Press Release
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Thames Valley Restorative Justice Service awarded Restorative Service Quality Mark
Restorative justice trailblazers Thames Valley Restorative Justice Service (TVRJS) is delighted to announce that it is one of the first organisations in the UK to receive the Restorative Justice Council’s Restorative Service Quality Mark (RSQM).
Restorative processes bring those harmed by crime or conflict into communication with those responsible for the harm, enabling everyone affected by a particular incident to play a part in repairing the harm and finding a positive way forward. Restorative processes are being increasingly used in a wide range of settings including criminal justice, schools, care homes, local authorities, prisons and communities.
The RSQM requires organisations to show that they are consistently meeting six Restorative Service Standards. Following a rigorous assessment process, TVRJS have demonstrated that they meet the Standards, and will now hold the Restorative Service Quality Mark.
Paul Gillbard, Chief Executive of Thames Valley Probation, which is one of the key partner agencies in TVRJS, said: ‘We’re delighted with this award. It’s a clear demonstration of the hard work and commitment by our staff and others within TVRJS, to put victims first and bring down re-offending rates.’
Patsy Townsend, Chief Executive of Thames Valley Partnership. which runs TVRJS, said: “This award confirms that victims can have confidence in the service we offer. Restorative Justice enables offenders to face the consequences of their actions. It is not a soft option and is in addition to any other sentence imposed by the court.”
Jemma Jewkes, the RJC’s head of standards and professional services, said: “Earlier this year, the Restorative Justice Council put out a call for services to take part in a test phase of the Restorative Service Quality Mark. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and TVRJS were one of the organisations selected to participate.
“All the organisations taking part understand the importance of quality – delivering to national standards ensures that people can feel safe and confident about the service they are receiving. They have all worked incredibly hard, and we’re very proud of the successful applicants.
“It’s been a real privilege to visit all of the test sites and see first-hand some of the amazing work that’s being done.”
TVRJS was presented with the award by HRH The Princess Royal at the Restorative Justice Council’s Annual General Meeting yesterday (Wednesday, October 2). Following the successful completion of the test phase, the Restorative Service Quality Mark is expected to be launched nationally later in 2013
ENDS
Note to editors
· The Restorative Justice Council (RJC) provides a national voice, and quality assurance for restorative practice through the criminal justice system, schools and care.
· Thames Valley Restorative Justice Service is a collaboration between Thames Valley Probation and Thames Valley Partnership.
· Thames Valley Probation led a multi-agency partnership in a large-scale research project between 2001-2005, which proved its effectiveness in reducing re-offending. The probation trust was the first in the country to offer courts RJ as a sentencing option.
· In 2010, TVRJS won the adult category of the Howard League for Penal Reform Community Awards.
· The Restorative Service Quality Mark is backed by the Ministry of Justice. For further information on the Quality Mark please contact the RJC on 0207 831 5700 or email Jemma Jewkes at
· For further information on TVRJS, contact Fiona Tarrant, Communications Manager, Thames Valley Probation at
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FURTHER QUOTES IN SUPPORT OF THE RSQM:
· Javed Khan, Victim Support:
'We welcome the RJC Restorative Services Quality Mark, a key step in ensuring victims are safeguarded and have confidence in the quality of the restorative justice process. RJ requires robust quality assurance to ensure best outcomes for victims, and we support the quality mark in pursuit of that goal".
· ACC Garry Shewan, ACPO lead on restorative justice and Chair of the multi-agency steering group which developed the RSQM:
“I am proud of these Restorative Service Standards and the Restorative Service Quality Mark framework. I believe these standards distil the core of quality restorative service across a wide range of sectors. The Quality Mark will tell the public where the national Restorative Standards are being met and maintained, while allowing for innovation in delivery models at local level. This is something the field has wanted for a long time”