Workforce Development Branch

The Workforce Development Branch focuses on how learning is shared to promote trauma-informed cultures in organisations and workplaces. It reflects the Network’s commitment to creating psychologically safer spaces, challenging power imbalances, reducing jargon, and empowering through transparency, innovation, and reflective learning.

“Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives.”

– Dr Bessel Van Der Kolk

Read our Working Together Guide

Building Trauma-Informed Workplaces

The Workforce Development Branch provides advice and support to the wider Network on training and workforce development opportunities that enhance our understanding of trauma-informed and shame-sensitive practice. Acting as the advisory group—inclusive of the voice of lived experience—for the Trauma Informed Plymouth Network and its CIC directors, the branch helps sustain funding, oversee training activities, and ensure alignment with the Network’s vision, values, and code of ethics.

We co-produce learning materials, explore access to trauma-informed supervision and staff support, and work in partnership with organisations such as the Plymouth Alliance. Through collaboration and shared learning, we aim to empower workforces, strengthen relationships, and build psychologically safer and more compassionate workplaces.

A woman with shoulder-length red hair sits at a table wearing a black top with colorful embroidered detail and a green lanyard. She is looking slightly to the side and holding a pen, with other people seated and talking in the blurred background, suggesting a conference or group discussion setting.

Branch Lead: Gemma Gowan

I am Gemma and I have worked in a variety of roles over the last 20 years, with experience in public health, social prescribing, substance use work and mental health. I describe having a ‘penny drop’ moment when I first undertook the Trauma Informed training in 2020 and am delighted to be part of the team now delivering this to workforces across the city.

I love learning and have recently started learning how to swim. I enjoy spending my weekends in nature with my family either on foot or on bikes.

Become a branch member!

* Note that by becoming a branch member you will also become a member of the

Trauma Network, and therefore may occasionally receive Network wide communications.




Join our movement for change

Our ambition is for Plymouth to be a trauma-informed city. Our independent network is open to anyone connected with Plymouth with a desire to learn about and promote trauma informed ways of being. You too can join our Network and help Plymouth become a safer and kinder place, where the impact of trauma and adversity is both recognised and responded to with sensitivity and compassion.

Become a member