ICRIR Takes steps to embed Trauma Informed Approach
The Independent Commission for Reconciliation and Information Recovery is today inviting the public to have their say on how it can embed a continuous trauma informed approach when its operations begin.
Lasting eight weeks, the Commission’s formal public consultation is seeking views on a number of areas where it is considering its future approach to support to and understanding of victims, survivors and families.
The document also sets out current work that the Commission is already undertaking in its design and formation stages so that a trauma informed approach is reflected in its structures, processes and skills. It contains a personal commitment from all Commissioners to challenge and monitor performance against the actions the Commission has signed up to, and to create a culture, vision and overall way of approaching and recognising trauma.
The Commission is also today advertising for a new Head of Clinical Psychological Advice, who will advise and direct our Trauma informed strategy and ensure the provision of emotional support services for all those who request their cases are investigated.
This is in addition to Case Support and Investigator roles that are currently being recruited for.
Commissioner for Investigations Peter Sheridan, said:
“We recognise the seriousness of the work that we will undertake and understand that how we do things is as important as what we do.
“Many of the individuals and families that the Commission will meet will have experienced harm and suffering and may have waited many years to find out more about what they and their loved ones went through.
“That’s why I am today urging people from across communities both in Northern Ireland and the whole of the UK, whether they support us or not, to tell us how we should embed a trauma-informed approach into everything we do. This is one of the most vital parts of our work.”
The public consultation will be open until 11 April 2024. All responses should be submitted by email to ICRIR Engagement Team engagementteam@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk or by post to Freepost ICRIR
More information will be published on the ICRIR website.
Notes to Editors:
The ICRIR has set out its values in its Code of Conduct.
The Commissioners personally commit to:
- Monitor and challenge the wider Commission and those working for it about whether the actions set out are being delivered.
- Encourage and support the Commission to listen to and reflect feedback about what more, what next, and what not; and
- Personally undertake training, improve our own understanding, and bring focus to bear in all our discussions as a Commission.
This public consultation is the latest step in this process. We urge all to share their views with the Commission.
More information about the new role of Head of Clinical Psychological Advice can be found here: Head of Clinical Psychological Advice.
Anyone who would like to get involved in the Commission’s work to define its processes and principles can email us at our Contact page to be added to our mailing list for updates and opportunities to be involved in focus groups and other work.
For more information, please call the ICRIR Press Office on 07966 304271 or email: press@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk