General

Since the restrictions put in place to manage the Covid-19 outbreak, LimeCulture has been continuously monitoring the situation to ensure the safety of our staff and our clients. Although some of LimeCulture’s work has continued throughout this period, much of our work has been paused or postponed since the end of March 2020.

Naturally, at LimeCulture we are keen to get back to supporting our clients and return to ‘business as usual’ as soon as we are safely able to do so. In light of recent announcements, it is our intention to resume all of our work from 1 July 2020, wherever it is possible to do so. This includes working with the services enrolled on the Independent Accreditation Programme, continuing our Projects and Consultancy work, and resuming our schedule of training programmes.

We believe the majority of our work can either be delivered remotely or through practicing social distancing wherever necessary. We are currently working hard to embed risk assessment and ‘covid-safe’ plans to support us to deliver our work moving forward.

In relation to our schedule of training, we took the decision at the end of March (when the restrictions were first put in place) to postpone the majority of our training courses, with the exception of a small number of our courses suitable for online/virtual delivery.

We remain committed to delivering the following (postponed) courses as quickly as it is safe to do so:

• ISVA Development Programme
• Advanced Development Programme Electives for accredited ISVAs
• Workshop for ISVA Managers
• Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO) Development Programme
• Supporting Male Victims/Survivors of Sexual Violence
• Crisis Worker Development Programme

We are currently working closely with our independent awarding body, NCFE, and our training venues to ensure the safety of our staff and delegates and assess whether alternate methods of delivery could reasonably be employed in the short term. Crucially, however, we are not willing to compromise on the standards of quality that our delegates have come to expect from LimeCulture training programmes. We are also determined to ensure that our delegates should continue to be guaranteed a rich and supportive learning experience, with the opportunity to interact meaningfully with our expert trainers and fellow delegates throughout the duration of our courses. As such, we have agreed that we will only deliver training using methods that allows delegates to authentically explore the content, embed the learning to shape operational practices and create relationships that continue to support them as professionals.

We will be making contact with delegates already booked onto the above (postponed) courses over the coming weeks to discuss new dates for the training courses. However, if you have any questions in the meantime then please do not hesitate to contact us via info@limeculture.co.uk

Best wishes from the LimeCulture Team

18 May 2020

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The team at LimeCulture Community Interest Company would like to extend their congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer, who was elected on Saturday as the new Leader of the Labour Party.

Keir is the Chair of LimeCulture CIC’s Independent Advisory Board and has undertaken this voluntary role since January 2018. During this time he has provided us with invaluable support and strategic advice, helping us to become the organisation that we are today. Keir has been a longstanding supporter of victims/survivors of sexual violence, and a passionate advocate of the need to improve the professional response to sexual violence.

Congratulations Keir, from all of us at LimeCulture!

 

LimeCulture CIC are continuously monitoring the impact of COVID-19, along with all government advice as it becomes available. As such, we have made the decision to postpone all of our training programmes scheduled to take place between now and the end of April 2020. We will be making contact with all of the delegates who are booked and due to attend our training programmes during this timeframe.

We will, of course, continue to monitor the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our ability to deliver our scheduled training beyond April 2020 and will make updated statements and contact with our delegates as decisions are made in the coming weeks.

Unfortunately, at this moment in time, it is not yet possible to provide alternative dates for any training deliveries that need to be postponed. In common with everyone else, we do not know when we will return to ‘business as usual’ or when we can resume our training schedule. However, we are committed to delivering our training programmes as quickly as possible when it is safe to do so. We can confirm that anybody who is already booked to attend any of the training programmes that are postponed, will be guaranteed a place on rescheduled courses. Any training fees that have already been paid will be transferred to the new course dates.

Thank you in advance for your understanding at this challenging time. 

Best wishes to all our clients, partners and colleagues from everyone at LimeCulture CIC

25 March 2020

Over the weekend, the Directors of LimeCulture put in place a plan for LimeCulture to manage the impact of Corona virus (COVID-19). Our plan will be continuously monitored by our Senior Management Team and any necessary changes made as required, and communicated as necessary.

At present, the Directors of LimeCulture have agreed that we will continue to operate a ‘business as usual’ model. This means that all of our training, events, reviews, site visits and meetings will go ahead as scheduled and planned. We will be working with our partners, including training venues, to ensure that hand-washing facilities and general standards of cleanliness are acceptable and in line with the Government’s advice.

In the event of changing Government advice, or should LimeCulture’s ability to deliver on our commitments become impossible, we will update our plan accordingly and communicate this with clients, customers and partners as quickly as possible in order to reduce the impact on others as best we can.

For more information about Corona Virus pleased visit the Government’s website for official advice. 

LimeCulture is delighted to announce that Luke Martin has joined their team as a Consultant Project Manager to lead the development of new Quality Standards for Services Supporting Male Victims/Survivors of Domestic Abuse. 

This exciting project is being funded by the Home Office and will seek to engage commissioners, service providers and importantly, male victims/survivors of domestic abuse, in the development of new standards that aim to improve quality and consistency of the services available to support males.

Luke brings with him a wealth of professional knowledge and experience in the domestic abuse sector. His impressive career includes working as a frontline professional supporting victims/survivors and as a trainer working with frontline professionals to develop their skills to support victims/survivors. Luke has also previously worked within a Local Authority, which provided him with invaluable experience of working within a commissioning organisation responsible for domestic abuse services. He is an adept project manager, with experience of delivering similar projects to support male victims/survivors. 

 

In the coming weeks, Luke will be begin consulting with professionals and services currently supporting males, commissioners and funders of domestic abuse services, and directly with male victims/survivors of domestic abuse in order to:

• gather information which will enable us to develop Quality Standard that are fit for purpose and address the quality expectations of services supporting males
• seek professional and service providers views on the scope of the quality standards, and what they should include
• engage with male victims/survivors about their experiences of accessing support services to ensure their views are central to the development of the Quality Standards. 

For more information about the development of the Quality Standards for Male Victims/Survivors of Domestic Abuse please contact Luke.Martin@limeculture.co.uk

 

LimeCulture are delighted to announce the shortlisted nominations for the 2019 LimeLight Awards.  The winners will be revealed by Dame Vera Baird QC, Victims Commissioner for England and Wales, during a special ceremony at our inaugural Sexual Violence Liaion Oficer (SVLO) conference on Tuesday 10th December 2019 in London.

The LimeLight Awards are being introduced for the first time for qualified SVLOs and SVMLOs (in Scotland) working in universities and HEIs with the aim of acknowledging the outstanding contributions and achievements of individual SVLOs/SVMLOs, SVLO/SVMLO Teams and SVLO/SVMLO Managers.

LimeCulture are keen to celebrate the excellence, dedication and commitment to supporting victims of sexual violence demonstrated by SVLOs and SVMLOs through their work and will be presenting the awards at our inaugural SVLO Conference on 10th December 2019 in London.

There are 3 LimeLight Awards:

• Award for an individual SVLO/SVMLO
• Award for a SVLO/SVMLO Team
• Award for a SVLO/SVMLO Manager

Here at LimeCulture we have been absolutely blown away by the nominations that have been sent in for this years’ LimeLight Awards. We’ve received brilliant nominations in each of the three categories, which is absolutely fantastic and shows the commitment to support these awards.

All of the categories have now been carefully considered as part of the shortlisting process, by different members of the LimeCulture Core Team so as to be as fair and objective as possible.

 

 

 

 

 

 

LimeLight Awards – Shortlisted Nominees 2019

Award 1: LimeLight Award for Outstanding Achievement by a SVLO or SVMLO

This LimeLight Award celebrates the achievements of an individual SVLO/SVMLO supporting students who has demonstrated commitment, passion and exceptional encouragement and support for their clients.

Our 2019 shortlisted nominations for this award are:

Jill Austen, Buckinghamshire New University

Pete Mandeville, University of Oxford

 

Award 2:  LimeLight Award for a SVLO or SVMLO Team / Service.

This award looks to recognise and reward UK-based SVLO/SVMLO teams or services of all sizes who are leading the way in the provision of SVLO/SVMLO services, regardless of how long the service has been established, who are delivering new and innovative practice.

Our 2019 shortlisted nominations for this award are:

University of Oxford

University of Stirling

 

Award 3: LimeLight Award for an Inspirational SVLO/SVMLO Manager

This LimeLight award seeks to recognise and reward a SVLO/SVMLO Manager who has taken a fresh approach to leading, developing and managing an SVLO/SVMLO Service or Team.

Our 2019 shortlisted nominations for this award are:

Julie Spencer, University of Lincoln

Annie Jennings, London South Bank University

LimeCulture would like to congratulate each of the nominees that have been shortlisted for a LimeLight Award.  With the existence of such a committed and dynamic SVLO workforce, to be nominated for a LimeLight Award is a great achievement.  Each of the shortlisted nominees should be extremely proud of this important professional achievement.

We would also like to express our thanks to everybody who took the time to nominate an SVLO, SVMLO, Team or Manager for a LimeLight Award.  There are clearly many individuals, teams and managers providing excellent services throughout the country.  From reading the impressive nominations, is clear to us at LimeCulture that all of the nominees are truly appreciated by others, whether it be peers, colleagues, managers and/or the people that they support.  Well done to each and every one of you!

The shortlisted nominations will be reviewed by Professor Susan Lea, Vice-Chancellor, University of Hull.  Professor Lea is also a member of LimeCulture’s Independent Advisory Board and has agreed to select the winner of each category, which will be announced at the inaugural conference on 10th December.

 

 

As we approach the end of the first year of our Independent Accreditation programme for the Quality Standards for Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) Services, we’ve been taking a look at the mostly highs and lows (missed travel connections – nothing to do with the standards programme!).  We’ve been working with lots of ISVA services from up and down the country, but in addition to travelling a fair few miles we thought we would share with you some of our thoughts at this time.

At the start of the year we were thrilled to welcome Charlotte Bond to the team as an Accreditation Manager.  Charlotte is an experienced ISVA, and since joining us she has been leading our work on accrediting the ISVA quality standards and is the brains behind the evidence guide, and frequently asked questions.  With the addition of a second Accreditation Manager, and two separate accreditation programmes with over fifty services enrolled at any one time as you can imagine there is some quite complicated programme management, and other logistics and so in the spring Rachel Donald joined the team to take responsibility for all our administration.  Rachel has been keeping us on the straight and narrow ever since.

Over the summer, our lead Accreditation Manager for the Male Quality Standards programme, Tom Leavesley-Matthews, left us for pastures new.  We have been looking for the right person to fill the space he left, and we are delighted to be able to confirm that we have been able to appoint.  Our latest recruit will be joining us to work on the programme soon which also means we will be back to full strength by the end of the year.

We always knew that ISVA services can vary considerably between providers and commissioners, and across geographical areas.  Throughout the process, we have been capturing any learning points identified to keep our published guidance documents up to date and we have also written a Frequently Asked Questions document to address these. (available at https://limeculture.co.uk/accreditation/).

Despite the differences, we have also found some common challenges services experience. Obtaining valuable feedback and wellbeing outcomes are often listed a consistent difficulty, due to the nature of the work and the vulnerabilities of the clients involved.  However, a very positive theme we identify in a lot of services is the commitment to prioritise staff & client welfare.

As you are aware, the process from self-assessment to site visit and accreditation takes around a year to complete.  Our aim for each service is to work with them to ensure that they have realistic action plans and a work programme to achieve accreditation within a year of starting the process.  Some services have been very proactive and have achieved the award well within the year timescale.  They have given us some really positive feedback about the support they have received from the accreditation team, and we are really pleased to have been given permission to share this with you.

‘We have found the experience supportive and beneficial to us as an organisation from start to finish.  It really did feel like you were working alongside us to ensure that we had the best possible service for our clients.’ FreeVA

 

‘I would personally like to thank your team for all their support and guidance, they made the process a lot less daunting than expected…thank you!’ SV2

We are currently accepting applications for the next wave due to commence in January 2020. If you would like to join the programme and be able to promote your ISVA service with the Quality Mark, visit https://limeculture.co.uk/accreditation/ or email accreditation@limeculture.co.uk for more information.

LimeCulture are delighted to share with you details of our LimeLight Awards to be presented at our SVLO Conference on 10^th December 2019, Woburn House, London.

The LimeLight Awards are being introduced for the first time for qualified Sexual Violence Liaison Officers (Sexual Violence & Misconduct Liaison Officers in Scotland) working in universities and HEIs with the aim of acknowledging the outstanding contributions and achievements of individual SVLOs/SVMLOs, SVLO/SVMLO Teams and SVLO/SVMLO Managers. LimeCulture are keen to celebrate the excellence, dedication and commitment to supporting victims of sexual violence demonstrated by SVLOs and SVMLOs through their work.

There are 3 LimeLight Awards:

• Award for an individual SVLO/SVMLO
• Award for a SVLO/SVMLO Team
• Award for a SVLO/SVMLO Manager

By the end of 2019, we will have supported more than 200 SVLOs and SVMLOs from 44 different universities to complete our accredited SVLO/SVMLO Development Programme and work within their universities to deliver high-quality, independent and professional support services to students reporting sexual violence within universities. We have been delighted to see the increase in the number of universities adopting the SVLO/SVMLO model.  With this increase, we are also seeing universities commit to provision of high-quality, innovative, professional services that meet the complex needs of the people who use the services.

LimeCulture’s view is that SVLOs/SVMLOs and their services deserve to be properly recognised for the important, challenging and professional work they do to support those who have experienced sexual violence.  The LimeLight Awards are intended to be a first step in the direction of professional recognition of SVLOs and SVMLOs and their services.

This year’s LimeLight Awards will be presented at our inaugural SVLO Conference ‘The Sexual Violence Liaison Officer Model: Sharing the Learning and Enabling Progress’ on 10^th December 2019 at Woburn House, 20 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9HQ.

Why enter?

Winning an award will bring unparalleled recognition for the teams and individuals behind the outstanding achievements.  You or your nominee will benefit from national publicity, recognition for being the best in your field and the chance to share best practice.

If you know a SVLO or SVMLO, a team of SVLOs/SVMLOs or a SVLO/SVMLO manager that you think are deserving of an award, why not nominate them?  Perhaps you have been doing some exciting and innovative work with the people you work with? If so, why not nominate your own team for an award?

How to enter?

The nomination for any LimeLight Award can be submitted between Wednesday 18^th September and Friday 1^st November 2019

For further information, guidance and nomination forms please visit our LimeLight Awards 2019 page.