website. Hard copies of the book can be purchased by contacting

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1 1 Unit 3b, Park Place Lawn Lane London, SW8 1UD Tel: Mob: Website: Registered Charity No Company No: Dear colleague, 27 October 2010 RE: 22 nd November, IARS ICCCR expert seminar on restorative justice 1. INTRODUCTION Thank you for agreeing to be part of the expert seminar Drawing together research, policy and practice for restorative justice. It is my pleasure to be organising this timely discussion, and I am indeed grateful for your participation. This brief aims to give you some background information about the event, set out the agenda for discussion and provide some practical details for the day including the names and affiliations of the confirmed delegates. This is the first of a series of three expert seminars jointly hosted by IARS and the International Centre for Comparative Criminological Research (ICCCR) at Open University. 2. BACKGROUND INFORMATION It has been almost 3 years since the European Institute of Crime Prevention and Control affiliated with the United Nations (HEUNI) published my book Restorative justice theory and practice: addressing the discrepancy. This was based on five surveys I contacted over a period of 7 years some focusing on the use of restorative justice in the UK, others covering international practices and others examining serious and complex cases 1. Due to work and personal commitments, I have not been able to follow up the findings of that research. With the support of IARS and ICCCR, where I am based, I am now able to follow up that research The fieldwork will take the form of a series of expert, international seminars. The first is due to take place on the 22 nd of November and will focus on current opportunities, gaps and challenges for restorative justice in the UK. The second and third seminars are due to take place between January March SEMINAR KEY AIMS & OBJECTIVES The key aim of the seminars is to initiate an international debate that will assist the development of improved practices, better informed policy and more grounded research on restorative justice. The seminars will lead to a publication and the production of evidence based policy recommendations at a time when governments, the EU and international bodies such as the UN are seeking for effective, low cost, 1 HEUNI/ UN have made the book available to download for free either from the IARS or HEUNI website. Hard copies of the book can be purchased by contacting T.Gavrielides@iars.org.uk

2 2 non traditional crime reduction options that also serve the victim and the sense of justice and fairness in society. The publication is likely to be carried out under the auspices of HEUNI. If you are interested in taking part in the production of the publication please do not hesitate to contact me for more detail. Another aim of the seminars is to bring together key names in the field of restorative justice who are working on research, practice and policy but have not been able to communicate with each other before. This will help information exchange and the production of more informed, grounded policy recommendations. Finally, the seminar will explore any gaps in the area of accreditation and standards of restorative justice as teaching is one of the Open University s stake in this event. Pulling together the excellent work that has been done by a number of organisations will allow the movement to reflect on what has been done and, in consultation, decide what remains to be achieved. 4. PERSONAL NOTE Despite my heavy involvement in the equality, human rights and youth policy field, my passion has always been restorative justice. You have been carefully selected because I feel you share the same passion. I have argued elsewhere 2 that the powerinterest battles that are evidently taking place within the restorative justice movement both internationally and nationally if not addressed will soon lead to the demise of the notion. Your independence and keen interest in restorative justice is what I considered to be the key ingredient for a successful seminar and project. The seminars and publication will hopefully help address these challenges. I am grateful to Ben Lyon who has been on my side since 2000 and continue to support my vision for a more jointed approach to restorative justice research and practice. I am also grateful to Prof. Gerry Johnstone and Graham Robb for agreeing to set the agenda and speak. My special thanks to my assistant Anwara Ali for really making this event happen. Many thanks also to Dr. Karim Murji and Prof. John Muncie for committing ICCCR resources. My time for preparing these seminars is generally covered by a European Commission grant. As the event, invitation and work that will follow are free, I kindly ask that you consider making a donation to our small charity IARS by clicking here or visiting bf2b 5838c819c3b3 The smallest contribution will allow us to continue providing information and events such as this one for free. You can also become an IARS member for free and receive our publications, newsletters, training and invitations by clicking here or visiting us member 2 Gavrielides T (2008) Restorative justice: the perplexing concept. Conceptual fault lines and power battles within the restorative justice movement 8:2 Criminology and Criminal Justice Journal, ISSN

3 3 If you are not able to attend then I would be most grateful if you could let Anwara Ali (A.Ali@iars.org.uk) know asap so that we can pass on your place to someone else. This is event is by invitation only and will be run under Chatham House Rules. Complementary lunch will be provided between 12:00 13:00, while we are planning to retire to a nearby pub at 16:00. You are very welcome to join what we hope will be a fantastic networking opportunity. I look forward to seeing you on the 22 nd November 2010 at the Open University London campus in Camden Town. Warm regards Dr. Theo Gavrielides, Director, Independent Academic Research Studies (IARS) Visiting Senior Research Fellow, ICCCR, Open University APPENDICES: Appendix A: Agenda & Notes Appendix B: Confirmed Delegates list Appendix C: Information on IARS and the ICCCR Appendix D: Speakers Biographies

4 4 APPENDIX A: AGENDA AGENDA Drawing together research, policy and practice for restorative justice The Open University, Room 2, 1 11 Hawley Crescent, Camden Town, London, NW1 8NP 22 nd November 2010, 12:00 16:00 12:00 13:00: Lunch & Networking 13:00 13:15: Welcome & purpose of the seminar (Dr. Theo Gavrielides, IARS Director & Visiting Senior Research Fellow International Centre for Comparative Criminological Research, Open University) 13:15 13:30: Restorative justice: practice gaps & aspirations (Ben Lyon, Senior restorative justice practitioner & Board member Restorative Justice Consortium) 13:30 13:45: Restorative justice: research gaps & aspirations (Prof. Gerry Johnstone, Professor of Law, University of Hull, Director, MA in Restorative Justice) 13:45 14:00: Restorative justice: policy gaps & aspirations (Graham Robb, Board member Youth Justice Board) 14:00 15:00: Discussion (All) 15:00 15:30: Coffee break 15:30 16:00: Conclusions & Next steps (Dr. Gavrielides & All) Notes: The event is hosted jointly by IARS ( and the International Centre for Comparative Criminological Research. The meeting will run under Chatham house rules and is by invitation only. The current policy, political and economic climate, and the proposed legislation and institutional changes provide a unique opportunity to discuss strategically about the next steps for the restorative justice movement in the UK. The agenda and delegates list will be circulated to confirmed guests in due time. Travel expenses for speakers and delegates from the voluntary sector will be covered (receipts required). We will retire to a local pub after 16:00; all invited.

5 5 APPENDIX B: CONFIRMED DELEGATES Name Affiliation Role Andrew Morley Anwara Ali London Criminal Justice Partnership Independent Academic Research Studies Chief Executive PA and Research Assistant to Director Barbara Tudor West Midlands Probation Service Senior practitioner, Development Manager Ben Lyon Restorative Justice Consortium Senior practitioner & Board member Bill Kerslake Youth Justice Board Restorative justice expert Christopher Brown Ministry of Justice Senior Policy Advisor Clare Williams Home Office Senior advisor Clifford Grimason HMP Hewell Restorative Justice Manager Dave Walker Southwark Mediation Centre Co ordinator, senior practitioner Dr Deborah Drake Open University Lecturer in Criminology Dr Helen Flanagan Dr Karen Jochelson Dr Theo Gavrielides Restorative Approaches in Lancashire Equality and Human Rights Commission Independent Academic Research Studies (IARS) ICCCR, Open University Restorative justice expert Director of Research Founder and Director Visiting Senior Research Fellow Dr Karim Murji Open University Senior Lecturer Dr Martin Wright Lambeth Mediation Service Senior practitioner Dr. Kimmett Edgar Prison Reform Trust Head of Research Dr. Stylianov Katherine South Bank University & College of Mediators Lecturer, Board Member

6 6 Elena Noel Southwark Mediation Centre Senior practitioner Frances Crook Howard League for Penal Reform Director Gillian Walnes The Anne Frank Trust UK Director Graham Robb Youth Justice Board Board member Jessica Sondhi Ministry of Justice Head of Youth Justice Research Strategy Jon Collins Criminal Justice Alliance Campaign Director Kate Aldous Clinks Programme Director Laura Ellis Ministry of Justice Senior Policy Advisor Lewis Parle Independent Academic Research Studies (IARS) Programme Director Lucy Glennon The Anne Frank Trust UK Head of Education Neena Samota NACRO Policy Director Nicky Gunter Independent Restorative justice expert Prof. Gerry Johnstone, University of Hull Professor of Law Rod Earle Open University Lecturer in Youth Justice Ros Earis Independent Academic Research Studies (IARS) Research Assistant Sally Richards Home Office Head of Reducing Reoffending Sarah Swash Home Office Anti social behaviour and youth crime unit Advisor Sherrelle Parke Ministry of Justice Senior Research Officer Sule Kangulec Home Office Senior Advisor Toby Hamilton Ministry of Justice Restorative Justice expert, Youth Justice Policy Unit Tony Shepherd Inspire Management Associates Managing Director Vince Mercer Assessment Intervention Moving On Project RP & Sexual Behaviour expert Zarina Ibrahim Youth Justice Board Lead on RJ in the YJB

7 7 APPENDIX C: IARS & ICCCR About IARS: IARS is a youth led, social policy think tank that was set up in 2001 to empower young people so that they can influence policy, practice and the law, and acquire a voice that will enable them to democratically engage in society as equal citizens. IARS has expertise in restorative justice, youth justice, human rights, equality and public legal education. Through volunteering, youth led work, training, skills development programmes and research, young people at IARS aim to improve practices that affect them and as role models participate in society and support their peers and youth led organisations and groups in creating a tolerant and equal society where young people are respected and valued. IARS is unique in its structure and the only youth led social policy think tank in the UK. Mission of IARS: To be a youth led organisation that will empower young people to take leadership and develop ownership over their lives and future, champion and develop youth led practices, and support their peers and other youth led groups and organisations to inform policy, practice and the law, particularly in the areas of restorative justice, public legal education, criminal justice, human rights and equality. IARS will achieve this by working directly with young people, particularly those from disadvantaged groups, the voluntary sector, Government and national, regional and international organisations, carrying out research and by disseminating its findings to decision makers, academia, other young people and the general public. About ICCCR The International Centre for Comparative Criminological Research (ICCCR) is an Open University centre of research excellence. It was established in December It is a unique multi disciplinary and cross faculty initiative drawing on expertise from Social Sciences (social policy & criminology, psychology and sociology), Arts (history), and Health and Social Care (youth justice). It incorporates the European Centre for the Study of Policing based in Arts and the Rethinking Criminology and Forensic Psychology Research Groups based in Social Sciences. The ICCCR unites contemporary practice based research and critical policy analysis in crime, policing and criminal justice with an awareness of historical, psychological and social contexts. ICCCR has developed three substantive (but inter related) areas of expertise: policing, justice, rights and regulation, prisons/penology.

8 8 APPENDIX D: SPEAKERS BIOGRAPHIES Dr. Theo Gavrielides Independent Academic Research Studies Founder & Director Biography Dr. Gavrielides is the Founder and Director of the youth led social policy think tank Independent Academic Research Studies. He is also a Visiting Senior Research Fellow at the International Centre for Comparative Criminological Research (ICCCR) at Open University, and a Visiting Scholar at Mount Royal University (Canada). He is also a Trustee of the Anne Frank Trust. Previously, he was the Chief Executive of Race on the Agenda, a social policy think tank focusing on race equality. He also worked at the Ministry of Justice as the Human Rights Advisor of the Strategy Directorate. There, he led on the Human Rights Insight Project, which aimed to identify strategies that will further implement the principles underlying the Human Rights Act and improve public services. He also advised on the Ministry's Education, Information and Advice strategy. During , he worked as a researcher at the Centre for the Study of Human Rights of the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) alongside Professorial Research Fellow Francesca Klug OBE. He is also a legal counsel specialising in criminal law, human rights and EU law. He taught criminal law and common law reasoning and institutions at the University of London, and has acted as a human rights and criminal justice advisor for various Chambers and policy bodies such as the Community Involvement Panel of the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Independent Advisory Group of the London Criminal Justice Partnership. Dr. Gavrielides obtained a doctorate in law from the London School of Economics and Political Science (PhD, 2004) and a Masters in Human Rights Law from Nottingham University (LL.M in Human Rights Law, 2000). He graduated from the Faculty of Laws of the National University of Athens and practised law at Gavrielides & Co. Dr. Gavrielides has published extensively in academic journals while his book Restorative Justice theory and practice has been published by the European Institute for Crime Prevention and Control affiliated with the United Nations (HEUNI) and Criminal Justice Press (ISBN ). Currently, Dr. Gavrielides is working on a new book titled "Rights and Restoration within Youth Justice". The book is due to be published in 2012 by de Sitter Publications. Selected publications by Dr. Gavrielides can be found here

9 9 Graham Robb Board member of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales Biography Graham Robb was a teacher and subsequently over 12 years a Head teacher of two contrasting secondary schools in England. In the second of those (Drayton School) Graham worked with Sir Charles Pollard former Chief Constable of Thames Valley Police, to develop restorative approaches in the school. Subsequently Graham worked with Restorative Solutions on the Restorative Approaches in Schools pilot in Bristol schools which was published in 2009 supported by the Esmee Fairbairn and Paul Hamlyn Foundations. Graham was Chief inspector of Careers Services and a member of the Crick Commission which established the teaching of democracy and citizenship in schools in England. Graham has been a Board member of the Youth Justice Board for England and Wales since 2004 and was Interim Chair of the YJB during He currently leads on the secure accommodation work of the Board (custody for young people under 18). Graham works with Government and local authorities as a consultant on issues of young people, learning and risks to their wellbeing. In recent years this has included: Guidance for schools on anti bullying work including pointers to restorative Approaches Guidance for schools on their role in the prevention of violent extremism Developing the joint work of schools with police (Safer Schools Partnerships) A Safety and Cohesion programme for schools and police which is being used to help develop support for, among others, the pupils most at risk of harm.

10 10 Ben Lyon Senior restorative justice practitioner and Board member of the Restorative Justice Consortium Biography Ben first became involved with restorative justice as a police officer 15 years ago, whilst seeking new approaches to youth crime. He was subsequently appointed to one of the early pilot Youth Offending Teams and was responsible for the delivery of a wide range of RJ interventions and their evaluation. On leaving the police service he was appointed to manage the Connect Project, which was a Home Office research project for the use of RJ in the adult criminal justice system. At this time he also trained and mentored Probation Service colleagues in the use of RJ In serious and complex cases. Ben then joined the Victim Liaison Service of the London Probation Service, in order to engage in victim initiated RJ casework. These cases were mainly of a serious and complex nature, often in custodial settings His work has addressed sensitive issues that are not usually addressed by restorative practice, e.g. cases involving partner abuse, or sexual, or racial motivation. He estimates to have been involved with, or responsible for, approximately 2,500 RJ interventions. He now works as an independent restorative practitioner, a consultant and trainer. He is an advocate of the need for a professional association of practitioners and is a founder member of the Register of Restorative Practitioners. Ben was one of the team responsible for the Home Office document Best Practice Guidance For Restorative Practitioners, and its recent review. He has also recently assisted in drafting new National Occupational Standards in restorative practice. He has recently assisted the RJ Consortium and Skills for Justice in drafting new National Occupational Standards in restorative practice and in establishing an NVQ based award for restorative practitioners.

11 11 Prof. Gerry Johnstone Professor of Law, Director, MA in Restorative Justice, Research Director, University of Hull Law School Biography Gerry Johnstone is Professor of Law at the University of Hull. He is the author of Restorative Justice: Ideas, Values, Debates (Willan, 2002), and co editor (with Daniel Van Ness) of Handbook of Restorative Justice (Willan, 2007). His books are used on courses about restorative justice around the world and have been translated into Japanese and Chinese. He has supervised and examined numerous PhDs about restorative justice and given keynote speeches and led Summer schools on the subject in China, England, Italy, Macao, Poland, Serbia, & Spain. He is the founding director of the University of Hull s unique MA in Restorative Justice, which is studied online and currently has students based in the Africa, Canada, Hong Kong, Latin America and Scandinavia. Johnstone is the Academic Lead of an ESRC funded Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the University of Hull and Hull City Council, which is developing a research tool that can be used to assess the restorativeness of a practice or service. Other current research projects include a study of ethics and civil society carried out jointly by scholars from Hull and Moscow and funded by the British Academy and Russian Academy of Sciences. His latest book (co authored with Tony Ward) is Law and Crime (Sage, 2010). With the financial support of EU Grant agreement no JLS/2008/JPEN/ CE /0039 for the MEREPS project.