What Does ‘Trauma-Exposed’ Mean?
Some roles at the Home Office involve working with sensitive, complex, and potentially distressing material. Team members working in these roles may encounter challenging content or hear stories that evoke strong emotional responses.
These roles require resilience, empathy, and professionalism, but they also offer the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives.
Why These Roles Matter
Roles where team members may be exposed to trauma are typically found in the immigration and asylum system. As well as protecting the UK and its borders, our teams play a critical role in ensuring fairness, safety, and dignity for those navigating this system. Their work helps protect vulnerable individuals and uphold the values of compassion and justice.
Examples of Trauma-Exposed Roles
If you join the Home Office, these are some of the roles you might work in that we consider to be trauma-exposed.
- Asylum Administration Teams, Decision Makers, Presenting Officers, Asylum Support Roles
You might work directly with people who have experienced trauma. Your role is vital in providing guidance, empowerment, and cultural sensitivity.
We use trauma-informed practice to recognise vulnerability and reduce the risk of re-traumatisation. - Frontline Roles (Border Force, Immigration Enforcement)
In these roles, you may encounter people who have undergone traumatic experiences and hear accounts of those instances. We expect our team members to show compassion and empathy, but we also understand the emotional impact that exposure to these details could have on these colleagues. That’s why we seek to provide support throughout your career, not just in one role.
How We Support our Teams
We are committed to the wellbeing and resilience of our team members. The support we offer to colleagues working in trauma-exposed roles includes:
- Resilience and Trauma-Informed Training – equipping them with skills to manage challenging situations
- Reflective Supervision – regular opportunities to discuss experiences and maintain emotional wellbeing
- Wellbeing Resources and Confidential Support – including counselling and advice services.
What You’ll Gain
- A meaningful career where you make a difference
- The opportunity to work in a professional, compassionate environment that prioritises your wellbeing
- Skills in resilience, cultural awareness, and trauma-informed practice