According to recent research, 70.4% of people have experienced at least one traumatic event in their lifetime, making it essential for organisations to adopt a sensitive and supportive approach. In the charity sector there is a risk of vicarious trauma and burnout for any volunteer, but this is especially true for those with lived experience. We have a responsibility to put in safeguards to protect our volunteers and staff so they can carry out their roles and enjoy their volunteering journey.
Understanding Trauma-Informed Practice
Trauma-informed practice is more than just a methodology—it's a holistic approach that recognises the widespread impact of trauma and creates systems that avoid re-traumatisation. Key elements include:
- Recognising trauma's profound impact on individuals
- Viewing trauma-related behaviors as coping mechanisms
- Integrating trauma knowledge into policies and procedures
- Adopting a strengths-based approach
- Prioritising continuous learning and improvement
Principles of Trauma-Informed Volunteer Management
The framework is built on five core principles:
1. Safety: Ensuring physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of volunteers
2. Trust and Transparency: Building clear, consistent communication
3. Choice: Empowering volunteers by offering agency and control
4. Empowerment and Voice: Using our platforms to lift their voices
5. Collaboration: Involving volunteers in organisational decision-making
6. Cultural Consideration: Creating inclusive environments that respect diverse experiences
Organisational Benefits
Commiting to trauma-informed volunteer management can have huge positive impact on your organisation:
- Improved volunteer retention and satisfaction
- Enhanced understanding of service user needs
- Better program outcomes
- Increased organisational inclusivity
- Stronger community relationships
- Improved organisational reputation
Putting Principles into Action
Implementing the principles of trauma-informed practice can be really simple but should flow throughout your organisation.
Trauma-informed practice is not just a trend or buzzword—it's a fundamental shift in how we support and manage volunteers. By recognising individual experiences and creating supportive frameworks, organisations can build more resilient, inclusive, and effective volunteer programs.
Take a look at our toolkits or reach out to book a call to improve your organisation’s trauma-informed practice.
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