Scoping exercise on the proposal to develop a Restorative Practice Apprenticeship

Background

The use of restorative practice processes has increased considerably over the last few years. It is used not only in the criminal justice system but also in health services, communities, the workplace, schools and care homes. Within the criminal justice system, restorative practice gives victims the chance to tell offenders the impact of their crime, to get answers to their questions and receive an apology. For offenders it is a chance to understand the impact of what they have done and do something to repair the harm.

Skills for Justice is focussed on helping employers and other key stakeholders to develop the skills, knowledge and expertise of their workforces (including volunteers), so that they are best placed  to deliver public benefit in these challenging times.  Working closely with employers Skills for Justice has to date developed a suite of National Occupational Standards for Restorative Practice and a Level 4 Diploma in Restorative Practice, which is also based upon these standards. In addition, other  qualifications have also been developed such as the academic undergraduate Diploma currently delivered by the University of Ulster.

Recently Skills for Justice has been approached by an employer to explore the potential development of an apprenticeship framework for Restorative Practice.  Whilst Skills for Justice currently  has the opportunity to bid for funding for such an exciting development, the evidence for such a demand from employers needs to be robust. We would therefore appreciate you giving consideration and completing this short survey in order to provide us with an initial indication if an apprenticeship is something your organisation would be interested in exploring further and supporting in the future. Should the overall response from employers be positive, Skills for Justice will seek funding for an apprenticeship development and if successful, a more detailed consultation will follow.

Consultation deadline: 27th January 2012

Background on Apprenticeships

We have provided some information regarding apprenticeships which will hopefully provide enough insight at this stage for you to complete the survey. Click here to view the components in an English Apprenticeship framework (Please note components within frameworks for other nations will vary slightly).

Apprenticeships can:

-be taken by various age groups
-develop staff who are new to a role
-attract a younger and more diverse workforce
-up skill the existing workforce
-fill skills gaps
-motivate the workforce
-increase workforce diversity

Potential Levels of Apprenticeships:

Level 2 Intermediate Level Apprenticeships (equivalent to GCSE level 2)
Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a Level 2 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge-based qualification.

Level 3 Advanced Level Apprenticeships (equivalent to A Level 3)
Apprentices work towards work-based learning such as a Level 3 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in most cases, a relevant knowledge based qualification.

Higher level Apprenticeships  (equivalent to Higher National Certificate level 4-5)
Apprentices work towards work-based learning qualifications such as a Level 4 Competence Qualification, Functional Skills and, in some cases, a knowledge-based qualification such as a Foundation Degree.

Current Funding info for Apprenticeships: (please note this will change each year)

-Candidates aged 16-18- training fully funded
-Candidates aged 19-24- training part funded
-Candidates aged 25 and over- training part funded

Section One: Organisational Details

Section Two

The End

Thank you for completing this consultation, your views are very important in order to determine whether there is a demand for an Apprenticeship in Restorative Practice.

If you have any further queries regarding the questionnaire please contact:

Tina Parker (Key Account Manager) Tel: 07866 582 933 or email: tina.parker@skillsforjustice.com