Are you passionate about helping young people turn their lives around?
Hertfordshire Youth Justice Service is recruiting volunteers to sit on Youth Offender Panels (Referral Panels). We're keen to recruit people who can represent the diverse ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds of the young people referred to the panels. Panel members have a key part to play in helping reduce the likelihood of a young person committing further offences; and in ensuring that the needs of the victim are fully taken into account.
To express an interest and to request an application pack, please email your contact details to:
What will I be doing?
- You'll be sitting on a Youth Offender Panel for young offenders who are sentenced to a Referral Order by the Courts. The panel is made up of a member of the Youth Justice Service, and 2 volunteers.
- Together with the youth offender and their family, the panel will consider the harm caused by the offending behaviour, and you'll agree how the young person can make amends to the victim and the community.
- You'll agree a contract that ensures this and which aims to prevent further offending. Victims are also given the chance to take part and/or to give their views.
What skills or experience do I need?
- Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and a resident of Hertfordshire
- Be able to listen and communicate effectively
- Be able to work in a non-judgmental manner
- You should have an awareness of the issues affecting young people and victims of crime
- An ability to work with other panel members.
What we’re looking for
Who can Demonstrate:
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personal integrity, discretion and a firm commitment to confidentiality;
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understanding and good judgement, a level-headed approach to children and crime;
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an ability and strong commitment to work without prejudice towards people of different ages, ethnic, cultural and social backgrounds;
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an ability to relate to, and work with, others as a member of the panel team;
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a willingness to listen to advice and to the views of others;
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maturity, patience and the ability to remain calm
Who have:
- a willingness to undertake all the required initial training, further training and ongoing assessment and appraisal;
- a commitment to serve as a panel member as required each year and to undertake the relevant preparatory work in each case;
- a commitment to serve for two years, following completion of the initial training;
- a commitment to restorative values and principles and a willingness to learn and use restorative skills in order to ensure that panels clearly follow the restorative process, empower everyone involved in panels to have a voice and take an active part in restoration and rehabilitation.
How much time do I need to give?
You'll need to be available for a few hours each month and commit to the role for at least 2 years following completion of the initial training.
Most panels take place during the day and early evening, before 6.30pm.
Where will I be located?
Panel meetings take place at various venues in the community. You can sign up for one or more areas which you are interested in covering.
What will I gain from the role?
This is a really worthwhile role in which you can make a difference to the lives of young offenders, victims, and the community.
What support will I be given?
Full training and ongoing support is provided.
To fulfil the role, you'll need to attend all training dates:
- Thursday evenings on 7, 14 and 21 March
- Saturday daytime 9 and 16 March
Training is held at:
Beales Hotel
Comet Way
Hatfield
AL10 9NG
Will I receive expenses?
This is voluntary work but you will be reimbursed for any travel expenses incurred.
Hertfordshire County Council employees can take up to 22 hours paid leave per year to attend Referral Order Panels, subject to line manager approval.
How do I find out more?
If you would like to discuss, please contact Sally Martin on 01442 388755.