This research, supervised by Dr Brian Payne and Dr Gráinne Kelly, represents the first comprehensive exploration of the landscape of restorative practice (RP) initiatives in schools in Northern Ireland (NI). By engaging with a selection of schools at various points in their RP implementation journey, this research will critically assess the construction and implementation of restorative models and approaches in the school setting, identifying potential gaps and lessons to be learned. The research will be multidisciplinary, bridging the fields of criminology and social policy, and offering insights into the contribution that RP in schools makes to ongoing peace and reconciliation efforts in post-conflict NI.
Following the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, considerable efforts have been made to develop a robust civic society resilient to entrenched political division. Extensive research has been conducted on restorative justice initiatives in communities and within the criminal justice system, including their contribution to peace post-1998; however, research documenting the impact of restorative approaches in schools is limited. Considering NI’s advanced civic apparatus for reconciliation, mainstreaming RP in schools could significantly impact schools, communities and broader society.
Through my work in peace and reconciliation and restorative justice, I bring a personal interest in researching the role of RP in transforming cultures and addressing harm, as well as its role in creating equitable, inclusive and person-centred educational settings. This research will be conducted with the community restorative justice organisation, Northern Ireland Alternatives (NIA), as my collaborative partner, and I will work closely with the Education Authority’s RP team.
