The RJC launches champions initiative

The RJC has had overwhelming support for its restorative justice champions initiative. The aim of the initiative is to increase the understanding of restorative justice by key commentators and decision makers to help promote the development and benefits across different sectors.

The RJC, supported by the Ministry of Justice, planned to recruit and develop a minimum of 30 active restorative justice champions to provide comments and contributions to debates, practice improvement and innovation.

Since then the RJC has had overwhelming interest in the initiative and has successfully begun working with a growing community of restorative justice champions, currently comprised of 50 individuals. Among them are professionals from early intervention, education, health, housing, legal, local authorities, magistrates, neighbourhood justice, police, prison service, probation, victim services, youth justice, as well as restorative justice practitioners and victims of crime.

The restorative justice champions will help the RJC raise awareness of the benefits of restorative justice by promoting and encouraging restorative justice in their sector or region, and supporting victims and communities interested in restorative justice.

The initiative will officially kick off at a launch event on the 9 March, which will introduce the champions to each other as well as key stakeholders. Following the event the RJC will host a “Restorative champions portfolio” on its website which provides an overview of the RJC’s restorative justice champions, their work, and interest in developing restorative justice. With the support of its champions the RJC will explore future opportunities and highlight the importance of restorative work across England and Wales.

To learn more about the champions initiative or to contact one of our restorative justice champions, please email champions@rjc.org.uk.