Purpose

The Restoration Revolution is a national event convened by Oasis in partnership with SHiFT, bringing together practitioners, people with lived experience, policymakers, academics, voluntary sector organisations and leaders from across the criminal justice system to consider how justice systems can better support children, young people and communities. The event aims to promote innovative and restorative approaches to justice, share evidence and practice, and support collaboration across sectors.

Greater Manchester has established a national reputation for adopting a preventative and public-service reform approach to reducing violence. Attendance and participation in The Restoration Revolution will provide opportunities to showcase Greater Manchester's work, strengthen partnerships, influence national discussions, and learn from emerging practice across the justice and violence reduction sectors.

Oasis has confirmed that while Manchester Methodist Central Hall remains the preferred venue, additional production requirements have significantly increased costs beyond the original conference budget. Alternative venues were considered but were estimated to cost between £3,000 and £20,000 more than the preferred venue. Additional expenditure is required to provide appropriate audio-visual capability, lighting, projection and technical staffing to ensure the venue can accommodate the event effectively. Oasis identified a funding gap of approximately £10,000 and requested support from GMVRU.

The funding contribution will help ensure that a significant justice-focused event takes place in Greater Manchester, strengthening the city's role as a national leader in violence reduction, prevention and system reform.

Decision

Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit provides a grant contribution of £10,000 to Oasis towards the additional audio-visual, production and technical delivery costs associated with hosting The Restoration Revolution conference in Manchester on 16th and 17th November 2026.

The funding will contribute towards enhanced production requirements at Manchester Methodist Central Hall, including projection, lighting, technical equipment and specialist crew support required to ensure the venue is suitable and accessible for the scale and ambition of the event.