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Hobson, Jonathan 
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8081-6699, Lillis, Rachel, Gunn, Emma and Solodov, Stanislav
(2025)
Restorative justice in Prisons and Probation: Cross-National Learning Exchange - Phase 1 Briefing Report.
Project Report.
University of Gloucestershire.
(Unpublished)
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Abstract
The use of restorative justice (RJ) in prison and probation services is growing across Europe, with increasing recognition of its potential to address harm, promote healing, and reduce reoffending. As criminal justice systems seek more person-centred and trauma-informed approaches, RJ is emerging as a credible and increasingly mainstream option. While implementation remains uneven, there is clear appetite for innovation and international, cross-jurisdictional learning on the development of effective and impactful services. This briefing paper is the result of a collaboration between the Probation Service Restorative Justice Team (Ireland), the Estonian Ministry of Justice Social Insurance Board, and members of the advisory board for the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Restorative Justice in the UK. Through a series of reciprocal visits, site explorations, and reflective discussions, the project has enabled a shared examination of how RJ is accessed, delivered, and understood within each jurisdiction. This paper shares innovations, sets out common challenges and opportunities, and aims to inform ongoing policy development and service design by drawing together comparative insights from practice. It is organised across three themes that emerged from the partnership: i. Access and availability of restorative justice for those in prison and probation ii. Awareness of restorative justice in prisons and probation iii. Evidencing impact of restorative justice in prison and probation After consideration of these themes, the paper concludes with a discussion of key considerations for the development and sustainability of RJ in prison and probation settings, alongside targeted messages for policymakers.
| Item Type: | Monograph (Project Report) |
|---|---|
| Subjects: | H Social Sciences > HV Social pathology. Social and public welfare. Criminology. > HV6001 Criminology |
| Divisions: | Schools and Research Institutes > School of Business, Computing and Social Sciences |
| Depositing User: | Jonathan Hobson |
| Date Deposited: | 03 Sep 2026 13:51 |
| Last Modified: | 03 Sep 2026 13:51 |
| URI: | https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/16472 |
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