The purpose of data in restorative justice: a socio-ecological systems lens

The institutionalisation of restorative justice and integration of these practices within government policy and criminal justice systems is an international debate. This work contributes to the literature by using a socio-ecological system lens to examine practitioner perspectives from semi-structured interviews about the use of data for recording, monitoring, and evaluation of restorative justice services in the UK. Findings highlight the influence of various stakeholder groups, organisational cultures, and competing value systems on data collection which are shaped by institutionalisation. Practitioners collect data to accurately represent initial engagement and case progress, demonstrating professional accountability and contributing to service development while showing value to their commissioners. Although service and practitioner success raises restorative justice awareness at a sector level, awareness and success are limited by government-imposed metrics and managerialist approaches that demonstrate ambivalence towards restorative justice data. The study concludes that addressing structural barriers to data access and citizen engagement is essential for expanding the evidence base and promoting a nuanced, whole-system approach to embedding restorative justice in society. This requires evidencing restorative justice through standardised and expanded approaches that include quantitative and qualitative measures, and further developing an institutionally subversive and empowered sector to enhance awareness of restorative justice.