At Calm Mediation, we have long seen the power of Restorative Justice and practices to bring a resolution of conflict for those harmed by crime, accountability to those who have caused harm, and meaningful resolutions to communities affected by conflict.
As the UK faces a crisis of prison overcrowding and rising reoffending rates, Restorative Justice offers a known, workable and cost-effective way forward. But it remains underutilised because of a lack of systemic access.
The Problem We Face
The UK’s prison population is nearing 90,000. Facilities are strained. Short-term measures, such as reducing custodial sentences and accelerating early release, may ease immediate pressures but these measures do not offer sustainable solutions to an ever-growing problem. Prisons remain overcrowded, and reoffending continues. What’s needed is a fundamental shift—away from a system that focuses primarily on punitive measures, and towards one that prioritises restoration and reintegration.
Restorative Justice can be part of that shift. But it needs to be accessible.
Why Restorative Justice Works
Restorative Justice focuses on dialogue. It brings together those harmed by crime and those responsible, in a safe, facilitated setting, to explore the impact of what happened and find a positive way forward.
Victims report that this process helps them regain a sense of control, find answers to unresolved questions, and feel heard. Offenders are given the chance to understand the consequences of their actions – the impact—often for the first time—and the opportunity to take responsibility in a way that can be deeply transformative.
The evidence is compelling: Restorative Justice delivers high satisfaction rates for victims, reduces the likelihood of reoffending, and lowers the emotional and financial costs of traditional justice routes.
The Real Barrier: A System That Doesn’t Offer It
Despite its proven benefits, Restorative Justice is still not routinely available in the criminal justice system. The reason RJ fails to reach its potential is simple: the vast majority of victims are never offered it at an appropriate time. Figures from the 2020 Crime Survey for England and Wales show that only 5.5% of victims – with a known offender – recall this offer ever being made to them. They never get the chance to speak with an independent RJ provider about whether it might be right for them.
There are clear points in the criminal justice process where RJ could be introduced effectively:
- Pre-arrest: To divert anti-social behaviour from entering the justice system.
- Pre-sentence: Through probation assessments that consider RJ.
- Out-of-court disposals: Offering an alternative route for first time offences.
- Post-sentence: As part of victim support and witness care services.
- Pre- and Post release: Supporting both victims and offenders as part of reintegration.
Yet currently, these opportunities are inconsistently taken up.
What Needs to Change
We believe the time is right to embed Restorative Justice into policy and practice more firmly. The Victims and Prisoners Bill currently going through Parliament offers a crucial opportunity to do this.
Here’s what would make a meaningful difference:
- Automatic referral: All victims to be referred to an independent RJ service provider following a criminal conviction and sentence, with proper data-sharing protocols to support this.
- RJ in sentencing decisions: A requirement to consider RJ engagement in pre-sentence reports.
- RJ as a diversion tool: Empowering and supporting police services to use RJ more proactively as part of out-of-court disposals.
- Local coordination: Local authorities to consistently consider Restorative measures to address crime and anti-social behaviour in communities.
These changes are simple, achievable, and would have profound benefits—not just for victims and offenders, but for the wider community.
A Better Future Is Possible
Restorative Justice is not a new experiment. It is a tried, tested, and trusted process. It provides exactly what our justice system currently lacks: a means to repair harm, reduce conflict, and create accountability.
At Calm Mediation, we know Restorative practices work because we see it every day. But we also see how many people never get the chance to access RJ. We urge policymakers, practitioners, and communities to come together and make Restorative Justice a core part of how we respond to crime and conflict in the UK.
With the right structures and commitment, RJ can be at the heart of a justice system that is truly fair, humane, and effective.
