About Shaneen Verma-Kainth

Creating safer, more inclusive and psychologically informed environments through training, consultancy and leadership.

I am a specialist in trauma-informed practice, sexual misconduct prevention and response, mental health, safeguarding and culture change, with over a decade of experience working with thousands of individuals, organisations and communities across higher education, public services and the voluntary sector.

My work focuses on helping organisations build confidence in responding to complex and sensitive issues while creating environments where people feel safe, supported and able to thrive.

Throughout my career, I have designed, developed and delivered training programmes, strategic initiatives and organisational responses relating to mental health, safeguarding, sexual misconduct, gender-based violence and wellbeing. I am passionate about translating complex topics into practical, engaging and meaningful learning experiences that create lasting impact.

Currently, I work as Sexual Harassment & Mental Health Training Lead at the University of Surrey, where I lead the development and delivery of training and initiatives that support safer and more inclusive environments for staff and students.

Alongside my role within higher education, I provide consultancy, facilitation and training through SVK Consultancy, supporting organisations across the UK to strengthen knowledge, confidence and practice in areas including:

• Sexual misconduct prevention and response 
• Trauma-informed practice 
• Mental health and wellbeing 
• Active bystander intervention 
• Responding to disclosures 
• Safeguarding 
• Psychological safety 
• Culture change and inclusion

My approach combines strategic insight, lived understanding of organisational challenges and extensive experience delivering training on complex and sensitive subjects.

Clients often come to me when they want to:

✓ Increase staff confidence in responding to disclosures

✓ Improve organisational responses to sexual misconduct

✓ Develop trauma-informed approaches and practices

✓ Strengthen safeguarding and wellbeing provision

✓ Create safer and more inclusive cultures

✓ Deliver engaging training that leads to meaningful change

I believe effective training should be practical, evidence-informed and grounded in real-world experiences. My sessions create space for reflection, discussion and learning while equipping participants with the confidence and skills needed to take action.

 I believe effective training should be practical, trauma-informed and grounded in real-world experience. My approach combines evidence-based practice with meaningful discussion, helping participants build confidence in responding to complex and sensitive situations. 

• Specialist expertise in sexual misconduct prevention and response 
• Extensive experience within higher education 
• Trauma-informed approach to learning and development 
• Ability to bridge policy, practice and culture change 
• Engaging, practical and evidence-informed delivery

My professional background spans higher education, statutory services, mental health, safeguarding, student support and organisational development.

I am a qualified Mental Health First Aid Instructor and hold a range of professional qualifications in project management, training development, safeguarding and leadership. My work has supported universities, charities, community organisations and professionals across a variety of sectors.