UHI Millennium Institute      “Restorative Practice” Research Group Development Plan

The following development plan is a draft document that the core research group has provisionally adopted prior to consultation with members and wider stakeholders. It promotes an integrated strategy that aims to cultivate appropriate Restorative Practice research and related activity based on existing expertise and networks, ongoing research activity, national and international links, support for practitioners, post graduate course based development and ultimately to the recruitment and management of Doctorate and Post doctorate students. In these respects the Research Group have been informed by current UHI operational and strategic targets in general and the “Research” and “Staff Scholarship and Research Policies”. Fundamentally the RP research group will be informed by a commitment to partnership with public agencies, colleges, practitioners and commerce. Lastly please note that these objectives all inter-relate and as such should be seen as a strategic plan rather than a priority list.

Area of developmental activity        

Objective

Schedule

Responsibility

Outcome

 

 

 

 

 

1.0   Establish Research group

 

 

 

 

1.1

Recruit interested participants

By Summer 2006

JC/SM

 

1.2

Seek seed funding for initial activity

By Sept 2006

RPRG+ Dean

 

1.3

Agree named UHI contact person

Now

RPRG

Jon Clarke

2.0  Promote and support research activity in RP

 

 

 

 

2.1

Conclude current research project and explore options for continuation

By Sept2006

RM/SMcA

 

2.2

To explore possibilities for reviving the mediation discourse analysis with a Norwegian partner.

Ongoing

RM

 

2.3

Seek associate opportunities with Scottish Executive, HIE, Health Boards, academic partners and relevant agencies.

Ongoing

All

 

3.0 Develop related training and post graduate awards in RP

 

 

 

 

3.1

Seek funding to establish a course planning team.

Academic year 2006-7

RPRG + Dean and college partners.

 

3.2

Consider synergy opportunities for PG Cert, PG DIP and MA IN Restorative Practice with existing programmes such as MAPD

Academic year 2006-7

RPRG + Dean and college partners.

 

3.3

Explore opportunities for “Youth Justice Training” programmes to be commissioned through the RPRG

Academic year 2006-7

RPRG

 

4.0 Promote and support publication activity in RP

 

 

 

 

4.1

Build on RM’s record and identify a publication schedule.

Ongoing

RPGP

 

4.2

Provide writing workshop for RPRG members

Academic year 2006-7

RPRG

 

5.0 Develop and encourage International Links

 

 

 

 

5.1

Develop links with Leuven University, Belgium and the European networks of the Cost Action and the European Forum for Restorative Justice

Ongoing

RM

 

5.2

Develop links with Clemson University, USA

Ongoing

JC

 

5.3

Seek wider links through UNICEF

Ongoing

JC

 

5.4

Develop links through the International Conference on Restorative Justice in Cape Town.

Ongoing

RM

 

6.0 Publicise and promote RP through conference and other events

 

 

 

 

6.1

Seek opportunities to work with practice colleagues, ie Restorative Practice Scotland, and contribute to significant key note events.

Academic year 2006-7

RPRG

 

6.2

Attend Cape Town Conference

Sept 2006

RM

 

6.3

Explore wider funding opportunities through Highland year of Culture

Academic year 2006-7

RPRG + Dean

 

7.0 Generate external funding for RP research activity

 

 

 

 

7.1

Explore the possibility for external funding partners through European routes, Scottish Executive, HEB, HIE etc and partner agencies through the AHRC Knowledge Catalyst scheme and other mechanisms.

Academic year 2006-7

RPRG

 

7.2

Explore opportunities to focus on dispute resolution and related activities for research commissions.

Academic year 2006-7

RPRG

 

8.0 Develop links with other Institutions and seek collaborative opportunities

 

 

 

 

8.1

Build on good existing collaborative arrangements with Edinburgh University based on Child Studies Network and Criminal Justice Social Work Development Centre (Links to 5.0 above).

Academic year 2006-7

RPRG

 

8.2

Deepen links with the “post cost action network”

Academic year 2006-7

RPRG

 

8.3

Clarify and strengthen relationship with Restorative Practice Scotland and relevant partner agencies.

Academic year 2006-7

RPRG

 

Key     RPRG              Restorative Practice Research Group

            RM                  Robert Mackay          Research Fellow

            SMcA             Shiona McArthur       Lecturer                     

JC                   Jon Clarke                 Lecturer

 

Nb       Please note that the one of the discussion forums on the Restorative Practice Scotland Website is dedicated to the Restorative Practice Research Group, which can be accessed at:  http://www.restorativepracticescotland.co.uk