Restorative Boards of Inquiry: Fostering dignity and respectful, responsible relationships. Draft framework and procedures.

Source: (2012) Nova Scotia Human Rights Commission.

Relationships in conflict sometimes result in allegations of discrimination,
triggering a complaint under the Nova Scotia Human Right Act.
1
This complaint
creates an opportunity to address individual conflicts and to examine a) the larger
societal influences on the conflict and b) how these influences impact the systems
we set up to relate to each other.
The restorative board of inquiry model, outlined here, seeks to foster respectful,
equal,
2
and responsible relationships as it addresses complaints. These objectives
are met by parties involved being empowered to work collaboratively. Some of the
benefits of the restorative approach are: emotional closure, the process creates
reduced conflict between the parties thereby lessening harms throughout the
process of resolving the complaint, a better opportunity to have the other party
meaningfully understand one’s harm, a greater possibility of the other party
meaningfully taking responsibility for the harm, as appropriate. A restorative board
of inquiry necessarily considers the public interest by its inclusion of community
members in participation circles and the inquiry. (excerpt)