Last year, the Executive committed—through the Programme for Government—to developing a trauma‑informed public sector, equipping public servants with the skills needed to work in partnership and support people as they rebuild a sense of control and empowerment in their lives.
The NICSHR Learning and Development team has now launched new Trauma‑Informed Approach awareness‑level eLearning modules, developed by the Safeguarding Board for Northern Ireland (SBNI), experts in trauma informed practice.
Available to all NICS colleagues, the training is supported by learning toolkits and designed to build confidence in understanding adversity, trauma and resilience — and support colleagues to apply this insight in everyday interactions.
Why this learning matters
A trauma‑informed approach is more than good practice — it is central to creating environments where people feel safe, respected and understood. Trauma can affect anyone, and its impact is not always visible. Building awareness helps us recognise signs of trauma, respond sensitively and avoid unintentionally retraumatising those we work with.
What you’ll gain
The new eLearning courses comprise of 2 modules, available now on LInKS(external link opens in a new window / tab). These modules will help you to:
- Understand how adversity and trauma influence behaviour
- Strengthen your confidence when supporting customers, colleagues or service users
- Build more respectful, positive interactions across the NICS
- Contribute to a culture rooted in compassion, awareness and resilience
Who should complete these modules?
In short — everyone. These courses are suitable for all NICS colleagues, regardless of role, grade or department. Anyone who interacts with others can benefit from increased trauma awareness — whether supporting vulnerable service users, collaborating with colleagues or communicating with customers.
Find out more about Trauma-Informed approach, why it matters and the new eLearning modules