27/08/2025
Chris English
By Martin Jerrold
Work With Offenders has officially relaunched under a new name: Reflective Practice.
This change marks an important step in our mission to provide trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches that reflect the very best of practice in the criminal justice system. The term “offenders” has long carried a label that we feel does not align with our vision for the future. Instead, Reflective Practice captures our commitment to learning, growth, and shaping interventions guided by the latest research and practice evidence.
Reflective Practice, is dedicated to bringing practitioners, academics, commissioners, and communities together to share knowledge, test new approaches, and embed methods that are proven to support meaningful change. This name change represents our belief that the people we work with, and the practitioners who support them, deserve a space that promotes learning, reflection, and innovation rather than labels.
Jonathan Hussey, Director of RSMS, said:
“We are incredibly proud to be stepping forward as Reflective Practice. This evolution is about more than a name – it is about reaffirming our desire to be shaped by the best available evidence, to remain open to learning, and to continue developing trauma-informed services that truly make a difference. We are grateful to everyone who has shared feedback about our previous identity. That insight has helped us to grow and has been invaluable in shaping this new chapter.”
Reflective Practice will continue to offer thought leadership, practitioner resources, training, and conferences while building a stronger evidence base for what works in reducing harm and supporting change within the criminal justice system. This includes a commitment to embedding trauma-informed principles, as outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which emphasise understanding the widespread impact of trauma, recognising its signs, and integrating this knowledge into practice to prevent re-traumatisation. By focusing on safety, empowerment, transparency, collaboration, and cultural responsiveness, Reflective Practice aims to create environments that foster trust and healing.
The relaunch also reflects our dedication to promoting reflective and critical thinking among practitioners. This approach encourages professionals to engage with the emotional aspects of their work, supporting their ability to identify risks, apply trauma-sensitive responses, and maintain up-to-date practices. By prioritising reflective practice, we aim to strengthen the foundations of confidence and competence within the workforce, ensuring that interventions are both person-centred and effective.
Our training programmes will continue to focus on equipping practitioners with the skills needed to recognise trauma, respond empathetically, and avoid practices that risk re-traumatisation. These programmes are designed to improve outcomes by fostering positive relationships, enhancing safety, and promoting behavioural change.
We want to thank our community of partners, contributors, and readers for their ongoing support, and we look forward to continuing this journey together, informed by best practice and guided by reflective, evidence-based approaches.