A critical analysis of whether skills sharing sessions enhance restorative practices within Gloucestershire

Author | Allen, Benedict, 2020

Overview

This dissertation is a qualitative project critically examining skills sharing session impact on restorative practices in Gloucestershire. Literature was critically examined to discover key components of restorative practice work. Research design is essential as this project must practicably generate findings. Utilising a purposive sample with a range of participants from varying backgrounds ensures different perspectives inform knowledge regarding restorative practices. For data collection, seven semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions were conducted. Once completed, each interview was transcribed word for word to prepare for analysis. When the interviews were ready, an inductive thematic analysis was done to detect common themes and differences across participants. Contextualising restorative practice offers within Gloucestershire enabled the researcher to define areas for restorative justice development. Progressing to analysing vital attributes for restorative facilitators strengthened this knowledge by analysing how application of restorative practices worked. Following theme two with prospects for skills sharing allowed the researcher to connect participant arguments to viable future practice directions. Finishing the data and discussion chapter with the benefits and limitations to skills sharing demonstrates what works and what is needed to improve restorative services. Overall, this research analyses restorative practices as benefitting skills sharing, with further expansion required to increase benefits felt by facilitators.

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