Organisation

Role and Opportunity Details (To apply for this role you must be 21+)

Volunteers to join Referral Order Panels across Wigan borough.

Could you help a young person make a positive change while giving your community a voice?

REACH Youth Justice is looking for volunteers to join our Referral Order Panels across Wigan borough.  A referral order gives a child the opportunity to take responsibility for what has happened and work towards putting things right.

As a panel member, you will listen to the child, consider the impact on the people harmed, and help agree a realistic plan for making amends and moving forward.

This is a meaningful role with real responsibility.  You will bring an independent community perspective to the panel, alongside other volunteers and youth justice staff.  Our approach is restorative: we want children to understand the harm caused, take responsibility and have the support they need to make different choices.

Specific Skills Required

You do not need to be a youth justice expert. We are looking for people who can listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions and treat others with respect. You should be reliable, approachable, organised and able to work with people whose experiences and views may differ from your own. An interest in children and young people, restorative practice or youth justice would be helpful.

We will provide training, including three days of restorative approaches and panel training, safeguarding, and understanding harmful sexual behaviour.

Applicants need a driving licence.

Appointment is subject to an informal interview and an enhanced DBS check.

If you use your car for the role, you will need to provide evidence of business use insurance and a valid MOT.

Benefits of Volunteering with this organisation

• Volunteering with REACH gives you the chance to make a tangible difference to children, people who have been harmed and the wider community.
• You will develop valuable skills in listening, communication and restorative practice, while gaining experience of how youth justice works.
• You will be part of a supportive service that works with children and victims to reduce harm and help children move forward.
• We provide training, group supervision and reimbursement of expenses.
• You will also have access to training accredited by the Restorative Justice Council

Level of commitment required 

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunity

Date(s) / Time(s) Required

Panels take place primarily on Thursday evenings, from 5 pm to 7 pm.

Some daytime panels are also held, offering opportunities for volunteers who are available during the day.

Volunteer Opportunity Number 

VO10610 (please make a note of this ‘VO’ number if applying for this role).