Building Sustainable Expertise: The Power of Train-the-Trainer
We recently had the privilege of spending a full day with the exceptional team of trainers at Devon Partnership NHS Trust, delivering our accredited Authorised Search Officer (ASO) Instructor Programme. The response was overwhelmingly positive, it’s truly inspiring to collaborate with such dedicated professionals who are passionate about raising standards and embedding best practices in mental health environments.
” Very well put together presentation and both trainers worked well together”
“Really professional outfit, lots to take away and develop to introduce to our training”
“Great course. Expertly delivered, enjoyable & good cross pollination of ideas”
This full-day train-the-trainer programme equips experienced staff to become certified ASO Instructors within their own organisations. By training internal experts, trusts can ensure consistent, high-quality delivery of search training long-term, fostering a shared understanding of lawful, proportionate and compassionate searching.
Participants now benefit from a comprehensive suite of online resources designed to support effective teaching and ongoing implementation:
- Visual posters for quick-reference guidance
- Ready-to-use presentations
- Detailed lesson plans
- Instructional videos demonstrating techniques
- Trainer guidance documents
- Supporting risk assessments
- Insightful interviews with experts by experience
- Ongoing support from the UK Patient Care team
These tools help trainers deliver content that not only meets governance and legal requirements but also actively promotes trauma-informed searching – recognising the widespread impact of trauma, avoiding re-traumatisation and building environments where everyone feels safe and respected.
Transforming Culture: From Procedure to Compassionate Practice
Our approach goes beyond checklists and compliance. We focus on creating a cultural shift where search practices in mental health settings become opportunities to reinforce safety, preserve dignity and strengthen therapeutic alliances rather than sources of distress.
By embedding principles of trauma-informed care – such as safety, trustworthiness, choice, collaboration, empowerment and cultural sensitivity, the programme helps teams:
- Recognise how past trauma can influence responses to searches
- Use de-escalation and communication to minimise distress
- Apply proportionate, least-restrictive methods
- Document and reflect in ways that support learning and accountability
This isn’t just about reducing risk; it’s about enhancing recovery, staff confidence and overall safety for everyone involved.
Why Trauma-Informed Search Training is needed
In modern NHS and mental health services, outdated or inconsistent searching can unintentionally harm vulnerable individuals and undermine trust. Evidence from trauma-informed practice shows that when services actively resist re-traumatisation and integrate understanding of trauma into policies and everyday interactions, outcomes improve for patients and staff alike.
Organisations like Devon Partnership NHS Trust are leading by example, investing in sustainable training to drive lasting change. The result? Safer wards, more empowered teams and a stronger commitment to compassionate care.
Ready to Enhance Your Search Practices?
If your organisation is reviewing current search policies, seeking to build internal capability, or aiming to make mental health searching more trauma-informed and consistent, we’d love to discuss how the Authorised Search Officer Instructor Programme could support you.
Get in touch today:
0113 873 0715
