Restorative Justice APPG Inquiry Report Published
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Restorative Justice has today published their report of the inaugural Inquiry which took place over the summer. The Inquiry, titled ‘Restorative Practices in 2021/22’ sought to assess where the sector is at the moment, and what steps could be taken to improve and coordinate the various services to improve outcomes for victims and offenders. The Inquiry marked the first major piece of work for the APPG, which was only constituted in April 2021.
The Chairman of the APPG is Carshalton and Wallington MP Elliot Colburn. Elliot has been a key advocate of Restorative Justice ever since he met with Ray and Vi Donovan, who run the charity The Chris Donovan Trust. Elliot commented in advance of the publication of the report:
“I am really pleased to see the levels of participation and enthusiasm from the Restorative Justice industry. The Inquiry Report is testament to the levels of incredible dedication from those who work with victims and offenders every day. The Report identifies some gaps in the way RJ is being supported by the Government and makes very sensible and practical recommendations. I very much hope that ministers will listen to the industry and accept the recommendations in full.”
This Inquiry has brought together over 50 leading practitioners and exponents of restorative practices to assess the current state of the sector and how government can help make the sector more accessible.
Astonishingly there was over 200,000 words of evidence submitted and the recommendations reflect the incredible passion there is for restorative justice. We are very hopeful that most in Westminster will recognise the enormous benefits of rolling out restorative practices in the UK and support the Inquiry’s recommendations in full.
The Inquiry makes nine key recommendations arrived at following the gathering of evidence in the Inquiry.
Upon publication of the Inquiry report, Elliot Colburn MP encouraged the government to consider the nine key recommendations which can radically improve access, awareness and capacity across the sector. You can watch Elliot's launch of the report below.
The RJC welcome the recommendations outlined within the Inquiry report and will continue working closely with the APPG to prepare our work programme for the upcoming parliamentary year.
I am delighted to announce that Elliot will be joining us at the RJC's 3rd Annual Conference this November as a keynote speaker. This will provide those working across the restorative sector an opportunity to hear how the APPG will be lobbying to implement the recommendations within this report and the groups future work plans. You can register for our conference online HERE.
Download your copy of the Inquiry report below
you can also download a copy from the APPG's Website
If you are interested in joining the advisory board please direct all enquires to CalComms, the group secretariat. Please email asa@calcomms.co.uk for further details or call 0203 813 5559. You can also keep updated on the work of the APPG by visiting their dedicated website at www.rjappg.co.uk.
