Edinburgh Napier University

  This research project consists of an exploratory qualitative study on the provision of restorative justice (RJ) services in Scotland at the level of local authorities. RJ is a process of facilitated dialogue between a crime victim and relevant offender, aiming to enable material and psychological repair of the harm caused by crime. This process has been hailed as one of the most significant developments in criminal justice in the UK over the last 30 years, and some evidence suggests it can dramatically reduce reoffending. In Scotland, the interest around RJ has further developed following the publication of “Guidance for the Delivery of Restorative Justice in Scotland” in 2017.
In spite of such long-lasting interest and recent policy developments, there is a lack of knowledge regarding where and how RJ programs are actually delivered in Scotland and by whom. The central Government has recently recognised that there is fragmentary provision of RJ at level of local authorities, however there is not in-depth and systematic information regarding the actors, players and actual delivery of RJ in Scotland.