All KUF training is underpinned by a set of values, as outlined below:  

  • Lived experience of Complex Emotional Needs (or of a diagnosis of personality disorder) is valued in equal measure to work-related experience through authentic coproduction in all aspects of the design, delivery, evaluation, and quality assurance of the KUF training.
  • Diversity and accessibility are valued and promoted throughout all aspects of the KUF programmes.
  • There is a commitment to be anti-racist, anti-oppressive and inclusive in all aspects of training.
  • A psychological, trauma-informed approach to working with and engaging with people, which highlights the intersectional nature of all protected characteristics and social class, is embedded throughout the training. 
  • To enable an intersectional and inclusive approach, KUF training is committed to maintaining a continuous feedback loop between KUF trainers, students and the KUF Hub, particularly feedback from those of underrepresented backgrounds.
  • The contested nature of ‘personality disorder’ diagnosis, diagnostic concepts and other relevant terminology is acknowledged and discussed in the training. 
  • Connecting an individual’s past experiences, including the earliest attachment relationships and adverse childhood events, and the impact these may have on later ways of thinking and behaving are issues that are central to the training. 
  • Recognition is given to the importance of a relational approach to working with and engaging people with complex emotional needs across the lifespan. 
  • Sensitivity is shown to diverse lived experience, including those from underrepresented backgrounds who have experiences of trauma, neglect, stigma, discrimination and adversity. These important factors are addressed in the KUF training.
  • The training content promotes the development of effective communication and meaningful engagement, in a compassionate way that is responsive to diverse needs and contexts. 
  • Approaches to the work aim to develop self-awareness, curiosity, and critical reflection skills and an acknowledgement that people are likely to hold very different perspectives.
  • The training content is sensitive to the impact of working with trauma and neglect on teams and organisations, proving ways to understand how these can impact in the workplace.
  • Innovative approaches to experiential learning are utilised, recognising the importance of knowledge, skills and experiences that students bring to the learning environment, and with an appreciation of differing learning styles and preferences.
  • The learning is designed to take place in multiagency groups to promote the sharing of experience and expertise across sectors, including health, criminal justice and the third sector, which also applies to the training of new trainers.

KUF Hub Values Motif