SAEB Webinar: Understanding Vicarious Trauma in Safeguarding Practice (17.12.26)
Date: Thursday 17 December 2026
Time: 12:30–13:30
Platform: Microsoft Teams
FREE ONLINE WEBINAR
Join Catherine Knights, Sarah Heke and Annie Billing from Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust for this supportive webinar exploring vicarious trauma and its impact on safeguarding practice.
Safeguarding work can expose practitioners to distressing experiences and have a lasting personal and professional impact. Repeatedly hearing about or witnessing trauma may affect wellbeing, relationships, and professional practice, even when someone has not experienced the original event directly.
This free online webinar will support professionals and volunteers working with adults in Kensington, Chelsea, and Westminster to understand vicarious trauma, recognise its signs in themselves and colleagues, and identify practical ways to protect wellbeing and sustain effective practice.
Who should attend?
This session is for all staff and volunteers whose work may expose them to distressing information or experiences, including those working in adult safeguarding, social care, health, housing, mental health, community services, criminal justice, domestic abuse, and voluntary and community sector services.
Why this webinar matters
- Vicarious trauma can develop through repeated exposure to other people’s traumatic experiences.
- Its signs may be gradual and can affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, decision-making and professional practice.
- Vicarious trauma and burnout can overlap, but understanding the distinction can support an appropriate response.
- Early recognition and supportive conversations can help reduce the impact on individuals and teams.
- Practical strategies, reflective practice, and access to support can strengthen professional resilience.
Learning outcomes
- Understand what is meant by vicarious trauma.
- Recognise possible signs of vicarious trauma and burnout in yourself and colleagues.
- Understand how safeguarding work may affect personal wellbeing and professional practice.
- Identify practical strategies to maintain professional resilience and wellbeing.
- Recognise the importance of reflective practice, peer support, and healthy professional boundaries.
- Know when and how to seek support.
Presenters
Catherine Knights - Director of Quality, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.
Sarah Heke – Clinical Lead/Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.
Annie Billing – Highly Specialist Psychological Therapist, Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.
Please reserve your place using the booking link and share this invitation with colleagues and partner organisations who may support adults affected by trauma.
If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at makingsafeguardingpersonal@