Independent Sexual Violence Adviser Practitioner Diploma Programme

The Survivors Trust is the only organisation in the UK that provides an accredited diploma qualification for Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs). We contributed to the Home Office's development of National Occupational Standards for the ISVA role published in 2017, and have trained around 400 individuals since 2010.

“After years working as an ISVA, I had the opportunity to do the formal ISVA training. This has not only acted as a comprehensive refresher course, but I have learnt new information, made new contacts and had the valuable experience of hearing how other ISVAs practice. I’ve reflected on my practices and found better ways to do them.”

Previous ISVA Student

ISVAs provide emotional support and guidance for anyone that has experienced sexual violence at any point in their lives. ISVAs are trained to look after the needs of their clients, and to ensure that they receive care and understanding. They help victim-survivors to understand how the criminal justice process works, and explain things such as what will happen if they report to the police, and the importance and process of forensic DNA retrieval. ISVAs are there to provide clients with the information they need to make the right decision for them. They do not pressure clients into reporting any offence to the police. They are a figure of trust, empathy and respect.

Our training focuses on a survivor focused ethos, meaning that we train our ISVAs to have their clients needs at the centre of all their work.

Our Course

The aims of the ISVA Practitioner Programme are:

To provide high quality training specific to the role of ISVA working with rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse and childhood sexual abuse;
To equip ISVA practitioners with the information and skills they need to work effectively for and on behalf of their clients and to provide a clear understanding of the role of an ISVA including awareness of criminal justice processes, partnership working and inter-agency work on sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse;
To promote and work on the principle that this programme is recognised nationally for practice for working with sexual violence and abuse issues;
To ensure all victims of sexual crime gain appropriate care and provision to help towards the recovery process.

	2023 Course Dates (AVAILABLE) *Please note, the final two days (Session 5) will be delivered face-to-face in our office in Rugby, Warwickshire. A hybrid option might be available. Please get in touch to discuss.	P34	P35
Session 1	Foundations Skills and Knowledge for ISVAs	19^th & 20^th July	20^th & 21^st September
Session 2	Planning and Protection	16^th & 17^th August	18^th & 19^th October
Session 3	Effective Partnerships	13^th & 14^th September	15^th & 16^th November
Session 4	Communication, Diversity and Equality	11^th & 12^th October	13^th & 14^th December
Session 5*	ISVAs in Action - Court and Beyond	8^th & 9^th November	10^th & 11^th January 2024

Qualification Gained

The Survivors Trust ISVA Practitioner Training Programme has been specifically designed to provide key learning outcomes and course material to ensure participants are equipped to meet the requirements, demands and challenges of delivering effective ISVA practice and provision for working with victims and survivors of all forms of sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse.

Participants will benefit from a range of learning opportunities, including use of case studies, presentations, group discussions, observation, reflective logs, written and practical assessment.

External presentations are an important feature of the course ensuring additional expert input in key areas of the training programme, including child protection and the law.

Participants will gain an accredited diploma qualification at Level 4 (equivalent to A/S, A2, Access, GNVQ Advanced) with AIM Qualifications, representing 175 hours of learning. This comprises 60 teaching hours and 115 hours of self-directed study and coursework completion.

Entry Requirements

Participation in this course will involve use of IT and internet systems, including Word, Excel and Internet Explorer. If this will pose any difficulties, please contact us to discuss.

For students in employment, acceptance on the ISVA Training Programme is conditional upon participants being supported to attend the course by the organisation they are employed by. This includes ensuring additional study time for this course has been agreed with a student’s Line Manager, prior to registration.

If the course is oversubscribed, priority will be given to applicants from The Survivors Trust member organisations who are currently working as ISVAs. The Survivors Trust reserves the right to allocate places.

We also welcome independent students who are not currently employed in the Sexual Violence sector onto the course. We ask that these students speak with our Training & Development Manager before applying.

Format of Course

The course uses a variety of learning techniques to ensure we get the best out of all students. There will be presentations, group discussions, case studies, reflective logs, and written and practical assessments and observations. The programme runs over 10 days, divided into 5 two-day training events. Each day starts at 09:30, finishes at 16:30 and there is an hour’s lunch break in the middle, and short breaks either side.

The ISVA Programme Sessions will focus on providing ISVA practitioners with clear knowledge and understanding of the ISVA role and will develop all the skills ISVA practitioners need to meet the demands and challenges of the role.

Training Venue

The first four sessions of the course will be delivered online using a combination of Zoom and GiraffePad. Support will be given to ensure participants can confidently use these systems.

The final two days (Session 5) will be delivered face-to-face in our office in Rugby, Warwickshire, which is situated within walking distance of Rugby Train Station and the town centre. On-site parking is available.

Course Fees

Course fees include registration fees, accreditation and course materials (including handouts and further reading). VAT is not chargeable. In recognition of the funding pressures experienced within the sector, The Survivors Trust has maintained course fees which represent a generous subsidy against estimated full-cost recovery of £3,000 per student:
The Survivors Trust member organisations	£2,100
Independent Students – not being sponsored	£2,100
Voluntary Sector Organisation	£2,250
Statutory Sector Sexual Violence Service	£2,450

Cancellation Terms

We operate a 14-day cancellation period. If you cancel less than 14 days before the course begins, we will deduct a 30% administration fee from the payment made to us. If you are cancelling your place on the course due to financial hardship, please get in touch with us to discuss.

Registration

To register, or for further information please contact:

[email protected]

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Our Trainers

Linda Lewis is an independent Training Consultant with 10 years’ experience of providing training to Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVA’s) and to ISVA Service Managers on a national basis. She understands how challenging these roles can be, along with the levels of responsibility and accountability they come with, having Managed Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Services in the voluntary sector.
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