Meet the team

Jim Simon, Chief Executive 

Jim joined the RJC as chief executive in April 2019, having been an RJC assessor since 2014. He is an experienced head teacher with 21 years’ service within education. Alongside this he has worked closely with youth offending services and the police force in developing restorative practices within educational and youth settings.

He is an experienced practitioner and trainer within restorative practices and has led the strategic development and implementation of these services within educational and youth settings. His academic studies have focused on education and his Master’s degree, specifically focused on equality and diversity, researching the impact of restorative practices on providing a fair and equitable service to those involved within the process.

Aisa Shearing, Senior Standards Officer

Aisa Shearing is a restorative justice practitioner and case supervisor with over a decade of experience working in complex and sensitive contexts. Her work focuses on practice development, practitioner support, and the oversight of standards and quality assurance.

In her previous role with the Devon and Cornwall Restorative Justice Service, she led complex casework, supported practitioner development, and contributed to service-wide quality improvement, helping to ensure safe and effective outcomes for victims and participants.

Her background includes extensive work with both young people and adults experiencing emotional and behavioural challenges, underpinning her commitment to trauma-informed, relational approaches and effective practice. She has also served as a Referral Order Panel Member with the Youth Justice Service.

Aisa holds an Honours degree in Psychology and an MSc in Business and Management, with research focused on restorative practice and inclusive leadership. She also holds a Level 3 qualification in teaching and assessment.

Across her career, Aisa has developed a strong reputation for reflective practice and a deep understanding of restorative theory and application. She plays a key role in strengthening professional standards, supporting quality assurance, and promoting effective and ethical restorative practice.

Karl Simon, Senior Officer for Financial Governance and Member Relations

Karl joined the RJC back in November 2019 as our Business Admin Support Officer. He has over 30 years experience within customer service, project management, planning and finance roles and worked for over 5 years directly with young people excluded from education.

Whilst Karl does not have a restorative practitioner background, he is passionate about promoting positive change and believes in the power of restorative practice

Leoni Purdy, Specialist Project Officer

Leoni joined the RJC as the specialist project officer: Horizon, in October 2025. She is a trauma-informed, values-led practitioner with a strong background in restorative practice, facilitation and multi-agency collaboration.
Her career spans the criminal justice, restorative justice and rural charity sectors.

Leoni is a trained restorative justice practitioner and has qualifications in Health & social care, leadership and counselling skills. She is also a Mental Health First Aider.

Leoni is passionate about amplifying unheard voices, creating safe spaces for dialogue, and driving sector innovation through restorative approaches.

Emily Pieroux, Specialist Project Officer

Emily has joined the RJC as a Specialist Project Officer, bringing extensive expertise as a trained restorative practitioner with a strong background in organisational development and employee relations. As a Chartered Member of the CIPD, she excels in supporting teams and individuals through periods of transition or harm, fostering environments where everyone feels heard and respected. 

Emily has led training initiatives, managed restorative programmes, and collaborated with diverse groups to drive positive change. Throughout her career, she has championed restorative methodologies to transform workplace culture, reduce formal disputes, and encourage constructive dialogue. Her experience includes leading teams, delivering training, and designing bespoke interventions that empower individuals and groups to address harm and move forward collaboratively, embedding restorative practices within organisations. 

Jodie Gould, Executive Assistant

Jodie joined the RJC in August 2024 as the executive assistant to the chief executive, whilst completing her Criminology BA degree at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge. Her dissertation focuses on the implementation of restorative justice and the impacts of mental health upon offending.

Jodie is not an experienced restorative practitioner but is enthusiastic about advocating practical and constructive change through restorative justice across varied sectors including the criminal justice system and education.