It is intended to offer expert guidance which is pragmatic, applicable (based on an understanding of context), and underpinned by the principles of ethical practice. These include:

  • Integrity and transparency. Providing information which is accurate, accessible and promotes inclusivity.
  • Informed consent. Ensuring that victims and their families are aware of their rights and supported to exercise their rights.
  • Offering choices. Encouraging professional curiosity and critical inquiry to challenge processes and to ensure that choices are made available to victims and their families, wherever, and however, possible.
  • Reducing the potential for harm. Anticipating and mitigating the impact of harmful organisational responses and practicing accountability in response to disclosures of harm, hurt or betrayal.
  • Supporting coping. Recognising and respecting individual responses to trauma and traumatic bereavement and seeking to account for the unique needs of those affected. Accounting for the ways in which trauma impacts on information processing, retention and engagement.

Confidentiality

Referrers may use identifiable information if needed and should be assured of confidentiality. Requests for consultancy will not be shared with the wider organisation, including Brake's National Road Victim Service (unless the referrer consents to this).

To enable us to evaluate the effectiveness of this service, we may utilise other information from the referral, for example, to audit the number of referrals for specific organisations/professions, the nature of the requests and the requirement for ongoing input. In addition, we may also ask for consent to use some of the information to develop anonymised case studies to illustrate the work of the centre of excellence.

Accountability and responsibilities

Whilst the guidance provided may detail recommendations in relation to safeguarding and risk management, it will remain the responsibility of the referring practitioner and their organisation to manage any safeguarding concerns or risk in line with their internal policies and procedures.

Feedback and further input

Guidance will be discussed with the referrer in an initial consultancy meeting to ensure that it is both understood and applicable in practice, this also allows us to gather further information and to explore the request in more depth. After the consultancy meeting, written feedback will also be provided to the referrer for their records. A record of this guidance will be maintained by Dr Lester.

We recognise that the need for crisis consultancy may be ongoing as situations are often dynamic and unpredictable. As part of the initial consultancy meeting further input will be agreed in collaboration with the referrer and could include the following:

  • Scheduled review meetings
  • Follow up via email to check in with the referrer
  • Or, that no further input is needed at that time

There are no limitations as to the number of follow-up sessions that can be requested for active and ongoing crisis, complex or challenging situations, however, in collaboration with the referrer we will ensure that these requests align with scope of our service to offer responsive consultancy which is solution-focused and strengths based.

Storage of information

All information will be stored by Dr Lester on an encrypted (password protected) laptop and stored for 8 years in line with professional requirements for registered health and social care professionals.

Accessing support from Brake's National Road Victim Service

As part of the consultancy process, an onward referral for individual or family support from Brake's National Road Victim Service may be indicated. This can be managed through an internal referral process between the National Centre of Excellence for Post-Crash Support and Brake's National Road Victim Service to facilitate a seamless transition of support. However, consent will still be required by individuals prior to this being accepted for further assessment and triage by the Brake team.

Managing potential conflicts of interest

We recognise that working at the organisational level means that Brake may work with individuals involved in specific cases which are also being provided guidance via the crisis consultancy service. Whilst the clinical consultant’s role also involves providing guidance to caseworkers, caution will be taken to ensure that the cases remain separate and that no information is passed from one area to another without the explicit consent of either the referring practitioner (in the case of the National Centre of Excellence for Post-Crash Support) or the service-user (of Brake's National Road Victim Service).

In some circumstances, a commitment to ethical practice may require that we make a beneficiary of our service aware of our role in supporting practitioners and their organisations in response to a crisis, complex or challenging situation. This will be discussed with the referring practitioner and the assigned Brake caseworker prior to disclosure to ensure that it is managed with sensitivity and care.