Standardisation in Diversion: Ensuring Fairness Across Local Authorities

Across the UK, Out of Court Resolution (OoCR) programmes are playing a vital role in supporting individuals to make positive changes outside of traditional court proceedings. However, while their impact is well recognised, one ongoing challenge remains ensuring fairness and consistency in how these programmes are delivered across different local authorities.

Standardisation in diversion isn’t about limiting flexibility. It’s about establishing shared frameworks that ensure every participant, regardless of location, receives equitable access to effective, evidence-based interventions.

The Need for Standardisation

Divergent practises between regions can lead to uneven outcomes. One area may offer a comprehensive suite of interventions, while another may lack resources or digital infrastructure. This inconsistency can undermine public confidence and the fairness that diversion aims to promote.

Standardisation brings structure to this landscape, allowing agencies to:

• Deliver consistent interventions with measurable outcomes.

• Reduce variability in participant experiences.

• Ensure equitable treatment across jurisdictions.

• Strengthen accountability and transparency in programme delivery.

Technology as an Equaliser

Technology offers a powerful solution for achieving fairness across regions.

Modern online platforms, like Diversion Manager, are designed to support consistent delivery of diversion and intervention programmes. Ensuring that every participant has access to the same high-quality experience, regardless of where they live.

Just as online education has transformed learning, online interventions can transform diversion by making programmes more accessible, trackable, and equitable.

Accessible, Inclusive, and Measurable

At AdventFS, we recognise that true fairness extends beyond standardised processes; it requires accessibility and inclusion for every user. Our Diversion Manager platform is designed to meet the needs of all learners, including those with neurodivergent attributes such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia.

These features include:

• Perceivable: Content is presented in multiple formats with text alternatives and compatibility for screen readers.

• Operable: Users can navigate entirely by keyboard, with adequate time to complete tasks.

• Understandable: Plain, unambiguous language ensures clarity for users with cognitive differences.

• Robust: Full compatibility with assistive technologies and error-recovery tools ensures smooth interaction.

Data-Driven Consistency

Standardisation also enables more effective monitoring and reporting. With consistent data collection and assessment tools, agencies can:

• Compare outcomes across jurisdictions.

• Identify best practises.

• Target improvements where needed.

This data-driven insight ensures that fairness isn’t just a guiding value; it’s a measurable reality.

By prioritising accessibility, consistency, and data integrity, Diversion Manager helps agencies build a truly standardised diversion framework. One that ensures fairness across local authorities and supports participants equally, wherever they are.

Contact Diversion Manager

Diversion Manager supports your force with our fully functional platform configurable to accommodate Out of Court Resolution programmes with advanced workflow, communication, reporting, and integration with your case management system. Contact us today if you’d like to set a meeting to learn more about Diversion Manager or to schedule a demo.