In this study of trust in academic development, we propose a framework to build trust between developers and faculty. This framework was conceptualized while reflecting on a teaching and learning programme and analysing the strategies for building trust that were apparent in its design. Our findings reveal that trust is built and sustained by establishing credibility, developing identity, and adding value. We share the approaches taken that made the programme more credible and valuable, and the emphasis placed on developing participants' academic identity. We argue for the deliberate consideration of trust as the coordinating factor in building productive relationships with faculty.