New Report Explores Coaching and Mentoring in Criminal Justice and Reintegration
A new evidence review by Queen’s University Belfast examines mentoring and coaching approaches within criminal justice and reintegration, providing recommendations to support the future development of the Turnaround Project in Northern Ireland.
The Turnaround Project evaluation, “Exploring Coaching and Mentoring: An Evidence-Informed Framework,” has been authored by Kelly Razey, a PhD candidate at Queen’s University Belfast.
The review was commissioned by the University’s Civic Engagement and Strategic Communications Directorate to support the future development of the Turnaround Project, a relationship-centred rehabilitation initiative in Northern Ireland.
Understanding mentoring and coaching in practice
The report presents the findings of a structured desk-based review of mentoring and coaching models across the UK and Ireland, focusing on their use within criminal justice and reintegration contexts.
Through comparative analysis of nineteen academic and practice-based sources, the study explored how:
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Relational peer mentoring approaches build trust and long-term engagement
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Structured coaching models support goal-setting, accountability, and measurable progress
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Hybrid approaches combine the strengths of both models in practice
Key findings
The evidence highlights the value of a blended mentoring and coaching framework that integrates relational trust with structured development and accountability.
The report provides clear, evidence-informed recommendations to strengthen:
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Training and professional development
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Safeguarding practices
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Monitoring and evaluation processes
Supporting future development
The findings offer a strategic foundation to support the continued development of the Turnaround Project and contribute to wider understanding of relationship-centred rehabilitation approaches in Northern Ireland.
