6 Principles of Restorative Practices
Restoration
Restorative workplace leaders aim to ensure that restorative interventions they carry out are aimed at repairing harm that has been caused. An opportunity for addressing issues workers wish to raise in relation to the harm should be given.
Voluntarism
It is imperative that workers come to a restorative intervention of their own free will, having understood the reasons for and methodology of, the process. It is the duty of the restorative workplace leader(s) to ensure that everyone taking part understands why they are there and their responsibilities in relation to the process.
Neutrality
Restorative workplace leaders are human beings and in many cases may not be neutral to the harm that has been caused. However it is important that such biases are not permitted to affect the neutrality of the restorative process, which should not be conducted in such a way as disadvantages or discriminates against any one participant or party.
Safety
Restorative workplace leaders should aim to ensure that processes are safe by undertaking full and proper preparation in relation to each intervention they provide. Risk assessments are paramount whether conducted ‘on the spot’ (as may be required in the case of ‘street’ or ‘corridor’ restorative interventions) or via the use of detailed risk assessment spreadsheets. All restorative leaders will need to be appropriately trained.
Accessibility
The offer of a restorative process is available to anyone who has experienced harm or conflict with the consent of all parties and where it is safe to do so. Practitioners must be mindful of any inherent biases that could affect their ability to offer a neutral restorative process to any person on the basis of their particular status or background –for example, their race, gender, offending history, disability, socio-economic or political background.
Respect
Restorative workplace processes must be conducted in a manner which is respectful to those taking part. If the process, or anyone involved in it, is disrespectful to those taking part, the chances of a successful or positive outcome are significantly reduced. One of the many skills required of a restorative workplace leaders is the ability to conduct an often highly emotional process in a neutral and measured fashion, and respect is key to delivering restorative interventions in this way.