Working on trust
Working on trust starts with understanding what you focus on and why. People usually talk about trust when there is an issue in a collaboration. It can be challenging to identify the cause and the best approach. We always investigate the underlying needs before we start to work focused and effectively on your area of development.
If you have just started a new collaboration, it is essential to focus on building trust. If you have been working together for some time, there is often a greater need to strengthen or maintain trust. And for other groups, the focus is on restoring trust after a past incident. Each approach is different, and together we decide the best-suited services for your situation.
The Model
Our founder, Dr Pauline Voortman, developed a practical model for fostering a culture of trust. This approach is further defined in her book ‘Vertrouwen als kompas’ and forms the foundation of the work we do at Trustworks. The model consists of five key elements:
- A clear mission and shared values.
- Well-defined roles, tasks, and responsibilities.
- Strong, supportive relationships.
- Thoughtful self-reflection and mutual reflection.
- Open and effective communication.
The scan
Building on her model, Pauline developed a tool we call the ‘Trust-Scan’. This scan assesses key areas of development for both groups and individuals. We use the Trust-Scan at the start of our programs to help identify priorities and provide the best starting point for growth.
Evidence-based
We work in an evidence-based way, meaning our approach is grounded in current scientific research. Both our model and the ‘Trust-Scan’ are part of this. They were developed from Dr. Pauline Voortman’s doctoral research on building a culture of trust in organisations. In our programs, we share these scientific insights and translate them into practical methods and tools. Working this way matters to us because we feel a strong responsibility to help organisations build trust in an accessible, reliable, and proven way.
Trust Facilitator
At Trustworks, we’re not traditional consultants; we’re facilitators. From our experience, people in organisations grow best when knowledge is shared and experiences allow new insights to be applied in practice. As trust experts, we stand alongside you. We ask challenging questions, create impactful experiences, and collaborate with you on tailored, long-term solutions. Together, we take responsibility for the process and support you in reaching your goals. This way, we build stronger organisations that achieve lasting results.
We don’t believe in reports that end up forgotten in a drawer. We believe in processes that create space, spark movement, and make a lasting difference. Trust isn’t built in a single inspiring session; it develops through learning, doing, and taking responsibility. On this journey, we’re your expert partner.
Our interventions
Group
conversations
Serious
games
Campfire
conversations
Action
research
Trust scan
Participation
excercises
Collaboration
excercises
Communication
excercises
Reflection
tools
Strategy
sessions
Guided
conversations
Individual
coaching
Training
Dialogue
Team
building
Keynotes
Team
coaching
The impact of greater trust
Organisations where employees experience high levels of trust enjoy significant advantages compared to those with low trust (Zak, 2017):
- 74% less stress
- 106% more energy at work
- 50% higher productivity
- 13% fewer sick days
- 76% greater engagement
- 40% lower burnout rates
Our
services
Development on three levels
We offer development on three levels, enabling us to address the unique needs of each group effectively. Trust works a little differently depending on the context you’re in, whether it’s a team, a department, or a leader.
