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*This course and its resulting diploma are currently in development and under Ofqual consideration*

Awarding body & Approved UK Centres

The RJ4All International Institute is proud to introduce the RJ4All Level 5 Regulated Diploma in Restorative Justice Practice. The Institute will act as the Awarding Body reporting directly to The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). We will also be responsible for processing applications from educational providers wishing to act as RJ4All Approved UK Centres for delivering the qualification. 

The Diploma has been designed following the statutory requirements and guidance issued by Ofqual. This is the statutory body regulating qualifications, examinations and assessments in England and Wales. It reports directly to Parliament and is independent. 

This qualification is independent of any unregulated business initiatives from private or voluntary organisations.

We are accepting applications from training providers to act as RJ4All Approved UK Centres for delivering the qualification. This involves a two-stage process and an annual review. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis from relevant agencies from the public, private or voluntary sector. To find out more contact the Course Convener, Prof. Theo Gavrielides.

This page is dedicated to partners interested in becoming an Approved Centre for our course. Universities and other potential partners outside the UK are invited to express interest in collaborating with us. Detailed guidance is available on this page. 

It is also our intention that the qualification is delivered through RJ4All Education, the Institute’s independent education arm. If you are a student, please visit our student information section by clicking the button below.

Express your interest now to become an approved centre

Qualification Overview

The RJ4All Level 5 Regulated Diploma in Restorative Justice Practice was developed to address the lack of formal training and qualification for restorative justice practitioners. It is also highly relevant to anyone wishing to teach or research restorative justice.

The course has a unique structure combining theoretical modules with hands-on, supervised casework. It covers theory, principles, and historical background, alongside practical training in facilitation, case management, and community engagement.

The course was designed in line with the RJ4All Restorative Justice Practice Framework. It follows UK and international legislation as well as the UN, EU and Council of Europe Recommendations and Directive. The course does not endorse any private, non-regulated or non-statutory registers or frameworks.

Upon completion, students will earn a Level 5 Diploma regulated in the UK by Ofqual. Progression onto relevant university courses is possible alongside satisfying the requirement for practising restorative justice.

Qualification Objectives

The key objective of the qualification is to enable students to practise restorative justice either in statutory criminal justice (police, prison, probation) and youth justice (e.g. youth offending teams, local authorities, youth offending institutions) or community settings (e.g. mediation centres). Upon graduation, we will submit students’ registration to the International Fellowship of Restorative Justice Practitioners, allowing them to receive casework, but also network with colleagues from around the world. 

This is the only Level 5 regulated Diploma in restorative justice practice in the world, leading to our students becoming a qualified restorative justice practitioner without the need to register with any organisation or pay membership fees.

Moreover, the qualification can allow them to progress onto other university courses. Other benefits include:

  • Career Advancement: Allows students to progress within their current profession as well as relevant university courses.
  • Skill Development: Offers practical, hands-on experience in professional restorative justice settings.
  • Personal Growth: Enhances empathy, communication, and conflict resolution abilities, supporting personal development.

Who Can Be Your Students?

The RJ4All Level 5 Diploma in Restorative Justice Practice is tailored for a diverse range of students. It targets those working or wishing to work in both statutory and community-based criminal justice or youth justice settings. 

(e.g. students finishing their A-Levels, unqualified restorative justice practitioners, probation and prison staff, prosecutors and lawyers, individuals in legal and criminal justice roles, those in social work). Applicants must meet these prerequisites:

  • Aged 18 and above
  • English as a first language or proficient (e.g. IELTS)
  • A Levels or equivalent (e.g. BTEC Level 3, NVQ, or Baccalaureates)
  • Obtain RJ4All CPD Certificate in “Induction to restorative justice theory and practice” e-course OR minimum of 3 months restorative justice practice (voluntary or paid).

Pricing for Approved Centre

*** The annual registration fee is due upon the expiration of the centre’s annual subscription.

*** All prices are quoted without VAT.

*** It is essential for the qualification to establish itself before it can start generating profit, which will then be used to subsidise it. As a result, the costs for the first year are lower than those in subsequent years. This incremental increase is outlined in our three-year projections.

Specification & Special Features

Total Credits: 90

Guided Learning Hours: 300

Total Qualification Time: 900

  1. Duration: One-year programme divided into three semesters.
  2. Structure: 
  • Mandatory Modules 1-5: Face-to-face and online lectures, seminars and independent learning on theory, practice, principles, legislation, facilitation techniques, data protection and confidentiality issues, sensitive and complex cases.
  • Mandatory Module with a choice for either Module 6 carrying out a youth case or Module 7 with an adult case. The case will be provided and may include a self-referral or diversion. This module involves supervised practice by qualified RJ4All senior practitioners. 

Face-to-face and online learning with a combination of theoretical and practical modules:

  • Theoretical Foundation: These sessions covers restorative justice theory, principles, historical context, and ethical considerations.
  • Practical Training: These sessions allow learners to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world scenarios. This includes role-playing exercises, case studies, and simulations of restorative justice processes.
  • Independent Study: Learners will undertake self-directed study to deepen their understanding. This includes reading assignments, research projects, and independent learning modules provided through e-learning platforms.
  • Supervised Practice: Learners will be allocated a case and be supervised by experienced practitioners.
  • Ongoing support: Through live webinars, real-time telephone tutorials, and e-learning supervised by a teacher in real time, we ensure the best companionship and tutoring during the learning journey.

Assessment methods include:

  • Test: Applied to Mandatory Units 1-3
  • Essay: Applied to Mandatory Units 4-6 and Optional Units 
  • Case Portfolio: Applied to the practice stage of managing restorative justice case work

This Diploma is regulated making it stand out from other short courses that are not certified. Moreover, it has two unique special features:

  • The first refers to the requirement to complete case work under supervision. We will provide both the case and the supervisor.
  • The second feature includes a 3-day in-person training delivered by Dr. David Moore and Dr. Alikki Vernon, President and Vice-President of the Australian Association for Restorative Justice. Titled Setting Relations Right: transforming conflict int cooperation through group conferencing”, this training will also act a standalone programme certified with Continuous Professional Development. External non-Diploma students will also be able to join. It will be held towards the end of the second semester to help the student transition from theoretical learning to handling a real case in the final semester.

Course convener & course oversight

The course convener is Professor Dr Theo Gavrielides (PhD

The convener is responsible for the smooth delivery of the course ensuring that all Approved Centres comply with Ofqual requirements and statutory guidance. The convener reports to the RJ4All Board and to an Academic Board that peer reviews the content of the course and any updates. 

Professor Gavrielides is a legal philosopher and one of the world’s leading experts in restorative justice, criminal and youth justice reform, and human rights. He is the Founder and Director of RJ4All. Additionally, he founded and serves as the Editor-in-Chief of RJ4All Publications and RJ4All Sports. Dr Gavrielides is a qualified Barrister (non-practising) and convenes over 40 CPD courses. He holds positions as a Visiting Professor at the University of East London and Buckinghamshire New University.

More Than A Diploma

By applying for the course through RJ4All Education or any of our Approved Centres, students will also be joining a world movement for social justice. In addition:

  1. RJ4All Graduate:  Students will be joining our graduate alumni group, accessing a series of benefits including discounts to our CPD courses, and opportunities to work with us or carry out casework.
  2. Continued Professional Development:  We provide formal CPD-certified courses validated by the CPD Certification Service. This will ensure that students’ training meets rigorous standards and enhances their professional credibility as a restorative justice practitioner.
  3. Free resources: As part of the registration students will receive free copies of three key books on restorative justice as well as a 50% discount on all our ebooks and publications including the Internet Journal of Restorative Justice. Additionally, we have established an in-house and online library that houses all the necessary resources for studying the course, available free of charge.
  4. Global Impact: By joining RJ4All, our students become part of a global movement towards combatting power abuse and promoting community cohesion through restorative justice practices, and get the chance to join RJ4All’s International Fellowship of Restorative Justice Practitioners. 

Accessibility, Equality and Academic Integrity

RJ4All is founded on the restorative justice principles of power-sharing, equality, and respect. We are committed to actively preventing discrimination and fostering diversity. Our environment encourages individuals to use their skills without fear of bias, ensuring all decisions are merit-based. We expected anyone delivering this Diploma to follow these values and all our related policies. Moreover, as a vocational education provider, RJ4All follows the European Credit System for Vocational Education and Training (ECVET) framework. This supports the transfer and recognition of learning outcomes across Europe, enhancing the design and quality assurance of our e-courses.

During examinations, we ensure fair and transparent assessments for all units and adhere to our Equality & Diversity Policy, applicable to all RJ4All members. We actively counter disadvantages, providing equal opportunities for participation in our events and services, and ensuring our publicity materials are clear and accessible.

This course and all our training and learning services follow the RJ4All Academic Integrity Policy

What People Say about Our Course

International Partners

The course is due to be launched in the UK in January 2025. We have an open call for international partners who are interested in the qualification and would like to offer it in their countries. To express an interest please click the button below or contact the course Convener for further inquiries.

In England, Wales and Norther Ireland, there is only one statutory regulator for qualifications, examinations and assessments. That is Ofqual. Organisations such as universities, the Restorative Justice Council and other training providers are NOT regulators and do not have the power to approve courses of any level. There are 9 levels of qualifications and the RJ4All Diploma is Level 5. 
More information on the regulated qualification levels can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels.  
Regulated qualifications approved by the regulator can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/find-a-regulated-qualification. RJ4All takes matters of information and misinformation seriously, so rest assured that we have done thorough research before making any marketing claims. 
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