APPLICATION FOR ACCREDITATION UNDER THE RESTORATIVE JUSTICE 2023 PROTOCOL - ORGANISATIONAL

Overview

The Department of Justice is introducing new adult restorative justice arrangements under the Adult Restorative Justice Strategy and revised 2023 Restorative Justice Protocol.  The aim is to expand restorative justice availability within the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland. This is driven by the desire to better meet the needs of victims of crime, provide redress for harm caused and find an effective alternative to punitive responses to offending behaviour.

What are we doing

We are welcoming applications from organisations, practitioners within organisations and independent practitioners to become accredited for the delivery of restorative justice services in the criminal justice system.

A virtual ‘Restorative Hub’ will be created, made up of a centralised group of restorative justice practitioners, who will work together as a single team to ensure consistency of practice and training, co-facilitate referrals when deemed appropriate, avail of other Continuous Professional Development opportunities and take part in a regular 'Community of Practice’.  The Hub will receive referrals from the justice system via an Independent Referral Body and will be overseen by the Protocol Lead.    

The Role

Organisations and individuals must apply for accreditation from the Department of Justice in order to receive criminal justice referrals. The criteria for suitability and professional competency are set out in the Practice Standards and Accreditation Framework 2025 and are summarised in this application form. 

Accredited practitioners must operate within and uphold the rule of law; have a proven track record of working with criminal justice agencies, including the police; adhere to international human rights standards; and work with all criminal justice agencies, including the police.  They must also be guided by, and demonstrate a commitment to, the core principles and values of restorative justice.

Where will services be provided

Service provision will begin with diversionary restorative justice, before being introduced into the courts arena.  Services will be available in the following police districts in the first instance – Ards and North Down, Lisburn and Castlereagh, Antrim and Newtownabbey and Mid and East Antrim – before being rolled out across the rest of Northern Ireland.  Accredited organisations and practitioners must be willing to provide services across the region.

How will funding be allocated

Funding will be allocated to organisations and independent practitioners based on representation in the Hub, with final sums determined by the number of practitioners in the Hub.  As well as providing restorative justice practitioner(s), organisations will be expected to facilitate the monitoring of restorative justice agreements, using their Level one accredited practitioners.

Requirements

Applicants are advised to examine the criteria outlined in the Practice Standards and Accreditation Framework before completing an application form for the level of accreditation which they are seeking.  

To note, all accredited practitioners must have valid Enhanced Access NI clearance in place before receiving criminal justice referrals.

All applications must be completed and submitted by midnight on FRIDAY 28 NOVEMBER, at which point the application window will close. Future calls for applications will take place as and when need arises.

How can I get more information

If you have any questions about this form or the application process you are welcome to join us at our online information sessions on Monday 3 November 6-7pm or Tuesday 11 November 6-7pm. To register your place or find out more please contact us at rj.team@justice-ni.gov.uk