Using a restorative just framework to improve service delivery between NGOs and public sector bodies (Ref: RDF24/BL/LHRM/D’SOUZA)

This PhD seeks to explore relationships between Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and public sector bodies (e.g., police, through the lens of restorative practices and intersectional theory (Crenshaw, 2017), with a view to re-innovating public service delivery. RJ as a means of resolving conflict is well established in education, healthcare and criminal justice including with complex cases (D’Souza, 2021). There is research of using RJ within an organisational setting to (a) resolve conflict with complaints from the public for perceived police wrongdoings (Young et al,2005) (b) for disciplinary/grievance for rule violation/misconduct and poor performance, but they remain under-researched and under-utilised to test efficacy. This study begins to address the gap with different sets of professional relationships, including those between NGOS and public sector bodies.

RJ brings participant satisfaction, stakeholder empowerment, value for money (de Boer, 2021) compared to adversarial/organisational processes with reduced sickness, suspensions and dismissals (Kaur et al, 2019), with an emphasis on the many ways managerial processes of determining culpability can visit injustices on the worker’. Application by Merseyside Care (2016) resulted in ‘a just and learning culture’ transforming responses to complaints against staff. This concept has yet to be tested in the public/statutory organisations and may be compounded when applied to those with protected characteristics who often experience multiple injustices in hierarchical organisations –at professional and service-user levels. 

The commissioning of services, referral pathways and professional credibility attached to NGOs has potential for relationships to be frayed or for services to be under-utilised. Using a restorative framework and an intersectional lens for those NGOs providing services to minoritised communities is under-researched and has implications for victim-survivors’ experiences. Reducing structural inequalities based on protected characteristics (using the Equality Act of 2010) of NGO professionals and victim-survivors, and public sector professionals making decisions in relation to policy and practice is a relevant theme. The dynamic processes of power, privilege and resource allocation, offers conceptual possibilities through which to examine the scope to use restorative frameworks and address the relational dynamics, on multi-agency platforms. For example, race anxiety can be a factor which shapes service delivery from South Asian communities affected by gendered violence and abuse. This has an adverse impact on public policy and decision-making which is to the detriment of service-delivery. There is little research on how a relational focus may assist changing policy and practice, whilst maintaining psychological safety.

This project seeks to explore innovative ways of conducting research which explores professional relationships, facilitated by restorative frameworks and an intersectional lens. Successful applications are encouraged to use this project outline to make a proposal which fits with their own particular interests. Applications exploring UK and international contexts are welcomed. Addressing this public policy issue via the context of policing is also encouraged, as well as methodological approaches to data collection (e.g. ethnographical or qualitative) which captures the exploratory nature of this study. 

This PhD strengthens our position as experts in the delivery of Just Cultures Principles and Restorative Justice Culture, which won the Praxis Auril Knowledge Exchange awards 2022, with the output (wellbeing framework) supporting an impact case study for REF 2028. Aligned with the 3PM research cluster and B&L faculty and university ambitions for the 2027/8 REF cycle, it is anticipated that this will result in an impact case study.

The candidate will work closely with Nikki D’Souza, former police practitioner, co-founder of the NE Policing Research Network and an accredited RJ facilitator, providing a unique opportunity to link research to practice.

Academic Enquiries

This project is supervised by Dr Nikki D’Souza. For informal queries, please contact [Email Address Removed]. For all other enquiries relating to eligibility or application process please contact Admissions at [Email Address Removed]. 

Eligibility Requirements:

• Academic excellence i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities with preference for 1st class honours); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply if they are already a PhD or Professional Doctorate holder or if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

To be classed as a Home student, candidates must:

• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• have settled status, or
• have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• have indefinite leave to remain or enter.

If a candidate does not meet the criteria above, they would be classed as an International student. 

Applicants must be fully enrolled in the UK before stipend payments can commence and cover any additional costs that may be incurred, as these are not covered by the studentship:

• Immigration Health Surcharge https://www.gov.uk/healthcare-immigration-application
• If you need to apply for a Student Visa to enter the UK, please refer to https://www.gov.uk/student-visa. It is important that you read this information carefully as it is your responsibility to ensure that you hold the correct funds required for your visa application, otherwise your visa may be refused.
• Costs associated with English Language requirements which may be required for students not having completed a first degree in English, will not be paid by the University.

APPLY HERE:

https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/  

In your application, please include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words and the advert reference (e.g. RDF24/…).

Deadline for applications: 26 January 2024

Start date of course: 1 October 2024

Northumbria University is committed to creating an inclusive culture where we take pride in, and value, the diversity of our postgraduate research students. We encourage and welcome applications from all members of the community. The University holds a bronze Athena Swan award in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality, we are a Disability Confident Leader, a member of the Race Equality Charter and are participating in the Stonewall Diversity Champion Programme. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers.