Training and Projects Officer

About the Mint House

Our aim at the Mint House is that restorative justice and practice become embedded within organisations and communities, being seen as a natural part of 'how we do things' across a range of settings.  We work towards this through events and communications designed to introduce restorative justice and practice to new audiences and share learning on effective practice, by providing training and support, through network building, thought leadership and practical projects. Among examples:

• helped by the appointment of a part-time communications officer in 2021 we now have a 500+ strong network of event participants and supporters from across sectors and extending round the globe (though with a sizeable Oxfordshire contingent).
• since 2021 we have trained over 200 managers and staff from Oxfordshire County Council's children's workforce (social workers, family support workers etc) in restorative practice, backing up training with reflective practice sessions and practical resources.  More recently, we have been providing similar training and support for colleagues in forensic mental health settings. We are an accredited training provider with the Restorative Justice Council.
• many of our events have a network-building dimension. We also specifically facilitate a network of UK-based colleagues working to create restorative communities and cities, and a network of communications specialists working in our field.
• with support from the Westhill Endowment, we recently hosted two sets of research and practice dialogues, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together to explore what’s involved in embedding restorative practice in organisations and communities.
• we are currently working with partners from across Oxford to pilot use of restorative approaches to reduce evictions of former rough sleepers from supported accommodation.

Training & Projects Officer role

Context

In 2023 we drew up a new strategy and business plan. This exercise underlined that the transformational change we want to see depends on us collaborating with many different organisations and communities, exploring with them what it means to be restorative in their context then working with them to make and learn from the changes needed.

Through our work so far we have encountered many potential collaboration partners.  Working alongside our part-time Communications and Events Officer your role as Training and Projects Officer will be to help us implement existing partnership projects and develop new ones. We have funding available to support this post for 12 months initially but aim to make the role sustainable as new projects come onstream.

We expect the role to be home based, but with a need to visit clients/project partners and attend meetings/events in Oxford or the surrounding area on a regular basis.  Wider travel to partner events/meetings may also be required from time to time.

Purpose

Support the delivery and further development of ‘on the ground' initiatives demonstrating the difference restorative justice and practice can make to building healthy relationships and promoting peace and reconciliation. As part of this, orchestrate delivery of training and support contracts.

Key responsibilities

a.        Manage implementation of existing ‘on the ground’ projects, notably including our Matilda House trailblazer housing project.

b.        Co-ordinate delivery of training and support, liaising with clients to understand delivery requirements and with in-house and associate trainers to confirm their availability.

c.         Support the team of associate trainers, ensuring they are well prepared and supported, with access to continuing development and opportunities for reflective practice.

d.        Ensure the quality of training, including ensuring the continuing development of materials and that training is tailored to the delivery setting. 

e.        Work with trustees to shape and introduce new projects, including liaising with partners, drawing up project plans and budgets and laying the groundwork for new projects as they come onstream.  As part of this, and as time allows, input into funding applications

f.           Monitor project and training delivery and spend, capturing learning and reporting as required to trustees and external funders.

g.        Work closely with the Communications and Events Officer, supporting completion of key tasks as required.

h.        Other duties as assigned by trustees.

Please see the job specification for further details including person specification and how to apply.