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What are Restorative Practices?Restorative approaches to inappropriate behaviour and conflict offer positive and effective ways to repair harm, allowing all affected to participate and work towards solutions. Interest has gained momentum since the introduction of new dispute resolution regulations in October 2004 under the Employment Act 2002. Restorative approaches are being used in crime prevention, community problem solving, schools and care homes and increasingly in workplace grievances. The relevance of this work is spreading fast in the workplace as an effective way to deal with both complaints and grievances. The new dispute resolution regulations require that employees, regardless of company size, will be entitled (save in cases of gross misconduct) to minimum standards of informal dispute resolution before they are dismissed. Employees will be unable to make claims to employment tribunals unless they have first formally raised the grievance with the employer and have not received satisfaction. Many organisations are already using the restorative conference as a dispute resolution process. Wider use of restorative processes may lead to a reduction in costly tribunals. What is a Restorative Conference?A restorative conference is a meeting of all those who have been affected by the conflict or harm. The conference is a formal structured process which allows all participants the opportunity to tell their story and talk about how they and others have been affected. Everyone gets the opportunity to be heard, to listen to others and to work together to seek solutions to the harm. Involvement is voluntary and all participants will be contacted by the facilitator in advance of the meeting to ensure that their needs are being met. The neutral facilitator helps to create a safe environment where all participants can be engaged and reach a shared understanding. The process is confidential (subject to agreed disclosures in some cases). The structured process allows participants to freely express themselves within a continuum of dignity and respect. Restorative conferencing is not advocacy, counselling, advice giving or investigation but it is about allowing all those most affected to share their experiences, acknowledge and understand the harm caused and seek ways to move forward. What are the Possible Benefits?All participants have the opportunity to:
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