27/06/2025
By Rik W, Training & Advocacy Manager at Offploy
When someone trusts you with a disclosure about their past, especially concerning a sensitive matter such as a criminal conviction, it is important to respond with empathy and understanding. Here’s how to take a disclosure well, react appropriately, and provide the support needed, especially if the disclosure triggers uncomfortable memories for you or the person confiding in you.
1. Listen with Empathy
Listening attentively and without judgment is the first step in handling a disclosure effectively. Allow the person to share their story at their own pace. Maintain eye contact, nod to show you’re listening, and refrain from interrupting. This demonstrates respect and creates a safe environment for open communication.
2. Acknowledge Their Courage
Recognise the bravery it took for the person to disclose such a personal and potentially distressing experience. Express your gratitude for their honesty and trust in confiding in you. A simple acknowledgment like, “Thank you for sharing this with me,” and “I can appreciate that cannot have been easy for you”, can validate their courage and reinforce the trust between you.
3. Offer Reassurance and Support
If the disclosure triggers uncomfortable memories or emotions for the person, offer reassurance that you are there to support them. Reassure them that their past does not define their worth or your opinion of them. Use phrases like, “I’m here for you,” or “You can count on me for support,” to convey your commitment.
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4. Validate Their Feelings
It’s natural for disclosures of past mistakes or regrets to evoke strong emotions. Validate their feelings by acknowledging the difficulty of their experience. Offer empathetic responses such as, “It’s understandable to feel [insert emotion], given what you’ve been through.” Validating their emotions helps them feel heard and understood.
5. Provide Practical Support
Depending on the situation, offer practical support to help them navigate any challenges related to their disclosure. This could include helping them access counselling services, assisting with job applications, or connecting them with relevant support organisations like probation services or charities that assist ex-offenders.
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Respect Their Privacy
Respect the person’s privacy and confidentiality. Avoid discussing their disclosure with others without their permission, as this could undermine the trust they’ve placed in you. Reassure them that their disclosure will remain confidential unless they decide otherwise.
7. Follow Up
After the initial disclosure conversation, follow up with the person to check in on how they are feeling. Reaffirm your support and willingness to help whenever needed. This ongoing support demonstrates your commitment to their well-being beyond the initial disclosure.
8. Look after yourself
If for any reason you have been upset by what you have heard and received don’t forget to let your line manager know and seek any help you may require.
Handling a disclosure about a criminal conviction with sensitivity requires empathy, active listening, and a commitment to support the person through their journey of rehabilitation and integration. By acknowledging their courage, offering reassurance, validating their feelings, and providing practical support, you can create a supportive environment where they feel valued and respected. Remember, your role is to be a compassionate listener and an ally in their path towards healing and personal growth.
About the Author
Rik has a combined honours degree in Law, and spent much of his career in the RAF as a Personnel Officer. Rik joined Offploy 6 years ago as a volunteer and then a Senior Social Employment Adviser and is now Offploy’s Training & Advocacy Manager. He delivers training all over the country to employers and frontline advisers. You can contact Rik through Rik@offploy.org
