Trauma-Informed Accreditation
A safer, more supportive organisation with our Trauma-Informed Accreditation
Trauma is the deep distress someone experiences when they feel in real or perceived danger. Even after the threat has passed, its impact can linger and affect a person’s sense of safety, wellbeing, and ability to function day-to-day. Sexual abuse, harassment, and bullying are recognised as major causes of trauma, often leaving lasting emotional and physical effects.
In workplaces and educational settings, trauma can show in many ways. Someone might struggle with concentration, withdraw socially, miss deadlines, or experience physical symptoms like fatigue or stomach pain. Others may turn to coping mechanisms such as substance use or self-harm.
Everyone responds to trauma differently. That’s why it’s important for organisations to recognise the signs and create a safe and supportive environment.
About the Accreditation
The Survivors Trust’s Trauma-Informed Accreditation helps organisations embed trauma-informed principles across your workplace culture, policies, and practices.
We work with you to assess your current practices and support you in developing a clear, achievable plan to meet the standards required for accreditation. Our quality assessment focuses on four key areas:
What does being trauma-informed mean?
Being trauma-informed means understanding how trauma affects people, and responding with care. It involves:
- understanding the impact that trauma responses can have on individuals, colleagues and organisations;
- recognising the signs and symptoms of trauma;
- responding appropriately to disclosures and complaints through trauma informed training, policies, procedures and practices;
- implementing measures to prevent re-traumatisation by avoiding practices that could trigger traumatic responses;
- creating a healthy, safe and respectful environment for its staff and clients;
- having a fully integrated trauma informed approach rooted in robust inclusive evaluation processes.
Why does being trauma-informed matter?
Bullying, harassment, and abuse are sadly common in workplaces and educational settings across the UK. How an organisation responds to these issues can deeply affect not just the individual involved, but the wider community too.
When someone discloses trauma, a sensitive and supportive response can make a huge difference to their recovery. Survivors who feel heard, believed, and included in the process are more likely to heal and less likely to experience long-term harm.
Whether the incident happened within your organisation or elsewhere, you have a responsibility to support those affected.
What does a trauma-informed organisation look like
Trauma-informed organisations understand how trauma affects individuals and teams. They recognise the signs, respond with compassion, and take steps to prevent re-traumatisation.
Let us help you create a workplace culture rooted in safety, trust, empowerment, and collaboration.
The Trauma-Informed Educator Accreditation from The Survivors Trust shows that your university, college or school understands the impact of trauma and supports those who disclose harassment, abuse or bullying.
The Trauma-Informed Employer Accreditation allows you to prove to that you are able to respond professionally and sensitively to domestic and sexual violence, no matter how it impacts upon your organisation.