RJC Board of Trustees

Lawrence Kershen QC

Chair

Lawrence works as a commercial mediator, since accreditation by CEDR in 1994. His background is as a barrister and QC and he was also a Recorder of the Crown Court for 12 years. Lawrence mediates in most commercial dispute sectors, as well as with voluntary organisations, police and human rights. He designs and runs skills-based training courses in mediation and negotiation in the UK and worldwide. He is a lead trainer for CEDR and others, and has advised on the development of ADR internationally. He joined the board of the RJC in 2003 and was elected Chair in 2010.

Wendy Freshman

Trustee

Wendy is Director of The Mediation Service, a voluntary mediation service in Kent,  and brings to the Board her experience both as a manager and as a practitioner. Wendy facilitates restorative justice in prisons and the community, including working with the most serious and sensitive cases, post-sentence in custodial settings. Wendy lectures at the University of Kent at Canterbury coupling practical experience with a breadth of academic knowledge and understanding. Wendy joined the RJC Board of Trustees in 2009.

Belinda Hopkins

Trustee

Dr Belinda Hopkins is a leading pioneer of Restorative Justice in schools. Following on from her book ‘Just Schools’ already the eminent work in this field, Belinda has just finished a new book about restorative approaches in residential care ‘Just Care’ (2009). Her next publication ‘Just Change ‘ will incorporate the work of her doctoral thesis on implementing restorative approaches in schools. Belinda is Executive Director of Transforming Conflict, the national centre for restorative justice in youth settings. Belinda joined the Board of Trustees of the RJC in 2009.

Luke Roberts

Trustee

Luke is Anti-Bullying Co-ordinator for Croydon Department of Children, Young People and Learners and Research Associate for the Prison Reform Trust on BME issues. Luke was previously Restorative Approaches Co-ordinator for Lambeth Children and Young People's Service and has delivered training to schools and other youth settings. Luke is a charismatic and inspiring speaker delivering workshops and presentations at numerous national conferences. He joined the Board of Trustees of the RJC in 2009.

Garry Shewan

Trustee

Garry joined Manchester Police in 1987 after studying sociology, and a masters in criminology at University in Manchester. His experience within the police is vast, designing early models for what would become Neighbourhood Policing, building the City Centre Safe program tackling alcohol related violence and was a key commander during the 2002 Commonwealth games. From 2005 – 09 Garry was Assistant Chief Constable with Cheshire police, returning to Manchester in 2009. Garry is the Association of Chief Police Officers Lead on both Restorative and Community Justice and joined the RJC Board of Trustees in 2010.

Jill Little

Trustee

Jill is Strategy Director at John Lewis plc. Jill joined John Lewis as a Section Manager at John Lewis Oxford Street in 1976. She was quickly promoted to Department Manager and then a Central Buyer at John Lewis central offices. In 1993 she became Director of Buying, Men's and Childrenswear and continued to progress becoming Merchandise Director in 2002 before her appointment as Strategy Director in 2010.Jill joined the RJC Board in 2011 and makes an enormous contribution to the RJC, advising on development of communications and marketing.

Joanne Nodding

Trustee

In 2004 Jo was a victim of rape, and four years later, with the offender in custody, Jo asked to meet him. After the meeting Jo felt she had "complete closure" and was able to move on with her life. She got in touch with the RJC because she wants all victims of crime to have access to restorative justice.Jo is one of only a few victims of rape who have participated in restorative justice, and is the first to speak in the media about her experience. Jo brings her experience as a teacher and in social care to the Board, as well as ensuring the voice and perspective of victims is at the heart of Board discussions. Jo joined the Board in September 2011.

Graham Robb

Trustee

Graham Robb was one of the Heads introducing restorative approaches in schools when he was Headteacher of Drayton School,and was appointed to the Youth Justice Board in 2004.As a Head and in the YJB Graham worked with Sir Charles Pollard to champion restorative practice in multi-agency work with young offenders, emphasising the potential of restorative justice as a learning experience for young people, building both emotional intelligence and life skills.Graham worked with Government producing guidance on issues of behaviour and safety - all of which promoted restorative work.He now works with schools, PRUs and colleges on work around safety, criminal justice system and the prevention of violent extremism as joint director of Roho-learning. In the YJB Graham leads for the Board on secure accommodation (custody) for under 18 year olds. Graham brings experience of leadership and strategic planning for restorative practice to the Board, joining us in September 2011.

Steve Clark

Treasurer

Steve has recently joined RJC as Honorary Treasurer and a bio is coming soon.

Geoff Dobson OBE

Trustee

Geoff is deputy director of the Prison Reform Trust and clerk to the All-Party Parliamentary Penal Affairs Group. He is a founding director of the Criminal Justice Alliance. Geoff received his OBE for his services as chair of the Association of Chief Probation Officers, having been chief officer for Hertfordshire for twelve years. Geoff believes that restorative justice should be at the heart of our criminal justice system, for the benefit of victims, offenders and society as a whole.