ADVERTORIAL


OUT OF COURT RESOLUTIONS


us on this journey. Poorly designed, OoCRs risk undermining both victim engagement and public confidence. But when structured with clear governance, genuine victim consultation, and a rehabilitative focus, they can deliver justice that is faster, more meaningful, and ultimately more effective in reducing reoffending. Such


I had the privilege of attending the NPCC Out of Court Resolutions Conference, and I must commend the commentators and researchers for their contributions. Seeking systemic change in any field is no small task, and in the criminal justice system it is particularly complex. Two powerful pieces of research from Transform Justice and User Voice were especially significant. Together with the Independent Review of Criminal Courts, they present a timely opportunity to establish a framework for delivering high- quality diversions in appropriate cases. Out-of-court resolutions (OoCRs) have long occupied an uneasy space in criminal justice discourse. They are often described as pragmatic, proportionate, and efficient, yet just as often criticised as a “soft option” that dilutes accountability and leaves victims dissatisfied. This tension was a recurring theme at the conference, where commentators and delegates rightly stressed the need to take the public with


outcomes benefit not only victims and those entering the justice system but also reduce demand across frontline services. The Ministry of Justice’s Independent Review has been clear: diversion must be high quality and evidence-based, not simply a mechanism to relieve pressure on the courts. This was echoed at the NPCC conference, where OoCRs were framed not as administrative shortcuts but as opportunities to embed restorative and rehabilitative practice. Transform Justice’s Victims Report 2025 reinforces this point, showing that victims are not opposed to diversionary outcomes but that their confidence depends on quality, transparency, and reliability.


VICTIM PRIORITIES AND PROCEDURAL JUSTICE Evidence from Transform Justice highlights the priorities that victims consistently identify:


• Future safety and assurance that


OUT-OF-COURT RESOLUTIONS Working Towards Smarter Justice


OoCRs focus on real change combining accountability with rehabilitation. The Diversion Manager platform eases the burden on frontline officers with end-to-end automation of diversion programmes and helps offenders rebuild responsibly through evidence-based interventions. They’re not a soft option—they’re a smarter one that restores balance for communities and officers alike. Learn more at DiversionManager.co.uk.


By Andy Bartlett, AdventFS LTD


• Timeliness and resolution, avoiding prolonged uncertainty.


offending will not be repeated.


• Recognition of harm and confidence that the matter is taken seriously.


Victims also value restitution and the opportunity to be heard. These findings align with procedural justice research, which shows that perceptions of fairness are shaped not only by outcomes but by the quality of engagement during the process. When victims are excluded from consultation, given little information, or left without closure, trust in the system diminishes; even where outcomes appear appropriate.


Restitution as a cornerstone of legitimacy


Restitution has emerged as a central theme in recent research. Properly enforced, it provides tangible accountability through compensation, repair, or apology. But its legitimacy rests on consistency and enforceability. Reports of restitution agreements not being implemented undermine victim confidence and wider perceptions of justice. A credible framework requires:


• Consultation with victims on the form of restitution.


• Mandatory and enforceable restitution within OoCR conditions.


• Monitoring mechanisms to ensure completion and feedback.


When reliably delivered, restitution strengthens both the reparative and


DiversionManager.co.uk 50 | POLICE | OCTOBER | 2025


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