HMP & Probation Service - Trauma‑Informed Practice Training

We delivered a bespoke virtual Trauma‑Informed Practice Training programme for Neurodiversity Support Managers working within HM Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS).

The programme supported managers working with individuals whose needs are shaped by trauma, neurodivergence, and the pressures of custodial environments. It aimed to strengthen trauma‑informed understanding and confidence across services, with a focus on how trauma and neurodivergence intersect to influence practice, leadership, and organisational culture.

Programme Focus

The programme provided a clear and structured understanding of trauma, its impact on behaviour and effective ways to promote recovery – with specific consideration to custodial settings. Discussions and group activities offered a safe, reflective learning space where participants could enhance existing knowledge, share experiences, develop a shared trauma‑informed language, and explore trauma responses in high‑pressure environments to both prisoners and staff.

·         Trauma and trauma responses

·         Emotional regulation

·         Communication and relational approaches

·         Staff wellbeing and self‑care

·         Applying trauma‑informed principles to leadership and operational practice

Outcomes and Impact

Participants reported increased confidence and clarity in understanding trauma‑informed practice and its relevance to their roles. The training strengthened reflective awareness, supported more thoughtful and compassionate engagement, and reinforced the alignment between trauma‑informed practice and neurodiversity support.

Reflection

The programme demonstrated the value of creating safe, reflective learning spaces where managers could explore challenges and strengthen shared learning and understanding. While acknowledging ongoing pressures such as time constraints, staffing challenges, and custodial culture, participants recognised the importance of organisational commitment and leadership in embedding trauma‑informed approaches across all sites.

Participant Feedback

·         “The training helped me understand trauma responses more clearly and how this links with neurodivergence.”

·         “It made me reflect on how my communication and body language affect regulation.”

·         “It is rare to receive such high‑quality training; the facilitator’s expertise and ability to engage participants was exceptional.”

·         “The focus on staff wellbeing was extremely relevant to custodial work.”

·         “A valuable course that reinforced good practice and increased confidence.”

How will you take this learning forward?

·         Holding space for prisoners sharing personal experiences while remaining mindful of personal responses

·         Just ensuring that everyone is aware of this, we now have the knowledge but it is so important that operational members of staff also practice this as they have such a big influence. Will now incorporate elements of this that I have learned in the training sessions I deliver to them

·         Prioritising self‑care alongside caring for others

·         Applying trauma‑informed approaches in direct work with prisoners and embedding this within staff training

·         I will attempt to champion trauma informed practice in the prison