BA Criminology student Charlie Whale takes us through the career benefits of the RJC module
How did you become involved in the Restorative Justice Clinic (RJC)?
I learnt about the Restorative Justice Clinic summer school in a seminar. It not only would help me get ahead for my third year (by rewarding me with fifteen credits in advanced) but also help me strengthen my knowledge surrounding Restorative Justice, and the ways which it can be implemented in society.
What are you most looking to get out of taking the RJC module?
I have always been interested in learning the benefits of restorative justice, and learning whether it is the most efficient in terms of helping victims of crime, by taking the module I would like to gain a wider understanding in learning how victims are neglected by the criminal justice system and discover how fundamental Restorative Justice can be. I am also interested in learning how to adapt methods of Restorative Justice in everyday life, and how to help empower those who fall victim to crime.
What other benefits are there of being involved?
I also have a much better understanding of how effective restorative justice can be, as it’s still a developing technique. It’s interesting to learn how I could perhaps have influence on how techniques are established and help make Restorative Justice a fundamental process. The clinic has enabled me with the opportunity to help those who may wish to go through the process of restorative justice, as well as enable me to teach others with the skills I have adapted within this course. It looks very interesting for my portfolio!
How will the module help in your career aspirations?
I would like to go into a career as a Restorative Justice facilitator, I believe it is crucial to empower those neglected, not only by perpetrators, but by the criminal justice system itself. This experience allowed me to put into practice key techniques I can apply within my career aspirations of moderating and facilitating the needs of victims, as well as providing them with opportunity to emphasise harms they have had to go through. Not every criminal has malicious intent, techniques I have learnt from this experience has taught me this and additionally will help me give ‘criminals’ the opportunity to explain why a crime has taken place. I can use fundamental skills I have learnt in this clinic to help both parties come to terms with incidents that have taken place, allowing them to have closure.
Any advice for students?
Do it! You honestly will not regret it, it flew by!
I have made some wonderful friends and learnt so much from this experience, key techniques, and skills I can adapt within my career, but also everyday life, to resolve conflict. The roleplays are also very fun and insightful! I have received great feedback that I can apply to become the best facilitator, I can. And you get ahead of the game for next year being rewarded with fifteen credits if you pass, why wouldn’t you!