The ICRIR outlines trauma based approach

The importance of a trauma informed approach to the work of the ICRIR was underlined at a webinar event held today. 

The event focused on how the Commission is supporting victims, survivors and families by ensuring that the best possible principles in relation to trauma are at the centre of its work. 

Also today the Commission published feedback received from the public during its consultation on implementing a trauma informed approach.

Speaking today the Commissioner for Investigations Peter Sheridan said the ICRIR was committed to developing work in this area seeing it as “fundamental to supporting those people who come forward.” 

“Many of the individuals and families we are working with have had to deal with deeply traumatic events,” he said.  

“They have experienced harm and suffering and may have waited many years to find out more about what they and their loved ones went through. 

“We are committed to evolving and developing a trauma informed approach to support people as we work to get answers to the questions they have about what happened.” 

The Commission has based its approach on a trauma and resilience informed model (TRIM) which is at the forefront of this area of work in the UK and Ireland. 

In addition to supporting victims, survivors and families the approach has been developed and is being implemented for staff across the Commission. 

Assistant Commissioner Dr Lesley Carroll is leading the work in developing, shaping and applying trauma informed principles for the Commission.  

“Our approach is informed by the feedback and insight that people shared through the public consultation. And at today’s event we have heard from the experts giving us their views and perspectives,” Dr Carroll said. 

“The Trauma and Resilience Informed approach recognises and responds to the impact of trauma on individuals making sure that organisational processes do not re-traumatise but promote healing and resilience.  

“We are determined to focus on developing and refining this approach in the long term. We will be reflecting and learning from the implementation process, our engagement with experts and our engagement with people who have lived experience.” 

The former Victims Commissioner Judith Thompson and author David Bolton were among the experts speaking at today’s webinar. 

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Notes to editors: 

The Commission published Consultation Response: Implementing a Trauma Informed Approach: ICRIR Consultation Response: Implementing a Trauma Informed Approach – Independent Commission for Reconciliation & Information Recovery   

Full list of speakers at the webinar: 

• Elaine Miller-Karas – Co-Founder and Director of Innovation at the Trauma Resource Institute 
• Judith Thompson – Former Commissioner for Victims and Survivors (2015-2020) 
• David Bolton – Author of ‘Conflict, Peace and Mental Health: Addressing the Consequences of Conflict and Trauma in Northern Ireland” 
• Dr Danny Taggart – Academic Director on the Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Essex 
• Mike Davis – Retired police sergeant who now designs and delivers trauma-informed training to law enforcement and their community partners.  
• Jen Wallace – Consultant specialising in trauma-informed resiliency focused responses on investigations. 

The Commission’s Code of Conduct sets out the principles for how all in the Commission should act, from Commissioners, to investigative officers and corporate support officers.  

The following dedicated telephone line, operated by trained staff, and other contact routes is available for all those who wish to request an investigation:    

• Telephone: 028 9036 2093    
• Email: Casesupport@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk    
• Post: ICRIR, FREEPOST    

Telephone lines are open between 10:00 and 16:00, Monday to Friday (apart from public holidays).  

For media enquiries please contact press@icrir.independent-inquiry.uk