## Gain trust

Some might say that the truth is the truth and students have the right to believe in conspiracy theories. But in these cases you really need to know what you’re doing, because it’s the thin edge of the wedge if all truth is relative. In practice, this is generally not the best way to gain your students’ trust, while gaining their trust is essential. How do you do that?

#### Reliable, committed professional​

If you want to be a committed professional who your students can rely on:

- communicate your norms and boundaries clearly;
- be open about your concerns and discuss them at an early stage;
- where possible, let your students know about contacts with other professionals;
- and where possible, speak to, not about, the student in question.

The next page deals with the fourth point, talking to the student.