Receiving and Responding to Disclosures in Higher Education
Delivered in-person
About the course
Under the National Code, higher education providers must ensure safe, easily accessible and timely processes for making disclosures (Standard 5). Standard 3 requires that education and training on responding to disclosures be developed through engagement with, or approved by, a specialist organisation or person with expertise in responding to gender-based violence (Standard 3.8(d)).
Staff who receive disclosures need to respond in ways that prioritise the safety and agency of the person disclosing, without causing further harm. This workshop builds the practical skills and confidence to do that well, grounded in trauma-informed principles and current best practice.
Who is this for?
People leaders, student services staff, residential advisors, counsellors, HR professionals, equity practitioners and anyone likely to receive a disclosure of gender-based violence or related harm in a higher education setting.
What you'll learn
After completing this workshop you will have:
a solid understanding of trauma, its neurobiological impacts, and how these shape disclosure behaviour
the ability to distinguish between disclosures and formal reports, and understand the different response pathways required under the Code
practical skills to respond to a disclosure in a person-centred, trauma-informed way
confidence to prioritise the agency and wellbeing of the person disclosing without overstepping role boundaries
knowledge of referral pathways, support options and record-keeping obligations
an understanding of vicarious trauma and strategies for managing your own wellbeing.
What you'll take away
A guide to triaging disclosures and formal reports, including decision-making frameworks
A disclosure response prompt card for use in the moment
A self-care and vicarious trauma awareness toolkit.
Workshop details
Format: In-person (face-to-face) at your campus or virtually via Zoom or MS Teams
Length: 3 hours with a 15-minute break
Participants: Up to 25 (recommended maximum 20)
Approach: Content presentation, practical scenarios, role-play exercises and facilitated discussion
Customisation: Content can be tailored to your institution's policies, referral pathways and reporting processes.
