Working at the IWF is no ordinary job. Every day, we’re on the front line of the global fight against child sexual abuse material. It’s demanding, intense work carried out by our in-house team.
“It’s real people doing this very difficult work – not machines or technology,” says Samantha O’Byrne, Head of Human Resources.
“Looking after them is of paramount importance.”
Wellbeing isn’t an afterthought; it’s embedded in everything we do. Our proactive, holistic approach is constantly evolving to ensure our team thrives, from recruitment to retirement.
The wellbeing journey begins before someone starts. For roles that involve exposure to distressing material, we’ve adopted a trauma-informed recruitment process. Emotional resilience is as important as technical skills, so candidates meet with counsellors during interviews to ensure they fully understand the work and feel supported from day one.
Training is carefully structured. For our Hotline, this starts with pre-screened material to build skills without overwhelming exposure. Our taskforce, who grade images, follow strict schedules. We limit direct exposure to child sexual abuse content to five hours daily, with hourly breaks and a firm cut-off at 4pm. Overtime is prohibited, and breaks are encouraged whenever needed - no questions asked.
These measures ensure employees can process their work, recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Counselling is a key part of our wellbeing strategy. For image-viewing staff, it’s mandatory - removing any stigma and reinforcing the importance of mental health.
“It’s about creating a safe space where people can process thoughts and emotions before they pile up,” explains Samantha. “Counselling allows staff to address challenges head-on, in a routine, proactive way.”
Flexible options, including walk-and-talk sessions and emergency appointments, ensure that counselling is available in a way that best suits the recipient and that it is always accessible, whether for work-related issues or personal challenges. Every image-viewing employee undergoes an annual assessment with a clinical psychologist, and trained mental health first-aiders are always available for a chat, for all our staff.
Wellbeing at the IWF addresses every aspect of life - emotional, physical, social and financial. Small, consistent actions create a culture of care and balance. Our office includes stress-relief outlets like pool tables, ping-pong, VR headsets, jigsaws and even a dog-friendly policy.
Employees enjoy free fruit, coffee, twice yearly massages, annual flu vaccinations and access to financial planning resources.
“We need to build an environment of psychological safety,” says Samantha. At the IWF, this means fostering openness, connection and continuous improvement. Feedback from employees shapes our wellbeing strategy, keeping it effective and relevant. Cross-department knowledge-sharing sessions, team awaydays and routine reviews strengthen bonds and refine our approach.
External audits help us maintain high standards and, when employees move on, they’re offered counselling sessions to support their transition. Returning employees, such as those coming back from parental leave, receive tailored reintegration plans to help them re-engage with their roles.
As one IWF employee says, “the IWF has a harmonious working culture where we work as one entity, with each component, team and individual constructively engaging and working together with a can-do attitude.”
Our mission demands empathy, but empathy can come with risks. Exposure to traumatic content can lead to secondary stress, hyper-vigilance, and can strain personal relationships. By prioritising wellbeing, we keep our team resilient and ready to tackle the complex challenges of fighting online child sexual abuse.
“Collaboration is central to our mission, and we actively share our wellbeing practices with other organisations, including our Members and law enforcement,” explains Samantha. “By offering insights into what works for us, we see others adapt our strategies and make positive changes within their teams. Knowing that our approach is making a difference beyond the IWF is deeply rewarding, and it’s inspiring to see how, together, we’re building stronger support networks for those on the front line.”
Wellbeing at the IWF is a living, breathing commitment, evolving through feedback, research and clinical advice. Supporting our team’s wellbeing isn’t just the right thing to do - it’s the foundation of our people strategy. By investing in welfare, we ensure they can continue their life-changing work, protecting children and creating a safer internet for all.
Find out more about our shared values and staff welfare.