Published date:
The Board came together for a thought-provoking workshop focused on PBNI's ambition to become a truly resilient and trauma-informed organisation. The session demonstrated that trauma-informed practice is not simply an initiative or aspiration, but a fundamental shift in organisational culture, leadership and service delivery. Members reflected on the significant progress achieved to date and explored how PBNI can continue to embed trauma-informed principles across every aspect of its work, ensuring better outcomes for service users, stronger support for staff and a more resilient organisation for the future.
The Board Chair welcomed participants and emphasised the importance of ensuring that trauma-informed principles remain central to PBNI's strategic direction. The Chair noted that supporting staff wellbeing, improving outcomes for service users and creating environments that promote safety, trust and recovery are essential components of a modern probation service.
The Board received an update from PBNI's Lead Psychologist on the implementation of the organisation's trauma-informed approach. Members heard how trauma awareness has increasingly been embedded across practice, policy development and workforce learning.
A panel discussion explored the practical actions required to ensure trauma-informed practice moves beyond aspiration and becomes embedded in everyday behaviour and decision-making. Panel members highlighted several key themes:
The Board received an update on work to improve PBNI's physical environments and estate to better support trauma-informed practice. Members considered findings from the Review of Physical Spaces Report, which examined how office layouts, interview rooms, waiting areas and communal spaces can contribute to feelings of safety, dignity and wellbeing for both staff and service users.
Board members received an update on the rollout of Wellbeing Action Plans and the Community Resilience Model. The session highlighted actions being taken to strengthen staff wellbeing, build resilience across teams and promote a supportive and healthy organisational culture.
The workshop provided valuable assurance regarding PBNI's progress in developing a resilient and trauma-informed organisation. Board members recognised the significant work undertaken across the organisation and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting a whole-system approach that places wellbeing, resilience and trauma-informed practice at the heart of PBNI's culture, workforce and service delivery.