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Challenging Power Dynamics in Restorative Justice (CPD workshop)

Challenging power dynamics in restorative justice - 2.5 hour CPD event

A 2.5-hour CPD training event for practitioners exploring how power dynamics are present in restorative justice processes and ways to understand and address these dynamics.

We will learn about power and power imbalances, explore how power operates in restorative work, examine the challenges this presents, and think about practical ways to navigate and address power dynamics in restorative justice processes. 

The workshop will cover:

  • How to identify the (sometimes hidden) roots of conflict

  • What is power? How does power operate in restorative justice?

  • Types of power and power imbalances

  • Challenges which are associated with different types of power imbalances, such as marginalized identity and victim/offender role

  • Levels of analysis and intervention which can be used to navigate power dynamics in restorative work

  • How to design Restorative Systems to make agreements and policies for addressing conflicts

  • Addressing power during the preparation stage of restorative processes

  • The role of the facilitator in addressing power during dialogue facilitation

  • Characteristics of effective agreements in restorative processes

The event will be facilitated by Dr Mikhail Lyubansky (University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign), an experienced teaching Associate Professor of Psychology with expertise in restorative justice, ethnic conflict, psychotherapy, and positive psychology. Much of his work has focused on developing structures for restorative conflict engagement through consultation, trainings/workshops, and the facilitation of high-stakes conflicts.


There is no registration fee at the point of booking, but this workshop is not free. In order to recognise the time and expertise of Professor Lyubansky and the Mint House costs associated with running this workshop, towards the end of the workshop, we will invite participants to contribute to our costs by making a donation on JustGiving during the workshop that reflects a) their perceived value of the workshop and b) their desire and ability to contribute to the Mint House’s ability to continue to host such events. Please note that, rather than something separate and potentially unsavoury, this way of doing money is intentionally part of the workshop. It is a way of sharing power and balancing access to knowledge with sustainability needs of both the Mint House and the guest presenter. We’re excited to be able to do money in this way and hope participants similarly find it meaningful, useful, and in integrity with their values.

We recognise that many people will be able to have the costs of attendance at this workshop covered by their employer. If you need to pre-pay your contribution so that we can invoice your organisation, ticket prices are variable:

  • £40 (e.g. employed professional/government/academic/large organisation)

  • £20 (e.g. employed by a small charity)

We can invoice for multiple attendees or multiple workshops on one invoice – please contact us to arrange this.

Registration will open soon!


Mikhail Lyubansky

Dr Mikhail Lyubansky is a teaching associate professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. During his 25 years in higher education, Mikhail has developed and taught numerous undergraduate and graduate-level restorative justice courses, as well as courses on ethnic conflict, psychotherapy, and positive psychology.

Interested in the restorative and transformative justice movements, Mikhail’s primary influence has been Restorative Circles. Since 2009, his scholarship and community work have focused on supporting school districts, college campuses, and youth justice systems in developing structures for restorative conflict engagement through consultation, trainings/workshops, and the facilitation of high-stakes conflicts.

Mikhail has served on various committees and boards, including the Urbana Citizen Police Review Board, Psychologists for Social Responsibility (PsySR) Steering Committee, and the boards of Illinois Balanced & Restorative Justice (IBARJ) and Reimagine Justice Illinois (RJI). He has been an invited speaker and presenter across the United States and internationally, including Ukraine, Ireland, and Hong Kong.