The signs you are trustworthy have been revealed – and include never being late, not cancelling plans at the last minute and being able to keep secrets.

Researchers who polled 2,000 adults identified the indicators someone can be relied upon – with being a good listener and a tendency to help others featuring on the list.

Someone who is self-aware, calm-headed, not judgemental, and always there when you need them is also likely to be worthy of trust.

Being respectful of boundaries is important too, as is adhering to the rules rather than breaking them.

Commissioned by technical outdoor brand Helly Hansen, as part of its ‘trust is earned’ campaign, the study found the typical adult trusts seven people.

But four in 10 think recent events have shown who is truly trustworthy.

A spokeswoman for Helly Hansen said: “Trustworthiness has always been an important trait – it’s arguably the foundation of all relationships, personal or professional.

“But it must be earned, whether that’s confiding in a colleague, trusting in yourself to take on a new challenge or hiking in the mountains with friends.

“The purpose of our research was to show what it takes to earn trust – whether it’s within yourself, another person, a team or your kit – and findings suggest trust is hard to achieve.”

The study found 85 per cent of adults consider themselves to be trustworthy people.

But those polled claimed to have had their trust broken on an average of 14 occasions since they became an adult.

This might explain why more than half find it difficult to trust other people and also why seven in 10 think once their trust has been broken it can never be restored.

However, a quarter said recent events have made them more willing to let bygones be bygones and forgive, while one in 10 believe they’ve become more trusting this year.

But, the Helly Hansen study carried out through OnePoll found a whopping 90 per cent agree trust is earned.

It also identified the most trustworthy people in society – with health professionals, namely doctors and nurses, coming out on top.

Those who work in fire and rescue came second, while dentists were third.

A spokeswoman for Helly Hansen added: “For professionals working in harsh environments where the stakes are high, success cannot be achieved without trust.

“Trust enables you to do your job and follow your passions with complete focus and determination.

“Trust in your gear, your partners and your knowledge of terrain and weather conditions make the difference between an epic or bad experience in the outdoors.”

Sailor Hannah Stodel, three times World Champion, four times Paralympian, and Helly Hansen ambassador, said about trust: “It’s ultimately everything in sailing; the team that you surround yourself with are what keep you alive.

“You trust that they have done their jobs right, you trust that the kit you’re using is the best for the job, you trust that it will keep you warm, safe and dry.

“You trust your boat will keep on pushing through, you trust that you will get to the finish line, and you trust in your own ability to get there.”

TOP 30 SIGNS OF TRUST

1. They are reliable

2. They aren’t manipulative

3. They don’t share things said in confidence with others

4. They are consistent in their behaviour

5. They have integrity

6. Their words and behaviour match up

7. They haven’t broken your trust before

8. They respect boundaries

9. They listen to you

10. You know them very well

11. They are considerate towards you

12. They are willing to help

13. They are considerate towards others

14. They have been in your life for a long time

15. They are authentic

16. They don’t cancel plans last minute

17. They aren’t judgemental

18. They tend to be rational

19. They trust you

20. They are transparent

21. They don’t have a temper

22. They give you emotional support

23. They are calm-headed

24. They follow the rules

25. They don’t go AWOL for days at a time and are there when you need them

26. They resolve conflict in a healthy way

27. They have self-awareness

28. They are never late

29. They make a positive difference to society /help others

30. You share their principles