About the course
Referral Order panels bring together trained community volunteers, children, and their parents or carers to agree on a contract of reparative and restorative activity. This training is designed to support people preparing to become panel members, as well as those responsible for delivering panel member training locally.
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This training has been developed by the Youth Justice Board (YJB) and the Restorative Justice Council (RJC) for community panel volunteers and Youth Justice Service (YJS) staff involved in Referral Order panels. It draws on extensive practice experience and is grounded in restorative principles, national guidance and co-production.
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The training was created by restorative justice practitioners Pete Wallis, Deirdre Leask and Tina Mallard, and shaped by years of delivery, development and collaboration across youth justice services in England and Wales.
Who is this course for?
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Volunteer panel members
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YJS case managers
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Restorative justice or victim liaison workers
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Referral Order coordinators
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Training coordinators
What's included?
Workbook
Designed for panel members to work through during and after training. It includes background reading, practical exercises, film links and space to reflect. The workbook also includes a self-competency checklist and can be used as a portfolio to support ongoing development.
Training Manual
A step-by-step guide for delivering a Referral Order panel training course. It includes timetables, exercises and detailed instructions to suit different local needs. The training can be delivered over four consecutive days or flexibly over several weeks.