Trauma-informed practice for workplace investigations

Part 1, Self-assessment

The self-assessment consists of a series of behaviour-based statements. For each of these, you will be asked to select the answer that you feel most closely represents your style of investigative practice.

Each behaviour in the assessment is linked to core concepts, knowledge, and skills for understanding trauma and a trauma-informed approach. Based on your answers, you may be given some further information to consider.

Part 2, Self-paced online modules

To make sure you have the relevant knowledge that is accessible, where and when you need, the online modules have been created to give you the knowledge and readings in your own way. You can come and go from the module as you need and should not take longer than 2 hours.

Part 3, One day workshop

Once you have completed all your online learning, the workshop will then give you the time and access to trauma experts who will help you practice and refine your skills.

Come along and work through two scenarios, practicing, observing and being able to ask your questions in the moment.

*All sessions include catering and through the activity below you can select a time that suits you, reschedule if you need and more all at the click of a button.

At the completion of this program, you will have an understanding of the foundational concepts of trauma-informed practice in workplace investigations and have practiced these in a number of role-plays.

You will have an understanding and awareness of:

• what trauma is, the different types and how to recognise the signs of trauma in the workplace context
• how trauma can affect memory and communication
• how TIP can be implemented in environments with strict legal requirements
• the importance of TIP for all people involved and the outcomes of in investigations
• assess the potential impacts of investigations on trauma survivors and adjust your practice accordingly
• your role and responsibility to ensure continuity of care before and after interventions
• how to identify personal signs of stress and secondary traumatic responses in yourself and colleagues.

You will be able to demonstrate (through role plays):

• How to incorporate trauma-informed principles into investigative strategies
• How to build rapport and trust with individuals affected by trauma
• How to create psychologically safe environments during interviews
• How to be trauma-informed when handling disclosures of traumatic experiences with sensitivity and empathy
• How to maintain confidentiality, privacy, informed decision-making and collaboration in handling trauma-related cases.

This training is designed specifically for the Tasmanian State Service workplace investigations for behaviour, performance, or other factual inquiries required by TSS Agencies. You should attend if you are in a Human Resources role (including officers) in a Tasmanian Government Agency and:

• involved in initial or ongoing investigations
• involved in writing briefings and support documents for decisions on investigations
• Either conduct or review workplace investigations
• Involved in writing policy and procedures about workplace investigations.

Alternately, if you are an External Investigator, you should enrol if:

• You are seeking to apply for the External Investigator Panel or
• Have been accepted to the External Investigator Panel and need to complete the course

*The External Investigator Panel is managed by the Department for Education, Children and Young People and this program is a requirement of all participants.

Eden Elliott-Griggs
Training and Development Manager, Wise Workplace Training