Introduction to trauma-informed and person-centred practices

In this session, Dr Anna Sexton will introduce the key concepts of trauma-informed and person-centred practices and share practical frameworks for embedding these approaches into everyday archival work. She will also outline strategies to support emotional sustainability and wellbeing among professionals.

This session is part of a thought-provoking series of six lunchtime online events exploring how archives can engage with difficult records through people-centred and trauma-informed practices.

Between January and June 2026, scholars, experts, and practitioners from across the archive sector are invited to share real-world examples, reflections, and strategies that highlight the importance of care, empathy, and community in archival work. Each session will offer accessible presentations, helping participants deepen their understanding of both the theory and practice behind these approaches.

This series will support participants to:

• See theory in action through practical case studies and shared experiences

• Build a community of practice across the sector

• Raise awareness of distressing material and how it is managed

• Understand emotional labour and explore strategies to support wellbeing

• Learn from trauma-informed practices that can strengthen funding and bid applications

• Reflect on how to create safer, more supportive individual and institutional systems

• Learn more about innovation in the sector and current expertise in working with challenging content

Who should attend

Whether you're an archivist, researcher, or heritage professional, this series offers a space to learn, connect, and grow together.

Series programme

Registration for future sessions will be advertised soon.

Future sessions:

• Wednesday 25 February 2026 - Working with records of traumatic histories
• Wednesday 25 March 2026 - Working with criminal justice records
• Wednesday 15 April 2026 - Working with medical and mental health records
• May 2026 - Working with records of social justice
• June 2026 - Working with beneficiaries

Additional information

This session will be delivered via Zoom. A joining link will be sent via email in advance.

If you have any questions., please contact Research@nationalarchives.gov.uk