Trained facilitators (usually two) will meet with each party in turn to discuss RJ and make assessments, meeting first with the person who the request came from. Once each party has agreed to take part, they agree how they would prefer to communicate. The facilitators will then regularly meet with each party to prepare them for the restorative process; they will discuss different scenarios to find out how each party may react and plan a response. The facilitators will work from a script as well as any specific questions each party has, and anything else they wish to say. Each party has the option of having a supporter involved in the process – they will also be assessed, and the type of support will be discussed (whether they are emotional support after meetings, if they sit in, if they will also share their story or ask questions). If someone is in prison, the supporter is likely to be a prison keyworker or Prison-based Offender Manager.  

The restorative process progresses at a pace everyone is comfortable with, it can be paused at any time, and can be revisited if circumstances have changed. It is not a quick process and usually takes months of preparation/back and forth between each party. If there is an ongoing court case or an appeal relating to the incident, RJ would be on hold until these have reached an outcome so as not to be, or perceived to be, an influence on these processes. The process is led by the wishes and needs of the participants, and you will not be pushed into making decisions or doing something you are not comfortable with. Facilitators are impartial – not for or against either party – and do not have their own aims or desired outcomes. The focus is on the harm caused and how it can be repaired, not making a judgement, or shaming either party. 

The RJ service will work with the agencies involved with both parties to make sure that the restorative process can go ahead safely and can signpost/make referrals to other agencies if needed. The safety of participants is vital; if there are risks the facilitator cannot manage, the process will not go ahead but the reasons for this will be explained as fully as possible.