- More national recognition for Restorative Gloucestershire
- One of the few to achieve the Restorative Service quality mark
- ‘Independent assessment adds credibility’ says PCC
- Restorative Gloucestershire now looking for more volunteers
It plays an important part in Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Martin Surl’s crime reduction strategy by helping offenders make amends through a process called restorative justice (RJ).
Now, Restorative Gloucestershire has won new recognition for its pioneering community work by being awarded the Restorative Service Quality Mark (RSQM), which recognises professionalism and high standards of practice.
Mr. Surl said,
“There could hardly be a better accolade. Restorative Gloucestershire is rightly regarded as working to best practice and this quality mark confirms it.
“Only a handful of other RJ organisations have the Restorative Service Quality Mark. It is even more creditable as the assessment is done by an independent and respected body such as the Restorative Justice Council (RJC)”.
The RSQM is regarded as the pinnacle within the RJ field. Recognition for Restorative Gloucestershire follows a testing year in which staff and volunteers had to deal with a range of very different cases from conflict between neighbours to violence and murder.
Restorative Gloucestershire Manager, Becky Beard said,
“We could not wish for a better endorsement. The RSQM is validation of the work we have been doing and will reassure people who come to us that they will receive a safe and quality service
“I am proud of the team and delighted their hard work and dedication has been recognised once again”.
Restorative Gloucestershire ‘brings people together to put things right’. As well as helping victims overcome the effects of crime, RJ is essential to preventing re-offending.
It supports people who have come into contact with conflict in the community with a view to give victims a voice and improve the chances of rehabilitation. It provides opportunities for victims to tell offenders the impact of their crime and for offenders to make amends.
Restorative Gloucestershire currently holds the Dedication to Restorative Justice Award from the Chris Donovan Trust which works with schools and communities to reduce gang violence. Prior to that, it was recognised as the Police Support Volunteer Team of the Year at the 2015 South West Region Special Constabulary and Police Support Volunteer Awards.
It is also looking for new volunteers. If the work appeals to you, find out more at contactus@restorativegloucestershire.co.uk
