A message from Research in Practice.
Many of us are alarmed and angry as communities across the country experience violence, racism, and riots. At Research in Practice, we strive to advance inclusivity, equity and diversity through our work. We want to support sector colleagues who are working with people and communities affected by violence, in whatever small way we can.
The following learning resources on supporting practitioner wellbeing, trauma-informed leadership, and addressing systemic racism have been made openly available. We hope that the resources are helpful in supporting practitioners across the children’s and adults’ workforce at this upsetting time.
Trauma is defined as a physical or emotional experience that has had an adverse impact on an adult, child or young person’s wellbeing. Trauma may not always be significant or long-lasting, but for some, the impact stays with a person throughout the life course.
Trauma-informed practice is an increased understanding of behaviours and difficulties that can be understood in the context of past trauma.
Key to preventing vicarious and secondary trauma in the workforce is developing organisational policies, conditions and cultures that promote wellbeing and self-care and that create a safe and supportive environment. Trauma-informed approaches can also protect the workforce as a consequence of the emotional demands of their work.
A Strategic Briefing on embedding a trauma-informed approach to support staff wellbeing in children’s social care considers what a trauma-informed approach looks like at an organisational level and why the approach is important for the organisation, the workforce and the children and families that professionals work with. It also contains many applicable messages for adult services.
A Leaders' Briefing on developing and leading trauma-informed practice offers a framework for a common set of values, knowledge and language across services, including social care, health, education, housing and criminal justice.
Tackling the roots of racism is challenging and complex. A Strategic Briefing on anti-racist systems leadership to address systemic racism aims to support leaders in understanding how racism is constructed and can be perpetuated in policies, tools and practice. It signposts to research and resources, and shows the multi-layered impact of racism in communities, workforces, and public systems.
The promoting anti-racism in social work presentation also examines key issues around racism and inequality, inviting us to reflect on our own thoughts, feelings and behaviours as practitioners, leaders and allies.
A guide on supporting practitioner wellbeing aims to support you to repair, maintain, grow and sustain your mental health and wellbeing, to allow you to flourish and continue to support others effectively in your professional practice.
Drawing on research and resources this guide will help you develop a self-care action plan and assemble a personalised toolbox of strategies that will support your physical, mental and social wellbeing.
Embedding a trauma-informed approach to support staff wellbeing in children’s social care: Strategic Briefing (2021)
This briefing considers what a trauma-informed approach looks like at an organisational level. The approach is important for the organisation, the workforce and the children and families that professionals work with.
Developing and leading trauma-informed practice: Leaders' Briefing (2018)
This briefing summarises evidence to inform the development of trauma-informed organisational and locality approaches.
Promoting anti-racism in children and family services
In order to support the development of anti-racist practice in children and family services a new suite of resources explore this issue in more depth.