March On Stress

Building a Stronger Support Network: The Evolution of TRiM at the Civil Nuclear Constabulary – with Chief Inspector Adam Robson

The Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC) is a unique armed police force tasked with securing the UK’s civil nuclear sites and nuclear material in transit. With over 1,000 members spread across the UK, our work is critical to the UKs security regarding Nuclear Material and National Critical Infrastructure.

Why TRiM was Introduced

In 2018, the tragic death of a colleague within the training Firearms Training Unit left a significant impact on all of us, and it was this difficult event which led to the introduction of a Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) within Firearms Training and eventually the CNC overall.

Following the loss of our colleague, we sought TRiM training to provide support within our department, yet there was no clear strategy for how TRiM would function across the CNC at that time. Although my team and I started by supporting colleagues within the training unit, we quickly realised the potential to expand the service, creating a policy and appointing a TRiM Coordinator; a role I was proud to step into. Slowly but surely we built our peer support network and began helping more and more CNC officers and Staff.

Expanding TRiM: Recognising the Gaps

Through changes in our operational activity and an increase in collaborative work between CNC and police forces local to the sites we police, we saw an increase our Firearms Officers attending Potentially Traumatic Events (PTE) and the emotional and mental impact that this can bring. It became clear that our existing TRiM provision needed a critical review.

One major limitation stood out that our TRiM practitioners came solely from the Firearms Training Unit. We had inadvertently created a barrier to accessing the services as colleagues often hesitated to open up to those who had trained them. We needed a more diverse and accessible network of practitioners to foster trust and engagement amongst peers.

Increasing our reach: Training and Awareness

In 2021, we secured the budget to train 27 new practitioners and six managers through March on Stress, a provider renowned for its experienced trainers and high-quality service. For the first time we had a clear aim for TRiM, to support the whole of the CNC. We took a very deliberate approach to recruitment, selecting empathetic, approachable, and trustworthy individuals from various locations and roles within the CNC. This effort paid dividends in the success of our TRiM network.

After training, we turned our attention to raising awareness and educating staff about TRiM’s purpose and process. With our units geographically spread across the UK, we knew that communication was key. We adopted a ‘many times, many ways’ strategy, launching a 12-month communications plan using a broad range of mediums including weekly briefings, testimonials, and ‘day in the life’ stories from practitioners. I personally conducted briefings with occupational health teams, wellbeing clinicians, medics, commanders, and all new recruits ensuring everyone understood TRiM and how to access or refer to it. We also introduced national screensavers on all force computers as a constant reminder of the service; simple, but highly effective.

Using testimonials and ‘day in the life’ stories from officers across the CNC really helped to demonstrate that Practitioners were doing it for the right reasons, and that our people were using, and benefiting from the service, building trust in the provision.

"Awareness is everything. The more people understood TRiM, the more they felt comfortable using it."

Supporting Practitioners: Ensuring Sustainability

Practitioner support is also key, particularly with the geographical spread of CNC Units. We appointed six regional managers: two in Scotland, two in the North, and two in the South, to oversee welfare and supervision. Managers deliver required refresher courses and validation to all practitioners. They attend various CPD events such as the March on Stress Conference, and their TRiM masterclasses to share, and gain beneficial insights from other organisations. I’ve also been fortunate to receive invaluable guidance and encouragement from March on Stress, particularly Gavin and Georgina, throughout this journey; I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve contacted them, but they are always on hand to support.

Our TRiM service has adapted to meet the specific needs of the CNC. Unlike other forces, we seldom deal with large-scale incidents involving many individuals; instead, our focus is often on small groups or individuals. This has shaped how we manage trauma, with an emphasis on effective site management to minimise exposure and provide immediate support. Trauma Incident Briefings are rare but delivered when required.

The Impact: Measuring Success and Looking Ahead

These efforts have truly paid off and engagement with TRiM increased significantly. While participation has recently dipped, I see this as a testament to the program’s success. By educating staff about signs and symptoms of trauma, reducing stigma, and fostering open conversations, we’ve empowered people to seek support, and open up with colleagues.

"Success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about changing the culture and making support accessible to all."

The journey to embedding TRiM at CNC has been one of learning, growth, and commitment to well-being. While I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, challenges remain. We have identified that there is the potential of those officers providing mutual aid to local forces to fall through the cracks when it comes to TRiM support. To address this, we offer TRiM assessments to all where circumstances indicate they are necessary, and do not assume that local forces have provided them, ensuring no one is overlooked.

Final Thoughts: The Power of Peer Support

Reflecting on the past few years, I’m immensely proud of the TRiM network we’ve built, and the support that is provided to all staff. Our experience reinforces that peer support isn’t just a ‘nice to have’—it’s essential. I’m also incredibly grateful to March on Stress for all they do to support organisations with the implementation and embedding of TRiM services.