Celebrating Excellence in Training: Southwark Restorative Justice and Victim Team Achieves Registered Provider Status

We are pleased to announce that the Southwark Restorative Justice and Victim Team has received Registered Training Provider status from the Restorative Justice Council (RJC). This recognition reflects their steadfast commitment to providing high-quality training that adheres to national standards of practice.

Achieving Registered Status is not just a procedural accomplishment; it embodies a genuine dedication to continual improvement and excellence in restorative justice training. This status serves as an endorsement of the team’s dedication to enhancing the training and competencies of practitioners in the restorative justice field. Jim Simon, Chief Executive of the RJC, articulated this sentiment well: “Congratulations to the Southwark Restorative Justice and Victim Team on this award, which demonstrates a commitment to ensuring their training is delivered in line with national standards of practice.” Such recognition underscores the rigorous processes the team undertook to align their training programs with established national benchmarks.

The Team’s Journey

The team was understandably excited upon learning of their achievement. Team Manager Deirdre Leask described the moment as a “great feeling," emphasising that it validates the extensive learning, reflection, and practical application developed by the team to inspire others regarding Restorative Practice. This journey involved significant collaboration and transparency among team members, including Jessica Dalrymple-Sobers, Alex Hyatt, and Leila Boghdadi, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and continuous learning.

The pursuit of Registered Status was motivated by Southwark Children's Services’ Learning and Development policy, which underscores the importance of restorative practice within social work. The Learning and Development Team recognised the necessity of ensuring that their training offerings meet the highest possible standards and are duly accredited. This proactive approach not only enhances the team's credibility but also promotes a culture of accountability and excellence within the Southwark community.

Impact of the Registration Process

Deirdre further elaborated on the impact of the registration process, stating, “It has given us the confidence that we are doing the right thing.” This process has facilitated comprehensive reflection on their training methodologies and improved feedback mechanisms, ultimately enhancing the quality of their offerings. Regular evaluations and self-assessments have become integral to their operational framework, enabling the team to adapt to emerging trends and challenges within the field effectively.

Encouraging Other Organisations

For organisations contemplating pursuing Registered Status, Deirdre offers valuable guidance: “Becoming a Registered Training Provider with the RJC is an excellent way of reviewing every aspect of practice relating to training. It provides the opportunity for teams to thoughtfully evaluate their training materials and methods against the RJC portfolio requirements.” This process not only fosters improvements but also encourages organisations to reassess their training objectives and outcomes, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the communities they serve.

Looking Ahead

As the Southwark Restorative Justice and Victim Team moves forward with its Registered Training Provider status, they are committed to expanding their impact through innovative training programs and community engagement initiatives. They recognise the importance of collaboration, not just within their own team but with external partners, to share best practices and enhance the collective understanding of restorative justice principles.

In an ever-changing landscape, the team aims to address contemporary issues facing victims and offenders alike, emphasising restorative justice as a viable pathway to healing and accountability. By remaining responsive to the needs of those they serve and actively seeking feedback, the Southwark Restorative Justice and Victim Team is poised to make substantial contributions to the field.

The Southwark Restorative Justice and Victim Team's path to this achievement exemplifies a profound commitment to training excellence. Their success serves as an inspiring model and reinforces the importance of maintaining high standards in restorative practices across the sector. The RJC extends its heartfelt congratulations to Southwark and looks forward to witnessing the continued positive impact of their efforts within the community.

As we celebrate this milestone, we invite other organisations in the restorative justice sector to reflect on their own training practices and consider the benefits of striving for accreditation, ultimately enriching the profession and serving the needs of individuals affected by crime.

Find out more about our Registration Frameworks HERE