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RJC accreditation - our journey

RJC accreditation – our journey

As we are nearing the start of this year’s restorative skills course, thoughts turn back to our accreditation journey, which started in 2023. Having our training evaluated and accredited is important to us. Accreditation allows us to review our materials and processes through the lens of a third party, updating and refining through the evaluation process. Accreditation is an opportunity to step back from the everyday work and ask ourselves – “is this training still fit for purpose?” Having an accredited course is also useful for how other organisations view us; it is to a greater or lesser extent a kitemark of quality. These are just a few reasons why we at the Scottish Community Mediation Centre, value accreditation.
 
Back in 2023 we had a valued working relationship with a Scottish university who credit-rated both our Restorative Skills and Mediation Skills courses within the Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework (SCQF). Unfortunately for us, they took the decision to cease their offering of credit-rating to external training providers. After a shortlisting exercise, in late 2023 we approached the Restorative Justice Council (RJC) and met with them to explore the accreditation process. Having gained an understanding of the process, timeline and cost, we obtained Sacro management approval for applying for accreditation, and the work began.

Several months later, we were awarded Approved Course status for our Six-day Restorative Skills (does course need a capital C?) course (foundation level). The accreditation process itself was thorough, reflective and helpful. Having delivered this training since 2017, with a conversion to online delivery in 2020, it proved to be a positive experience, allowing us to demonstrate to ourselves as well as RJC how we met training standards and upheld some of the principles of restorative justice within the training itself. 

Providing a safe space for learners to practice, make mistakes and ask questions is an important part of what we do. We treat everyone with respect, not simply understanding that people come from all walks of life and backgrounds, but appreciating how the very diversity of learners’ experiences is a strength in itself. Through discussions and role plays, these experiences are used to reinforce positive learning. Our role as trainers is to help people grow and develop, based on a fundamental belief in people’s capacity for positive change. It is these principles and values that were reaffirmed through our accreditation journey.
 
So, as we close bookings for our current training course, we give thanks to Aisa, Jim and their colleagues for supporting and encouraging us on that journey.