Find More Than 10K+
United Kingdom Jobs

Volunteer Community Panel Member

Redbridge Youth Justice and Targeted Prevention Service (YJTPS) is currently recruiting for Community Panel Member (CPM) Volunteers

Are you passionate about helping children and young people get their lives back on track?

Are you interested in using restorative approaches to talk to children and young people, with their parent/carer, about the offence/s they have committed?

IF SO, THIS IS YOUR CHANCE TO GET INVOLVED

Applying to work as a Volunteer Community Panel Member, may be the ideal role for you. You will be working with the Redbridge Youth Justice & Targeted Prevention Service (YJTPS) to reduce the likelihood of children and young people becoming involved in further offending behaviour.

The role of the Youth Justice Service (commonly known as YJS):

Youth Justice Services (YJS) supervise 10-18-year-olds who have been sentenced by a court, or who have come to the attention of the police because of their offending behaviour but have not been charged and instead were dealt with by way of what is known as an ‘Out of Court Disposal’. This means that children and young people are engaged in interventions and activities to divert them away from offending and anti-social behaviour. The YJS also work with children and young people who have not committed a crime but are at risk of doing so.

YJS explained:

Each local authority in England and Wales has its own YJS, made up of police; social services; education; health; probation, among others. The legislation underpinning this, dates to the 1998 Crime and Disorder Act with the intention of reducing the risks that lead children and young people to commit offences and reoffend. This is done by providing advice, support, and opportunities to rehabilitate and reintegrate into their communities, including undertaking assessments and providing a variety of tailored interventions and activities.

YJS in England and Wales work to what are known as National Standards. These standards, which are set by the Secretary of State for Justice on the advice of the Youth Justice Board (YJB), provide a framework under which the youth justice system works. This framework ensures a good outcome for children in the youth justice system.

Redbridge Youth Justice & Targeted Prevention Service (YJTPS)

Redbridge YJTPS is in Station Road, Barkingside, Ilford.

As a Service we work to:

• the framework provided by the YJB;
• ensure best quality practice;
• provide innovative practice to improve outcomes for children in Redbridge who commit crimes;
• ensure that every child lives a safe and crime-free life, and makes a positive contribution to society;
• align with the child first, offender second principle and ensure the voice of the child is heard

As a Redbridge Volunteer Community Member (CPM), what will I be doing?

• You will take part in a meeting, called a Restorative Panel Meeting, with children, together with their parent/carer, who have been sentenced to a Referral Order by a Youth Court. The panel is made up of two trained volunteers and a member of the Redbridge YJTPS. On occasions the person harmed, or a representative, may be present.
• Together with the child and their parent/carer and, using restorative approaches, the Panel Members will consider the harm caused by the offending behaviour
• You will agree with the child how to make amends to the person harmed and/or the community by co-producing a contract agreed by the child and their parent/carer.
• You will agree a contract that explores how this will be done and which aims to prevent further offending. The person harmed or representative (if present) will also be given an opportunity to take part and give their views.

What skills or experience do I need?

• Volunteer CPMs must be at least 18 years old and a resident in Redbridge (or on the periphery)
• Can listen and communicate effectively
• Have a non-judgemental approach
• Have an awareness of the issues affecting children and young people and those harmed by crime

What are we looking for?

Volunteer CPMs who can demonstrate:

• motivation to promote a process with children and parents/carers to prevent further offending;
• integrity, discretion, and a firm commitment to confidentiality;
• good judgement and a level-headed approach to children and crime;
• an ability and strong commitment to work without prejudice towards people of different ages, ethnic, cultural, and social backgrounds;
• a willingness to listen to advice and to the views of others;
• maturity, patience, and the ability to remain calm
• a commitment to make a difference to children/young people and their families

Volunteer CPMs who can:

• attend face to face panel meetings at the YJS (or other venues as necessary)
• be available for panel meetings (twice per fortnight)
• be available for afternoon and early evening meetings (up to 6 pm) lasting up to 1 hour approximately

Volunteer CPMS who have:

• a willingness to undertake all the required initial training, further training and ongoing assessment and appraisal;
• a commitment to serve as a panel member in accordance with the
  Redbridge YJTPS volunteer policy and to undertake the relevant preparatory work in each case;
• a commitment to serve for at least 12 months, following the completion of the initial training;
• a commitment to restorative values and principles;
• a willingness to learn and use restorative skills to ensure that panels clearly follow the restorative process;
• compassion and empathy to empower those taking part to have a voice and take an active role in restoration and rehabilitation.

As a Volunteer CPM, how much time do I need to give:

• You will need to be available for a few hours each month and commit to the role for a least 12 months following completion of the initial training;
• You will be expected to attend regular supervision, which usually takes place on a three-monthly basis;
• You will need to attend regular workshops as part of your ongoing learning.

Where will I be located?

• Unless otherwise stated, panels normally take place at Station Road, Barkingside, IG6 1NB. (however, knowledge of use of Microsoft Teams would be useful).

What will I gain from the role?

• You will be gaining in skills in restorative justice;
• You will be making a difference to the lives of children and those harmed by the offending behaviour;
• You will be presented with a certificate and an opportunity to register with the Restorative Justice Council, where there will be further opportunities to work towards accreditation in Restorative Justice.

What support will I be given?

• Full training;
• Group supervision (one-to-one supervision is on offer);
• Workshops and updates on any changes;
• Ongoing support is provided with a named single point of contact.

To fulfil the role, you will need to attend all training dates, shadowing, and observations

• Training dates are yet to be confirmed – lunch and refreshments will be provided where the training is face to face.

Training is held at:

Redbridge YJTPS, Station Road, Barkingside, IG6 1NB. Some of the training will be held online using Microsoft Teams

Will I receive expenses?

• This is a voluntary role. However, you will be reimbursed for any travel expenses you have incurred.

It is a requirement that ALL VOLUNTEERS:

• undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to starting the training
• commit to attending ALL the training, REGULAR SUPERVISION, PLUS follow-on TRAINING and WORKSHOPS
• commit to the Service for ONE YEAR, following completion of the training.

How do I find out more and Apply?

• This is a rewarding opportunity and if you would like to discuss this further please call 020 8708 7800 or if you are interested in applying for such a role please email [email protected] for an application.

Ambitious for Redbridge