18 November. This virtual gathering will bring together practitioners, researchers, policymakers, and individuals with lived experience from across the UK and around the world, to explore the power and potential of restorative justice and practice to transform systems and relationships across society.

This year’s theme, Restorative Pathways, highlights the growing influence of restorative approaches in addressing harm, conflict, inequality, and disconnection — while also challenging the behaviours and power structures that drive underrepresentation in our institutions and communities.

We welcome abstracts that showcase innovation, learning and impact, with a particular focus on:

Criminal Justice Transformation – Restorative justice in policing, courts, prisons, youth justice, and reintegration

Restorative Education – Practice in schools, further and higher education, and youth services, including work to foster belonging, voice, and accountability

Health and Social Care – Restorative practice across the wider health system, including mental health, social care, public health, and clinical settings

Workplaces and Organisations – Restorative cultures that address harm, build trust, and challenge exclusion in teams, leadership, and governance

Community and Civic Life – Grassroots and community-led restorative initiatives building stronger, safer neighbourhoods

Challenging Inequality – Restorative approaches that address the underlying behaviours, structures, and cultures contributing to exclusion, marginalisation, and underrepresentation

Lived Experience – Stories and insights from individuals and communities most affected by conflict, harm, and injustice

Evidence and Advocacy – Research, evaluation, and policy advancing a more restorative and equitable society

We invite submissions in various formats, including academic papers, case studies, reflective practice, interactive workshops, or creative contributions. We particularly welcome submissions from individuals with lived experiences, underrepresented communities, and those offering international perspectives at the forefront of restorative practice.

Submission options include:

Individual Presentation: A solo or co-authored paper, lasting 30 minutes (including 10 minutes for Q&A).

Practice-Based Case Study: 30 minutes (including 10 minutes for Q&A).

Thematic Panel: Comprising 3-4 related papers, with each presentation lasting 15-20 minutes.

Interactive Workshop: Up to 90 minutes in duration.

Panel Discussion: 60 minutes.

Group Poster Presentation: 60 minutes total for the group.

If you have other suggestions for a contribution to this conference, please contact us enquiries@restorativejustice.org.uk

Submission Deadline: 27 June 2025

Conference Dates: 17–18 November 2025 (Online)

To submit your abstract, please complete the submission form which you can DOWNLOAD HERE.

Join us to chart new restorative pathways toward justice, inclusion, and systemic change.