Restorative justice brings people responsible for harm into contact with its consequences and those affected, he said, and is commonly used alongside rather than instead of prison sentences in the UK. Professor Hobson said it could offer victims answers, acknowledgement and a say in what repair looks like, while holding offenders to account. Research evidence has linked restorative justice with lower reoffending and improved victim satisfaction. The university has examined restorative approaches across criminal justice, education, health and social care and housing through its work with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Restorative Justice. Professor Hobson said restorative justice should not be treated as an optional add-on.