Why is this initiative so crucial? How does it transform the daily lives of teams and the quality of care provided?
Discover the shared insights of Anne Picard, founder of AX’AIDE, and Karine Wingel, Managing Director of the Haarp Association (Disability, Autism, Association Réunie du Parisis), who chose this solution for herself and her teams.
They share their vision and the tangible benefits of this certification in building a sustainable and recognised culture of kindness.
Anne Picard – AX’AIDE
1. Why did you create a training programme dedicated to the Kindness Referent?
“No initial training, regardless of hierarchical level or specialty in our medico-social, social, early childhood or healthcare sectors, specifically addresses kindness and abuse.
The role of the Kindness and Abuse Prevention Referent is to be a true expert, able to inform all stakeholders, including the people being cared for and their families, and to train their peers. They compensate for the lack of training on these topics among professionals.”
If we want to build a culture of kindness, all professionals in our sectors must be trained in both these themes.
2. How is the Kindness Referent – Manager Certification a logical follow-up to your training?
“It provides third-party, neutral and professional validation of the knowledge gained. It’s a real recognition for participants and organisations.
This demanding certification is a guarantee of how these skills are implemented in the field. The certification requirements fall into three categories:
- Demonstrate knowledge of kindness and abuse prevention
- Prove the ability to train others on these topics
- Define the mission and role of the Kindness Referent in collaboration with their management
Taking a certification exam is a strong commitment, and our referents are deeply invested in succeeding.
I’ve been leading training courses for nearly 30 years, and I see a clear added value compared to standard training, where implementation sometimes never happens.”
3. What are the profiles of Referents certified by Apave Certification?
“All specialties and hierarchical levels are trained.
Having a director, a team manager, an educator and a caregiver from the same structure in the same training session creates a real dynamic. It’s a powerful driver for any organisation wishing to foster a culture of kindness and abuse prevention: shared reference points, awareness of key issues, unified language, methodologies and tools.
It’s crucial for a director to feel supported by internal allies.”
4. What’s the current trend in the sector regarding certification by Apave?
“In 2022, the Social Action and Families Code introduced an official definition of abuse that goes far beyond previous frameworks.
The latest HAS (French National Health Authority) recommendations from October 2024 suggest having referents in organisations – a first.
The National Plan Against Abuse (2024–2027) calls to ‘Raise awareness and train care home managers and professionals in social, medico-social, and healthcare sectors on abuse prevention’.
Since 2024, all organisational projects are required to include an abuse prevention plan.
The foundations are now in place. These initiatives are going in the right direction and reflect the magnitude of the challenge. Silence or difficulty discussing these issues is no longer an option.
More and more, managers and service providers are investing in these topics, and demand for in-house certified referents is growing rapidly.”
5. Why do you say that kindness should be considered a form of sustainable development?
“There are three pillars to sustainable development: economic, environmental and social.
Kindness and the fight against abuse fall under the social pillar. We are working for the future.
We are all already affected by kindness: who isn’t or won’t be concerned by a child in nursery? An elderly person? A disabled relative?
So each of us can say there is an urgency here too to find solutions.
Raising awareness across the board by certifying referents is a proven and effective solution.”
Client Organisation: Karine Wingel – Haarp Association
What motivated you to enrol your employees in this certification programme?
“It was important for the Haarp Association (Disability, Autism, Respect and Sharing Support) to support our teams in their daily work.
This approach to kindness and abuse prevention gives real meaning to their fieldwork.
This certification formalises the vital role of kindness.”
How did the journey (training followed by certification) go for your teams?
“The labelling process (various training and certification stages) went smoothly throughout. The training organisation Ax’aide guided us step by step.
It’s essential to select professionals who are motivated and engaged.
We witnessed a genuine increase in their skills. They became more aware of their strategic role in supporting people with disabilities.
They also developed a strong interest in these complex and inspiring subjects.”
What tangible benefits have you observed since the certification?
“We have noticed more consistent day-to-day practices and better communication among professionals.
It has created greater legitimacy for the 32 certified referents among 420 employees.
Thanks to this labelling process, we’ve created a library of 32 short, usable training sessions that cover all topics related to kindness and abuse prevention.
Certified staff now raise awareness among frontline professionals throughout the year, keeping the topic of kindness and abuse prevention alive.
This certification is a true and lasting wealth of expertise.”
Why did you, as the Managing Director of the Haarp Association, decide to undergo the training and certification yourself?
“For me, it was obvious.
On one hand, the subject of kindness and abuse prevention is essential in our daily practice and must resonate with all staff across the association.
On the other hand, as Managing Director, I believe it’s important to lead by example and show my commitment and sensitivity to this vital topic in our professions.
This certification process also strengthens my expertise, allowing me to better lead our management teams and support the association’s strategic direction.”
Final Words: What message would you like to share with organisations hesitating to get involved?
Anne Picard – AX’AIDE:
“Developing a culture of kindness and abuse prevention requires methodology, tools, a clear message, and both theoretical and practical input for all professionals.
It can’t just be a well-meaning intention.
It can’t be pushed back to ‘maybe next year’s training plan’.”
Karine Wingel – Haarp Association:
“Go for it! Certification provides real momentum for your teams. It’s a strong, meaningful signal.”
Thank you to AX’AIDE and the Haarp Association for their inspiring testimonials.
Together, let’s make kindness a certified professional skill, in service of respect, active listening, and quality support.
Find out more about our Kindness Referent or Manager Certification and the Kindness-Friendly Establishment Label.
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