CEO's March Update: Rewarding Training and Recognition

Is Spring in the air, with a touch of sunshine? I’m sure we had some sun last week and hope we have lots more to come.

Restorative Justice Training 

At the end of February Paula (our COO) and I had the privilege of delivering an intensive Restorative Justice (RJ) training programme at a secure children’s home. It was, without doubt, the most challenging and rewarding training we have ever run.

• Beyond the basics – The focus was not simply on skill acquisition. Together with the staff, we explored strategic development, practice wisdom, and how to influence policy within secure children’s settings.

• Co‑creation in action – The conversations were truly two‑way. While we shared our RJ processes, the team taught us just as much, helping us refine the next generation of restorative practice.

• A spring in our step – The enthusiasm and commitment of the participants have left us inspired and eager to spread RJ more widely.

This time last year Paula and I delivered training in a school for boys with neurodiversity needs; another eye opening and extremely rewarding few days. These experiences reinforce how adaptable and powerful RJ can be when it meets the unique needs of different groups.

 Recognised Impact

I am delighted to share that Probation has recognised the hard work our team has put into the Through the Gate recall reduction project. This work is a cornerstone of Sussex Pathways’ mission to:

• Provide men in the criminal‑justice system with tools for positive life choices,

• Create safer communities, and

• Reduce both recall rates and re‑offending.

  
  

The acknowledgement from Probation underscores the tangible difference we are making on the ground and fuels our determination to keep pushing forward.

Regular Events

Don’t forget the Volunteer Support Network meetings and the RJ monthly catch-up meetings with Paula - our network is incredibly important to us and we want you to have a chance to share your ideas and feedback.

This Month 

We are excited to welcome a new cohort of Social Work students. Their fresh perspectives and energy will enrich our practice, and we look forward to supporting them through their placements and into their future careers.

We're to delighted to be running Kintsugi one‑day workshops for women. Kintsugi, the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold, beautifully symbolizes our belief that healing and growth can emerge from brokenness. These workshops will provide a safe, creative space for women to reflect, reconnect, and rebuild confidence. We are excited to launch this offering and look forward to seeing the outcomes.