Training Approval Scheme
Supporting information
31 March 2015
RJC Training Approval Scheme
Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Taking part in the pilot ........................................................................................................................... 4
What are the benefits of the Training Approval Scheme? .................................................................... 5
How does the Training Approval Scheme work? ................................................................................... 5
What is the cost? ................................................................................................................................... 6
How are courses assessed?.................................................................................................................... 6
How long will it take? ............................................................................................................................. 7
Criteria.................................................................................................................................................... 8
Criteria for Training Approval ................................................................................................................ 9
Providing the evidence ........................................................................................................................ 13
Maintaining the Training Approval ...................................................................................................... 13
Reviewing and evaluating the Training Approval Scheme .................................................................. 14
Appendix 1 – Process flowchart for Training Approval ....................................................................... 15
Appendix 2 – Process flowchart for renewal after five years .............................................................. 16
RJC Training Approval Scheme
The Restorative Justice Council’s Training Approval Scheme
Foreword
I am delighted to introduce the new Restorative Justice Council (RJC) Training Approval Scheme, a
quality mark for training courses in restorative practice. The Training Approval Scheme has been
specifically designed for restorative training courses and will enable training providers to
demonstrate that their courses meet rigorous standards.
As interest in restorative services grows, commissioners are looking for ways to identify quality
training. The RJC Training Approval Scheme is intended to help them to identify suitable training as
well as to enable learners to select training that will meet their needs. It will increase confidence
that learners are being taught the skills to practise safely, while building trust in the quality of
restorative training. Ultimately we all want the public to trust in the quality of services available and
the Training Approval Scheme will contribute to achieving this goal.
The Training Approval Scheme has been developed after consultation. We sought input from all
those interested in the promotion of restorative practice and committed to high standards in
delivery. This included practitioners, managers, trainers, commissioners, statutory service leads,
academics and other stakeholders. All the feedback received has helped the RJC to develop a robust
set of criteria against which training courses will be assessed. We are grateful to all those involved
for their input.
Going forward, we hope to receive applications from all restorative trainers. If you are interested in
applying for the Training Approval Scheme pilot, please read the supporting information below.
Jon Collins
Chief Executive Officer
Restorative Justice Council
RJC Training Approval Scheme
Introduction
As part of its work to set and champion clear standards for restorative practice, the RJC has
developed a Training Approval Scheme to recognise quality restorative practice training. The pilot is
open to applications for restorative facilitation and mediation training courses. The Training
Approval Scheme has been developed for training providers in partnership with practitioners and
trainers.
The ultimate aim of the RJC is to enable safe, high quality restorative practice to develop and thrive.
Ensuring that practitioners, those aspiring to be practitioners, service managers and commissioners
can easily identify high quality training is central to this aim. The Training Approval Scheme has
been developed to enable trainers to demonstrate that their courses meet RJC standards and
guidance. Commissioners are always looking for ways to identify quality restorative training, while
practitioners want to be confident that they are choosing the right training for them. The Training
Approval Scheme will help to make this possible by assessing restorative training courses in a clear
and consistent way.
Stakeholders will know that an RJC Approved Training course will be:
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fit for purpose and a quality product
designed specifically for restorative practice
independently assessed as meeting a rigorous set of quality criteria set by restorative
practitioners
The Training Approval Scheme has been designed carefully to ensure that it does not constrain
practice or hamper trainer creativity. It is flexible and applies to courses across a range of
restorative practice types without being overly prescriptive.
Taking part in the pilot
The Training Approval Scheme will start as a pilot in April 2015. The RJC would like to test it with 15
services, from different sectors and varying in size. The Training Approval Scheme will then be
evaluated and any changes made before further applications are accepted.
The pilot applies to restorative facilitation and victim/offender mediation skills courses, not
introduction or restorative practice awareness training. Organisations can complete an expression
of interest form which is available on the RJC website. Once the expression of interest forms have
been reviewed, selected organisations will be invited to apply. Timescales for the pilot are as
follows:
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the closing date for expressions of interest is 15 May
successful training providers will be invited to take part in the pilot by 22 May
the closing date for completed applications to be submitted is 19 June.
RJC Training Approval Scheme
All the relevant forms are available on the Training Approval page of the RJC website so you can see
what the Training Approval process involves. The training providers that go on to apply can email or
post their completed form with evidence to:
Standards/TAS, The Restorative Justice Council, Beacon House, 113 Kingsway, London WC2B 6PP or
[email protected].
If you have a query please contact the RJC standards team on 020 7831 5700.
What are the benefits of the Training Approval Scheme?
Providers of training have identified the benefits of the Training Approval Scheme as:
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enabling training course providers to show that their good practice has been externally
recognised
providing confidence in approved training for commissioners
enabling providers to market their course in a competitive field
increasing learner confidence in the course they are taking part in
demonstrating to learners and employers that providers are in line with national standards
and are recognised as meeting the skills needs of sector employers
Practitioners have identified the benefits of the Training Approval Scheme as:
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enabling learners to identify appropriate training courses for their needs
ensuring positive and equal standards in training
increasing safeguards for those commissioning training
providing consistency of practice, provision of course quality assurance and increased public
confidence in restorative practice
enabling employers to offer new employees quality training and development opportunities
RJC Training Approval is optional. There is no intention to make its use compulsory for RJC
members. The Training Approval Scheme is simply intended to provide a means of formally
recognising quality training.
How does the Training Approval Scheme work?
In the first instance the Training Approval Scheme is open to applications for facilitation and
mediation training courses. Any provider offering restorative facilitation or victim and offender
mediation training will be able to submit a course for consideration. Training courses aimed at a
variety of different audiences can apply – this includes the health service, residential care,
education, housing, volunteers and criminal justice agencies.
RJC Training Approval Scheme
Approval will be given to courses rather than to individual trainers or to an organisation as a whole.
This means that once a course has been approved it can be delivered by multiple trainers. Approval
is granted to courses that meet RJC criteria and lasts for five years.
There are four steps in the Training Approval process:
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submission of application form and supporting documentation
RJC desk-based review of application and materials
RJC assessor on-site observation of training delivery
RJC evaluation and decision
Training providers receive a certificate and will be able to use the RJC Approved Training quality
mark (see below) on materials and marketing literature. Approved courses will be listed on the RJC
website.
Significant changes to a training course will result in the requirement to reapply for approval.
Trainers delivering RJC Approved Training courses do not have to be accredited practitioners but
the training provider does need to be registered on the RJC Trainers Register. This requires training
providers to adhere to the RJC Code of Practice for Trainers and Training Organisations of
Restorative Practice (2011), which is available on the RJC’s website.
What is the cost?
It is intended that 15 applications will be assessed free of charge as part of the pilot. Once the pilot
has been completed an assessment of running costs will be made in order to set a non-prohibitive
fee for future training providers.
How are courses assessed?
Providers complete an application form and submit this, together with course materials and other
relevant documents, to the RJC. These documents will be assessed against criteria which include
design and development, delivery, quality of teaching and learning, quality assurance and equality
and diversity. Initial assessment is via an RJC desk-based review of the application, followed by onsite observation of training delivery. All criteria must be met and evidenced to gain approval.
RJC Training Approval Scheme
The desk-based review of applications will be conducted by assessment trained RJC staff. Training
observation will be carried out by an experienced practitioner and trainer. At application stage
providers will be asked to supply course delivery dates in order that the observation can be
arranged. Training observation assessment forms will be provided to trainers in advance.
The findings from both the desk-based review and training observation will be collated into a report
and a decision on approval will be made. Approval decisions will be verified on a sampling basis by a
qualified RJC verifier. Applicants will receive a written summary of the assessor decision and
confirmation that the course has been approved.
If a course does not meet all of the RJC criteria then the provider will receive an assessment report
and explanation of why they have not met the criteria. The RJC will provide the organisation with a
number of recommendations. Such providers will be permitted a period of three months to
demonstrate that they have made changes based on the RJC’s recommendations and to meet the
criteria. If a training provider is not satisfied with the decision they will be able to appeal.
It is not intended that these criteria either hamper innovative training or push trainers into
delivering standardised course content. Therefore specific course content is not set out in this
scheme. The Training Approval Scheme accommodates a diversity of training methods and styles.
The RJC will treat all the information shared by training providers in the strictest of confidence and
are aware that this information may be commercially sensitive. Information provided will only be
used to assess applications internally and will not be shared with other trainers.
How long will it take?
It is expected that Training Approval will take approximately three months from the date of
application. Much depends on the availability of courses that can be observed and the quality of
the application. Unsuccessful training providers will have a period of three months from receiving
the assessor report to resubmit their course for approval. If training providers re-apply outside of
this time period, the pilot may not apply and a fee may be applicable.
RJC Training Approval Scheme
Criteria
Providers must demonstrate that their course meets the RJC criteria below. An explanation and
further information about the criteria can be found in the criteria table on pages 9 to 12.
1.
Design and development
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
2.
Delivery
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
3.
Quality of teaching, learning and assessment is monitored
Trainers who deliver the course maintain and develop their knowledge and skills
Quality assurance
4.1
4.2
5.
Delivery is by staff with appropriate skills and experience
The course has clearly defined aims and objectives
The course is delivered in ways that meet the needs of different learners
Assessment methods are robust and provide opportunities for feedback to learners
Resources are sufficient and of a high standard
Quality of teaching and learning – assessment and support
3.1
3.2
4.
The course clearly meets learner needs
The course meets practitioner level requirements
The course includes relevant aspects of the RJC Practitioner Competency Framework
The course content is clearly laid out and incorporates key areas of learning for
restorative practice
The course content and structure is subject to ongoing, thorough evaluation
Clear processes and systems are in place to support continuous improvement
Equality and diversity
5.1
5.2
Equality and diversity is respected
Equal access to training is promoted.
RJC Training Approval Scheme
Criteria for Training Approval
1. Design and
development
Area
Criteria
Criteria explanation
1.1 The course clearly
meets learner needs
Research has been undertaken as part of the development process to define learner needs to be
addressed by the training course or identify gaps in current provision.
1.2 The course meets
practitioner level
requirements
The relevant practitioner level requirements as set out in RJC standards and guidance were identified at
the start of the design and development process and are referred to throughout to ensure consistency in
achieving them.
1.3 The course includes
relevant aspects of the
RJC Practitioner
Competency Framework
The course content covers the skills, knowledge and behaviours for the relevant practitioner level of
entry, intermediate or senior practitioner as listed in the Competency Framework. See the Competency
Framework on the RJC website.
1.4 The course content is
clearly laid out and
incorporates key areas of
learning for restorative
practice
The course outline clearly identifies the content that will be covered and the activities that learners will
take part in. Facilitation courses include all key areas of restorative practice.
RJC Training Approval Scheme
Page 9
Area
Criteria
Criteria explanation
2.1 Delivery is by staff with
appropriate skills and experience
The training provider delivering the course being submitted for approval is registered on the
RJC Trainers Register
Trainers delivering the course have training in or experience of training delivery
Trainers delivering the course have ongoing experience as a restorative practitioner
Where a trainer is not a practitioner, the course is delivered with a practitioner who can
respond to learner queries about practice
2. Delivery
Where there are more than 12 learners, the course is delivered by two trainers
The recruitment and selection process for trainers of the course is robust to ensure
appropriate trainers are delivering the learning
2.2 The course has clearly defined
aims and objectives
Learning outcomes are available to learners.
2.3 The course is delivered in ways
that meet the needs of different
learners
There are concise and coherent training session plans with a defined training delivery
approach (most commonly used). Where a training delivery approach is altered by client need
for a stand-alone workshop this does not need to be reviewed.
Learning outcomes support the quality of restorative practice.
Course materials are suitable for and accessible to all participants.
A range of teaching methods are available to meet different learning styles.
2.4 Assessment methods are
robust and provide opportunities
for feedback to learners
Assessment methods are sufficient, reliable and fair.
Time is built into the course for assessment. This includes any aspects of the training course
that reviews or tests the content learnt and the learners’ individual understanding of this.
Assessment methodologies are clearly identified and those responsible for assessment are
experienced in assessing and are properly resourced.
RJC Training Approval Scheme
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2.5 Resources are sufficient and of
a high standard
Resources are suitable for the training.
Assessment resources clearly link to the content of the course.
Where venues are hired or are in permanent use by the organisation they are assessed for
suitability for training.
ICT is used where relevant and available.
3. Quality of teaching
and learning
Area
Criteria
Criteria explanation
3.1 The quality of teaching,
learning and assessment is
monitored
The trainer or trainers who deliver the courses to be approved are subject to periodic peer
assessment.
Trainers are assessed by peers, either co-trainers, colleagues or managers, covering both the
specialist content and overall delivery. It is understood that this may come from different
peers. In the case of organisations with multiple trainers delivering the same course, each will
need to have been peer assessed.
Systems are in place for new trainers to shadow other deliverers before taking a course
themselves.
3.2 Trainers who deliver the course
maintain and develop their
knowledge and skills
RJC Training Approval Scheme
The organisational requirements for professional development are explained to ensure that
all trainers offering the course remain up to date with sector developments and advances in
training delivery.
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4. Quality
assurance
Area
5. Equality and
diversity
Area
Criteria
Criteria explanation
4.1 The course content and
structure is subject to ongoing,
thorough evaluation
The opportunity to evaluate the course is offered to learners. The feedback provided is
analysed with improvements or changes to the course being made as required.
4.2 Clear processes and systems
are in place to support continuous
improvement
Time is set aside for reviewing the course and materials.
Criteria
Criteria explanation
5.1 Equality and diversity is
respected
Provider demonstrates that the organisation is committed to equality and diversity.
5.2 Equal access to training is
promoted
Learners are given clear information about the training and what will be expected of them.
RJC Training Approval Scheme
The course itself is periodically reviewed and evaluated to ensure its relevance.
Feedback from learners and commissioners is reviewed and actioned.
Course materials do not include any bias or stereotypes and do not discriminate.
Trainers provide additional support if required by a learner in order for them to attend and
complete the course, including flexibility in timings.
Materials are provided in alternative formats, on reasonable request.
Training venues meet learner needs in terms of access.
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Providing the evidence
It is not intended that there should be an unnecessary burden on training providers to provide
excessive evidence in support of applications and so the Training Approval Scheme requires only
relevant documentation to be submitted in support of applications. The criteria tables, beginning
on page 9, provide further explanation about the assessment criteria.
Most of the criteria can be evidenced by a clear statement or reflective account of what the
organisation does or has in place. However for some criteria these statements must be supported
by other evidence. In the Training Approval Scheme application form, there are suggestions on the
type of evidence that is likely to be appropriate. The application form will be sent to those
organisations selected to take part in the pilot.
Examples of such evidence include:
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session plans (may be used to evidence criteria 1.1, 1.4, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4)
course outlines (may be used to evidence criteria 1.4, 2.2)
trainer biographies (may be used to evidence criteria 2.1)
learner handout/s (may be used to evidence criteria 2.5)
learner feedback forms from one course only (may be used to evidence criteria 4.1, 4.2)
equality and diversity policy (may be used to evidence criteria 5.1)
These are examples that may be used to evidence the criteria and are not mandatory or exhaustive.
Other evidence that shows how training providers meet the criteria may be submitted. It is not
necessary to provide different evidence for each criteria as the same evidence may be used to meet
several criteria. On the application form, the applicant must confirm the documentation they will
be providing for each criterion. The assessor may ask a training provider for further evidence if
required.
Maintaining the Training Approval
Training Approval lasts for a period of five years unless significant changes have been made to the
course. Approved training courses will be able to display the Training Approval Scheme logo on the
relevant course materials and advertising. Every five years, courses will need to be re-submitted for
Training Approval to ensure that the course content continues to meet the RJC criteria. Renewal
after five years is likely to be at a discounted rate unless there have been significant changes to the
course.
Training providers that have been awarded Training Approval are expected to maintain and, where
possible, improve the quality of the training endorsed by the Training Approval Scheme.
RJC Training Approval Scheme
Page 13
Throughout the period of approval, providers must satisfy the RJC that they continue to meet the
requirements of the Training Approval Scheme. This will be monitored by RJC staff via a yearly
review. Providers may be asked to provide evidence of ongoing successful delivery – for example,
by submitting learner evaluation forms or other materials.
Providers will be expected to inform the RJC of any significant changes to the course, including
changes in delivery staff, content, training delivery, withdrawal or change of approved courses of
learning or systems that may impact on the validity of the Training Approval. Significant changes –
such as having a new group of trainers delivering the course – will necessitate a new course
Training Approval application. Minor changes, for example adapting case studies to your target
audience, are unlikely to constitute significant changes. If you are unsure as to whether or not
changes you have made to a course are significant in the context of the Training Approval Scheme,
please get in touch with the RJC standards team by emailing [email protected] or
calling 020 7831 5700.
Bringing the RJC into disrepute
Providers whose course has been approved through the Training Approval Scheme should not
engage in any activity that may be misleading and/or may cause the RJC and/or the Training
Approval Scheme to be brought into disrepute.
Reviewing and evaluating the Training Approval Scheme
The Training Approval Scheme will be evaluated following a pilot phase and data gathered during
the evaluation exercise will be used to develop and improve it. Evaluation will be undertaken by an
external assessor in order to preserve independence and objectivity. Over time, and after the
Training Approval Scheme has been reviewed, the RJC may expand it to include other courses.
RJC Training Approval Scheme
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Appendix 1 – Process flowchart for Training Approval
Application form is
submitted to the RJC and
initial checks completed
RJC assessor does
desk-based review,
further information or
evidence requested if
required
RJC assessor attends a training
session for observation of
delivery
RJC assessor prepares report
which is reviewed and
signed off by an internal
verifier
RJC assessor report
written and sent to the
submitting organisation
Application approved,
accreditation logo
and certificate sent
Application not
approved and
recommendations given,
three months to resubmit application
RJC assessor considers
re-submission
Application not
approved
RJC Training Approval Scheme
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Appendix 2 – Process flowchart for renewal after five years
Reduced renewal fees
invoiced
Renewal after five years
Trainer observation
visit if there has
been significant
change
Changes
Desk review with focus on
significant changes and
trainer CPD processes
No changes
RJC assessor report
written and sent to the
submitting organisation
Application approved,
accreditation logo and
certificate sent
Approval deferred,
recommendations
given for three month
re-submission
Application not
approved
RJC Training Approval Scheme
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