Research

“Clair's knowledge of Restorative Justice and the nuances of it as practice enabled her to bring design research into this new space in a ground-breaking way. This is work that needs to be seen and heard about”

- Dr. Steve Kirkwood, The University of Edinburgh and Prof. Jon Rogers, Northumbria University

Doctoral Thesis

Drawing a Line; The meaning of making, gifting and solidarity in restorative justice processes.

Aldington, C. (2021).  Drawing a Line; The meaning of making, gifting and solidarity in restorative justice processes. [PhD Thesis, Northumbria University, UK]. Read thesis on Northumbria University Research link here.

Supervised by Professor Jayne Wallace, Professor Justin Marshall and Ms. Charlotte Bilby.

This practice-based research investigates the meaning of making, gifting, and solidarity as they manifest themselves within restorative justice (RJ) processes, and draws on the application of interaction ritual to RJ (Collins, 2004; Pemberton et al, 2017; Rossner, 2013; Strang et al, 2006). The most successful RJ encounters are the most emotional, and those that achieve collective solidarity between participants (Rossner, 2013). The positive emotional energy generated by solidarity may be prolonged beyond the moment of the RJ encounter through the creation of material symbols (Collins, 2004; Rossner, 2013). The particular question this research asks is whether or not a co-created design thing, handmade as part of a RJ process, could become such a material symbol, as there are potential links between long term positive emotional energy and a reduction in offending (Rossner, 2013). There is no other research in any discipline in this area.

Different data collection methods, involving 26 participants, were adopted, including interviews, a workshop, and a longitudinal RJ case study based in a Scottish island community. This employed design thinking and co-creative making processes. The existing practice of the researcher as both a maker as well as a RJ practitioner was also utilized, and this generated a body of handmade work through a thinking through making process (Gray and Malins, 2004; Marshall and Wallace, 2017; Nimkulrat, 2012; Pajaczkowska, 2016).

Making, gifting, and solidarity within RJ processes are found to share common characteristics, and the acts of making and gifting to be innately about the formation of solidarities. The gifted co-created design thing is further found to become a material symbol of solidarity by people harmed (victims) and by people responsible (offenders) in this study, and to offer a tangibility to the RJ process. This fulfils a lack of symbols in RJ, with potential significance for desistance and recovery (Maruna, 2001; Rossner, 2013). Gifting within RJ is, however, accompanied by obligations - that the recipient uses the gift, and the gifter (if a person responsible) transitions from offending. As an application of this research to RJ and design practice, the concept of Restorative T/thinging is proposed. This utilizes design thinking and co-creative making processes which are described as a step beyond, ‘design for RJ’ (Gamman and Thorpe, 2016), to design as RJ. As such, the author argues for the importance of designing for solidarity as a move beyond designing for empathy within RJ.

Peer reviewed papers 

A language of convergence: The co-created handmade thing as a "conversation starter" within restorative justice processes

Aldington, C. (2022). A language of convergence: The co-created handmade thing as a “conversation starter” within restorative justice processes. In The International Journal of Restorative Justice 5 (3), pp. 338-368. Read the full text here.

Literacy and language challenges amongst offending populations are well-documented and yet restorative justice processes rely heavily on oral and literacy competencies. Through a qualitative practice-based study, the co-creative making and gifting of a handmade thing as part of a restorative justice process is found to enable the formation of a ‘physical’ and ‘non-offending language’ within the person responsible (offender). In this way, a handmade thing is viewed as a ‘conversation starter’, and as helping to form connections, so-called solidarities, across the space between participants in restorative justice encounters. Through phenomenological and thematic analyses of the data, co-creative making and gifting are shown to be innately about the formation of solidarities between people. It is proposed that they contribute towards a language of convergence in which non-verbal components are primary, with verbal elements emerging secondarily. This language draws on the author’s own definition of solidarity in restorative justice research and practice as a place of convergence, meaning to bend or turn towards the other.

Potentials of HCI for prisons and incarcerated individuals

Verbaan, S., Aldington, C., McNaney, R., and Wallace, J. (2018). Potentials of HCI for prisons and incarcerated individuals. In CHI EA '18: Extended abstracts of the 2018 CHI conference on human factors in computing systems, Paper No. SIG17.

The contexts of prison and incarceration are under-explored from a HCI and Design perspective and information about actual everyday life in prison is scarcely available. Whilst some prisons have begun incorporating technology into prison life, this is still in its infancy in terms of prisoner access. This Special Interest Group will provide HCI researchers, Design researchers and practitioners an opportunity to discuss the potentials and challenges in the prison context. Through participatory exercises we will discuss the particular issues surrounding HCI and Design in prison contexts and for incarcerated individuals. Participants will have opportunities to stay connected after the SIG and to develop collaborations for future research.

Peer reviewed book chapters

Keeper of the winds; An exploration of the space between the harmed and the harmer in restorative justice encounters

Aldington, C. (2023). Keeper of the winds; An exploration of the space between the harmed and the harmer in restorative justice encounters. In G. Varona Martínez (Ed.), Victimología y Violencia: Connectar con las víctimas/ Victimology and Violence: Connecting with victims. Aranzadi, pp. 65-92. Read chapter here (with permission from Editor/ Publisher).

This paper is an exploration with the reader of the space between the harmed and the harmer in the aftermath of crime. It is this space, marked by trauma, that becomes the business of the restorative justice encounter. Different facets of this space between are examined through the visual metaphor of the labyrinth as a keeper of the winds. As such, this paper is also an implicit interrogation of the visual form as an investigative tool for practitioners and researchers. Shared characteristics between the labyrinth and the restorative justice encounter are identified, apart from one - the visual and kinetic - this is demonstrated as missing from many of our western restorative justice practices. This is contrary to the well-documented understanding of visual imagery and movement as important tools for the articulation of trauma. Additionally, that verbal language struggles to properly capture trauma and, further, that trauma can limit a harmed person’s ability to learn languages, create a forgetting of language or even cause a retreat into silence. It is highlighted that these understandings are at variance with many current western practices of restorative justice that centre on participants possessing significant oral language competencies as the primary tools with which to express their victimization, trauma and remorse. In response, it is proposed that the use of more visual and kinetic elements within western restorative justice practices would enhance their transformative potential, alongside making such services more inclusive, culturally relevant and appropriate to many more of our communities. Evidence is drawn from the author’s own practice as an artist and designer as well as a restorative justice facilitator, and her recently completed PhD in design and restorative justice.

Out-casted/ re-casted: Towards a lexicon for restorative art-making and co-creation

Aldington, C., Wallace, J. & Bilby, C. (2020). Out-casted/ re-casted: Towards a lexicon for restorative art-making and co-creation. In G. Varona Martínez (Ed.),  Arte en prisión; Justicia restaurativa a través de proyectos artísticos y narrativos.  Tirant lo Blanch, pp. 159-203. View on publisher's website here.

This paper proposes a 'Lexicon for restorative artmaking and co-creation' on the basis of four rationales which are summarised as: language, words, place and making. Specifically, that there is a confusion of language around restorative justice, the importance of a considered choice of words within restorative justice processes, and the seeming significance of place to our understanding of what it is to be human, to make things and in relationship to offending. An understanding of making is offered as giving form and finding the language for trauma alongside co-creation as a collaborative research and restorative practice tool. Initial evidence for these are provided through the principal author's experience as a creative and a restorative practitioner as well as through a lived experience case study conducted in a small Scottish island community. From this, one of the research participants felt 'out-casted' due to his offence. The potential for a co-created artefact to change the participant's perspective from 'out-casted' to 're-casted'  is discussed. Local dialect words are suggested as part of the proposed lexicon, rooting the restorative process in a particular place with the hope that the lexicon, if utilised, would be added to by different restorative cultures and communities.

Cloaks of encounters/ Capes of the shoormal: Reflections on two creative making sessions as part of a workshop on restorative justice in cases of terrorism

Aldington, C. (2020). Cloaks of Encounters/ Capes of the Shoormal: Reflections on two creative making sessions as part of a workshop on restorative justice in cases of terrorism. In G. Varona Martínez, A., Olalde, & I. Igartua (Eds.),  Caminando restaurativamente; Pasos para diseñar proyectos transformadores alrededor de la justiciar penal.  Dykinson Editorial, pp. 120-133.

This chapter is formed from the experience of, and reflections on, two creative making sessions facilitated by the author as part of a workshop with the international 'Encounter of the Encounters' group in 2019. The workshop involved 24 participants from four different international geographic areas and included people harmed by political violence, people previously responsible for causing it, academics, restorative practitioners and mediators. All participants had prior experience of a restorative encounter, circle or focus group in relation to restorative justice and political violence. The author reflects on the use of the making of capes and cloaks to facilitate difficult conversations and to encourage communication between participants. Additionally, the ability of these co-creative acts to discover 'something in common' between participants and that the recognition of humanity in the other enables an opening for an encounter. The chapter concludes with the making of 24 pieces of handmade paper from the author's shredded notes of the sessions. She bases the design of these on four themes that emerged from the creative making sessions: elastic (life goes on but something is stuck in the moment of the crime), book (a book of our stories), spiral (things can go up as well as down) and sunrays (darkness into light). These will be gifted to each of the 24 participants.

Reports

Practitioner perspectives on diversifying restorative justice practice; Broadening cultural and ethnic representation in leadership and policy development

Twyman-Ghoshal, A., Hobson, J., Aldington, C., Morris, M., & Hare, A. (2022). Practitioner perspectives on diversifying restorative justice practice; Broadening cultural and ethnic representation in leadership and policy development. University of Gloucestershire and Restorative Justice Council. View on University of Gloucestershire website here.

The project was organised around a series of focus-group style learning events that sought to engage restorative practitioners on their perspectives around broadening representation amongst underrepresented cultural and ethnic groups, and to consider opportunities for engaging in leadership and policy making. Participation was solicited through an open invitation, advertised by the Restorative Justice Council, and amplified through different networks and word of mouth. The intention was for those taking part to shape the conversations and the outcomes. The project used a series of online learning events (focus group style), culminating in a blended online/in-person day event held at the University of Gloucestershire in March 2022. The Restorative Justice Council, as a UK sector advocacy group, participated in the final session to help provide support for taking forward some of the suggestions for actions identified by the participants. The material in this report represents a summary of participants’ discussions. The reflections and suggestions for actions are not the recommendations of the authors; they belong to the participants in the project and are a representation of the issues brought forward during the project.

Books

What have I done?: A victim empathy course for young people

Wallis, P., Aldington, C., Liebmann, M. (2009).  What have I done?: A victim empathy course for young people. Jessica Kingsley. View on Amazon here.

Victim awareness and the needs of victims of crime are a major societal concern. What Have I Done? is a photocopiable resource to encourage empathy in young people who commit crimes or hurt others through their actions. It is designed to be used directly with young people who have committed a specific crime or caused harm and distress to others through their actions, and challenges the young person to face the harm they have caused and consider what they can do to help put things right. 

The course is flexible and interactive, and can be used on an individual basis or with small groups, and is suitable for young people with limited literacy. The exercises are challenging, and aim to be engaging through the use of creative arts, film, role-play and discussion. Clear guidance is provided for the course leader, and evaluation is built into the course, including a psychometric test.

Book chapters

The role of the arts and gifting in the restorative process

Aldington, C. (2017). The role of the arts and gifting in the restorative process. In E. Biffi & B. Pali (Eds.), Restorative imagination: Artistic pathways. Ideas and experiences at the intersection between art and restorative justice. European Forum for Restorative Justice, pp. 54-63. View on publisher's website here.

The author outlines her experience as both a creative as well as a restorative practitioner alongside the development of a methodology for using the arts and gifting within her restorative justice practice. A case study is detailed where the gift of a handmade item was given to a store from which a young person had stolen. Whilst the young person chose not to be present at the gifting, the gift acted as a conduit for a restorative dialogue via the author and a colleague as restorative facilitators. The author concludes with four key learning points from this way of working: the unique value of the co-created artwork as a conduit for communication, the importance of using professionally trained artists who are also trained restoratively, the importance of a high quality of finish and presentation for the artwork, and the significance of giving something away.

Selected seminar and conference presentations

Art-making, gifting + solidarity in restorative justice processes

Aldington, C. (2022, July 19). Art-making, gifting + solidarity in restorative justice processes. [Online presentation]. The Mint House lunchtime talks series. The Mint House, Oxford, England (invited speaker).

Reflections on RJ through islands

Aldington, C. (2022, June 22). Reflections on RJ through islands. [Presentation]. In Justice beyond borders: Restorative connections through space and language. 11th International Conference of the European Forum for Restorative Justice, Sassari, Italy.

The making of the restorative justice award

Aldington, C. (2022, June 22). The making of the restorative justice award. [Presentation]. In Justice beyond borders: Restorative connections through space and language. 11th International Conference of the European Forum for Restorative Justice, Sassari, Italy (invited speaker).

A place to go to; The role of material symbols in restorative justice processes with people harmed

Aldington, C. (2022, June 9). A place to go to; The role of material symbols in restorative justice processes with people harmed. [Paper presentation]. In Victimisation in a digital world: Responding to and connecting with victims. 17th International Symposium of the World Society of Victimology, Donostia San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain (invited speaker).

Keeper of the winds; An exploration of the space between the harmed and he harmer in restorative justice encounters

Aldington, C. (2022, June 8). Keeper of the winds; An exploration of the space between the harmed and the harmer in restorative justice encounters. [Plenary session]. In Victimisation in a digital world: Responding to and connecting with victims. 17th International Symposium of the World Society of Victimology, Donostia San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain (invited speaker).

The international Encounter of the Encounters in the context of terrorism and political violence

Aertsen, I., Aldington, C., Dührkop, B., Mazzucato, C., Moreno, R., & Varona Martínez, G. (2022, June 7). The international Encounter of the Encounters in the context of terrorism and political violence. [Panel discussion]. In Victimisation in a digital world: Responding to and connecting with victims. 17th International Symposium of the World Society of Victimology, Donostia San Sebastián, Basque Country, Spain (invited speaker).

(Un)Wrapping solidarity; The potential for making and gifting within restorative justice

Aldington, C. (2020, December 1-5).  (Un)Wrapping solidarity; The potential for making and gifting within restorative justice. [Video presentation and panel discussion]. In REstART Festival; The art of justice, solidarity and repair. European Forum for Restorative Justice (invited speaker). View on the European Forum for Restorative Justice website here.

REstARTISTS’ Common Discussion

Aldington, C., Gilsenan, A., & San Miguel, M. (5 December, 2020).  REstARTISTS’ Common Discussion.   [Panel dsiscussion].  In REstART Festival; The art of justice, solidarity and repair. European Forum for Restorative Justice (invited speaker). View on the European Forum for Restorative Justice website here.

Talk with Gema Varona, Clair Aldington, and Marian Liebmann

Aldington, C., Liebmann, M. & Varona Martínez, G. (1 December, 2020). Talk with Gema Varona, Clair Aldington, and Marian Liebmann. [Panel dsiscussion]. In REstART Festival; The Art of justice, solidarity and repair. European Forum for Restorative Justice (invited speaker). View on the European Forum for Restorative Justice website here.

Nourishing the restorative imagination

Varona Martínez, G., Pali, B., Morrison, B., & Aldington, C., (2020, November 17). Nourishing the restorative imagination - amplifying the social echo of restorative justice through the arts. [Panel discussion]. In National Restorative Justice Symposium, Canada (invited speaker).

The language and art of convergence

Aldington, C. (2020, August 22-31).  The language and art of convergence. [Video presentation]. In Vision, voices, values. RJ World conference. European Forum for Restorative Justice (invited speaker). View video on my Home page.

Out-cast/ Re-cast; Making, gifting and restorative justice in an island community

Aldington, C. (2019, November 4). Out-cast / Re-cast; Making, gifting and restorative justice in an island community. [Presentation]. In Intersections of arts and restorative justice; First seminar of the Scottish Network of Restorative Justice Researchers, Glasgow University (invited speaker).

Out-cast/ Re-cast; The potential for the gifted co-created artefact to build a bridge over the gap caused by crime in an island community.

Aldington, C. (2019, September 18-21). Out-cast/ re-cast: The potential for the gifted co-created artefact to build a bridge over the gap caused by crime in an island community. [Presentation]. In New coasts and shorelines: Shifting sands in the creative economy [Conference]. Centre for Rural Creativity at Shetland College University of the Highlands and Islands with Shetland Arts Development Agency, Mareel, Lerwick.

Drawing a line; The ability of the co-created artefact to become a symbol of solidarity between participants in a restorative justice process

Aldington, C. (2019, April 3-6). Drawing a line: The ability of the co-created artefact to become a symbol of solidarity between participants in a restorative justice process. [Paper presentation]. In Art in prisons: Talking restorative justice through artistic and narrative projects [Workshop]. Oñati International Institute for the Sociology of Law, Oñati, Spain (invited speaker).