Last week I met the new chief executive of the Forgiveness Project, now chaired by my predecessor at the RJC, Lizzie Nelson. Among other issues, we discussed how forgiveness relates to restorative justice. When asked by a friend when I first joined the RJC, this was something that I really struggled to explain. Eighteen months later it remains a challenging issue.
As part of the 2015 standards and guidance review, the RJC sought views from members on a proposed new version of the RJC Principles of Restorative Processes. In light of the consultation responses received, the 2015 version of the Principles document was produced.
A summary of members' responses and the revisions made is available below.
As part of the 2015 standards and guidance review, the RJC sought views from members on a proposed new version of the RJC Principles of Restorative Processes. The updated 2015 version of the Principles is available below.
A summary of members' responses and the revisions made is available here.
The Sentencing Council has this week published new guidelines to sentencing theft offences, along with its response to consultation submissions on this topic.
The new guidelines take an important step, marking a distinction between the material value and the emotional value of items stolen from the victims. The assessment of harm to the victim now contains not only financial harm and inconvenience, but emotional distress, fear and loss of confidence caused by the crime, as well as the non-monetary value of the items taken.
The RJC has published an information pack on restorative justice for the judiciary. The pack helps magistrates, crown court judges and court staff to understand restorative justice, the benefits it can bring to all parties involved in a crime and the role that the judiciary can play in the process.
I recently had an informal meeting with the Cabinet Office to discuss social impact bonds. It was purely an exploratory discussion, as part of our work to help the restorative practice field develop and grow.
The RJC has published an information pack on restorative justice for the judiciary. The pack helps magistrates, crown court judges and court staff to understand restorative justice, the benefits it can bring to all parties involved in a crime and the role that the judiciary can play in the process.
