RJC Patron HRH the Princess Royal meets restorative practice workers

Speaking at an RJC event in East London last week, the organisation’s patron HRH the Princess Royal congratulated delegates on their work across the restorative practice field.

The event brought together RJC members from multiple sectors, and focused on improving partnership working in order to improve outcomes for young people.

The Princess Royal also took time to visit stands showcasing some of the innovative restorative work currently taking place with young people, and to meet delegates attending the event.

Giving presentations ahead of the Princess were four RJC Champions. Catherine Allard, headteacher at John Keeble School, explained the value restorative approaches could offer young people in the Harlesden area, known for its high level of crime and gang violence.

Also addressing the audience were Pete Spearman, who talked about introducing restorative practice to Atkinson Secure Children's Home, Chris Stevens, the senior manager for restorative practice and countrywide services, Surrey Youth Support Service and Charlotte Calkin, the director of the Restorative Engagement Forum.

Following a lively networking session, delegates also took part in a wide-ranging question and answer session with a panel of practitioners and senior managers from Leeds and Liverpool who currently employ restorative approaches in their work across schools, children’s services and youth offending.