Despite known benefits, the uptake of restorative justice (RJ) in the United Kingdom has been patchy.  A need for further research regarding the systemic influences on RJ was addressed using a phased mixed-methods design.  First, a survey of RJ professionals investigated general attitudes to known barriers to uptake. Results called for a more proactive approach to raising awareness; whether with the general public or in the process of making offers. Next, a sub-sample of the same RJ professionals was interviewed, with analysis producing three main themes: lack of national support for RJ; barriers initiating restorative services; and poor public understanding and awareness of RJ.  Deficient national support was interpreted as the central reason for limited take-up. Underwhelming take-up is associated not only with programme-specific, but also with broader socio-political factors.   Improved national governance and support would address not only funding, staffing, and relationships between services, but also take a longitudinal view by providing RJ systematically within education settings.