Collegial Support Team (TCO)

The NSCR has established the in-house Collegial Support Team (TCO) as of 2025. The team consists of NSCR-employed researchers, all of whom have received multi-day training from ARQ Nationaal Psychotrauma Centrum.

Collegial Support Team for all staff

All NSCR staff can access TCO following a distressing or impactful work-related event. Such events are typically unexpected, overwhelming, or experienced as unjust and might lead to feelings of fear and powerlessness.

Examples of distressing or impactful work-related events

Examples include exposure to violence or threats, large-scale emergencies, serious injury or death of a colleague, challenging fieldwork experiences, or encountering distressing content during research. During research, it is for example possible that involved researchers may encounter intense information or otherwise distressing situations, such as exposure to sensitive case files or impactful video material.

Guidance by TCO

In such cases, staff can reach out to TCO, which provides a safe and confidential space to share experiences and concerns, offer guidance on coping or organizing work, and refer to additional support if needed. All interactions follow ARQ guidelines.

Through the availability of TCO and its structured support process, potential emotional or psychological risks to staff can be promptly recognized and appropriately addressed.