About the training

LimeCulture’s flagship ISVA Development Programme is a comprehensive professional development programme leading to the Level 3 Award for the Independent Sexual Violence Adviser, a nationally recognised regulated qualification.

Designed for both new and experienced ISVAs, the programme develops the specialist knowledge, practical skills and professional judgement required to provide safe, effective and trauma-informed support to victims and survivors of sexual violence.

More than a training course, the ISVA Development Programme provides a structured learning journey that supports delegates to become competent, confident and reflective practitioners.

Drawing on more than 15 years of experience developing the ISVA workforce, the programme reflects current government guidance, national policy developments and best practice, ensuring high-quality, relevant training that equips ISVAs with the knowledge and skills needed to deliver effective, trauma-informed support.

The programme equips delegates to:

  • Maintain clear and professional boundaries
  • Accurately identify risk, vulnerability and support needs
  • Prioritise client safety and wellbeing
  • Apply trauma-informed approaches in practice
  • Navigate criminal justice and partner agency processes with confidence
  • Exercise sound professional judgement in complex situations

Delivered entirely online over six consecutive weeks, the programme consists of six modules, each comprising two consecutive training days (12 days in total). All learning and assessment activities are integrated into the live sessions, meaning delegates are not required to complete any additional coursework outside of the scheduled training days.

Course Suitability

The ISVA Development Programme is ideal for:

  • New ISVAs starting their career in the role
  • Practising ISVAs who have not yet completed formal professional training
  • Individuals aspiring to become an ISVA

The programme provides core professional training applicable across all client groups. Following successful completion, ISVAs working in specialist settings, such as those supporting children and young people, may wish to undertake further specialist training, including LimeCulture’s Elective Programmes, to develop their knowledge and skills in these areas.

LimeCulture’s inclusive teaching approach uses a variety of learning methods to support different learning styles. Reasonable adjustments can be made to ensure full participation for all delegates.

Learning Objectives

Each module contains a comprehensive syllabus of challenging content designed to equip ISVAs with the practical skills and knowledge they need in their role, taught over two consecutive days to minimise the amount of time ISVAs are away from their services.

Modules are delivered over two consecutive days to minimise time away from frontline services whilst allowing delegates to build and embed their learning over time.

By the end of the programme, delegates will have completed the following 6 modules:

1
The social context of sexual violence and understanding trauma
2
The role and principles of an Independent Sexual Violence Adviser
3
Assessing risk and support
4
Understanding the criminal justice process and legal frameworks
5
Understanding the criminal justice process and service provision
6
Safeguarding in ISVA practice

Outcomes & Benefits

For delegates, successful completion of the programme will provide:

  • A nationally recognised regulated qualification
  • Practical knowledge and skills that can be applied immediately in practice
  • A comprehensive understanding of the ISVA role and professional boundaries
  • Enhanced competence in trauma-informed practice, risk assessment and safeguarding
  • Increased confidence when navigating criminal justice processes and multi-agency working
  • Greater professional confidence and capability in the ISVA role

For organisations the programme helps organisations develop:

  • Professionally qualified ISVAs trained by the leading provider of ISVA professional development
  • A workforce with the knowledge, skills and professional judgement required for the role
  • Confidence that staff have completed a robust programme of learning and assessment
  • Compliance with current statutory guidance, national standards and best practice

This course at a glance

Date:

25 January to 2 March 2027
£

Cost

£2,575 plus VAT per delegate

Location

Online

Accreditation and Certification

The programme leads to the Level 3 Award for the Independent Sexual Violence Adviser.

LimeCulture’s ISVA training programme offers a faster route to qualification, completed over six consecutive weeks, with all assessments undertaken during scheduled learning hours and no additional portfolio work required outside the classroom.

Successful learners receive their qualification promptly upon completion. Delivered by LimeCulture’s expert trainers, supported by sector specialists who contribute key elements of the course, the programme provides high-quality training that develops the knowledge, practical skills and professional judgement needed to deliver safe, effective and trauma-informed support.

To achieve the qualification, delegates must:

  • Attend all required learning hours
  • Successfully complete the programme assessments

Successful delegates will receive a formal qualification certificate and a digital credential, enabling them to evidence and share their achievement with employers, colleagues and professional networks.

Support is available throughout the programme, and reasonable adjustments will be made for delegates with additional learning needs.

Our services

Training

Training to help you best support individuals and organisations
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Consultancy

Customised consultancy service providing expert, objective guidance and tailored solutions
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Quality Standards

Independent Accreditation – awarding quality marks to sexual violence services
Read more

Testimonials

Testimonial by Tracy Wilson
Testimonial by Marc Scott
Testimonial by Board Member
Testimonial by Board Member
Testimonial by Richard Watson
Testimonial by Delegate on Strategic Safeguarding Workshop
Testimonial by Delegate on Safeguarding Leaders Development Programme
Testimonial by Delegate on Sexual Violence Liaison Officer Development Programme
Testimonial by Neil Davies
Testimonial by DCI Sherrie Nash
Testimonial by DCI John Moore
Testimonial by Liz Canavan, Senior Policy and Partnerships Manager (Victims and Vulnerable People)
Testimonial by Leigh Graham, Counselling Manager
Testimonial by Deborah Hooton, Operations Manager
Testimonial by Imran Manzoor, Head of Service
Testimonial by Neil Henderson

“LimeCulture have undertaken a number of service reviews for the North West NHS Health & Justice Team, demonstrating an understanding of sexual assault service provision along with insight into the criminal justice system. The NW H&J Team have found colleagues at LimeCulture to be open to challenges, flexible in their approach and responsive when change in method is needed. The Team keep you informed of progress and will adapt as needed as the programme develops. We would have no qualms with recommending them as an organisation to work with”.

Tracy Wilson, Senior Commissioning Manager, Health & Justice Team, NHS England North West Region

“Providing a safe environment for anyone who wants to engage in triathlon is at the heart of our vision to provide great experiences through swim, bike, run, and the safeguarding of our members, participants in affiliated clubs, at permitted events and at sessions across the country is central to this. Achieving this aim can only be done when we understand the challenges we face and the vulnerabilities that exist within the system, mitigating them and putting processes and support structures in place.”

“In 2022 British Triathlon were very pleased to commission LimeCulture to complete a comprehensive and independent safeguarding review and provide British Triathlon with a final report containing the findings and recommendations to be implemented by British Triathlon. The team at LimeCulture were professional, organised, robust and thorough in their work and delivered the independent review on time and to the terms of reference agreed. It was a pleasure to work with LimeCulture and they come highly recommended”

Marc Scott, Sport Integrity Manager & Triathlon England Lead Safeguarding Officer at British Triathlon

“It was a most engaging and stimulating session with lots of interaction and group discussion. We learnt a lot and we left richer for the experience.”

Board Member, Dorset Cricket Board

“The feedback from all board members was very positive, particularly how the training was pitched appropriately in terms of the key Safeguarding items relevant to the role as a Board Member.”

Board Member, Lincolnshire County Cricket

“Over the last 2 years the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has been supported by LimeCulture in the delivery of Board Safeguarding Training to each of its First Class and County Boards.”

“This training has supported each director to understand their personal and organisational responsibility for safeguarding. The training delivered either face to face or online has facilitated the opportunity for learning as well as strategic conversations around how to ensure participants are provided a safe and welcoming environment to flourish. LimeCulture continues to support the ECB in delivering these sessions to support the adoption and delivery of the ECB Safeguarding Strategy”

Richard Watson, Senior Safeguarding Manager, England and Wales Cricket Board

“I’d like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and gratitude for such a fantastic session. The session was pitched exactly at the right level and contained content which was of utmost value in our role as Directors. The data and examples really helped. Above all else, the facilitator, drawing on his experience within local authorities and the sports sector, really made the session. I cannot complement him highly enough. He pitched the session to what we met wanted to focus on, responded to the flow of the discussion and encouraged engagement on thought provoking topics.

“I have board responsibility for EDI and Safeguarding. Following the meeting, several board members, including the Chairman and CEO, commented on how impactful and relevant the session. I think they had all feared it would be a generic Safeguarding session so were pleasantly surprised at the content. Thanks again and keep up the great work.”

Delegate on Strategic Safeguarding Workshop, County Cricket Board

“Fantastic training and development opportunity for anyone who has just started working in safeguarding and for those that have more experience in the role. I would highly recommend this development programme to any safeguarding lead. The programme facilitates the time to stop, network with others in your field, reflect, design and refine plans to impact the most change. Wonderful training. Thank you.”

Delegate on Safeguarding Leaders Development Programme, Non-profit Organisation

“The LimeCulture trainers were EXCELLENT – their knowledge was outstanding and what I really liked, was the fact they were so encouraging when everyone spoke or contributed. Their genuine feedback and support made this course one of the best I have ever been on.”

Delegate on Sexual Violence Liaison Officer Development Programme, Non-profit Organisation

“We have worked with LimeCulture for the past 3 years. They delivered First Responder training to staff around the university which received great feedback from all the teams that attended. Staff said they felt far more confident in this space and much clearer about their respective roles when supporting students.

LimeCulture has also supported the Wellbeing Service directly with a service review and evaluation piece of work and latterly with the development of an SVLO model that was right for our context at Cardiff Met. The team at LimeCulture have been excellent and are very easy to work with. Their support with the development of an SVLO model has been invaluable, demonstrating their expertise in this area, ensuring our model is both fit for purpose and sustainable. I would recommend LimeCulture to any organisation looking to develop or enhance their support offering in this area.”

Neil Davies, Head of Student Wellbeing, Cardiff Metropolitan University

“Cambridgeshire Constabulary is committed to improving responses to Rape Investigation. A critical aspect of our strategy is supporting our workforce to develop their investigative mindset alongside understanding and responding to the impact on their own wellbeing. Working with LimeCulture to deliver Trauma Informed Training has been seamless right from the initial development stage through to the delivery phase. The training fully complimented procedural change being embedded within the team and was delivered in an energetic, thought-provoking and respectful manner. Feedback from the team has been really positive with each officer identifying changes they will make to their own practices. Such was the impact on specialist officers that LimeCulture have been commissioned to assist in delivering Trauma Informed Training across the whole of the organisation, which I am confident will be just as successful”.

DCI Sherrie Nash, Cambridgeshire Constabulary

“The training was a massive success and the feedback I have received from officers reflects why I had so much faith in LimeCulture –they said it was interesting, informative, well-delivered and engaging. Officers have recommended to their colleagues that should the opportunity to go on this training comes up again, they should jump at the chance. This is an excellent collaboration and surely makes a new pathway for the future.”

DCI John Moore, West Yorkshire Police

“We approached LimeCulture as the leading provider of ISVA training, to be our evaluation partner for an innovative project which placed trained ISVAs in NHS Hospital Trusts with the aim of identifying and supporting victims presenting in crisis.

“Their guidance and expertise was invaluable, as they advised us at various stages of project implementation, worked with us to create frameworks which have been integral to the project’s success and provided evidence which enabled the OPCC to secure long-term funding for the initiative upon expiry of the initial grant.

“They were approachable and easy to work with, and we wouldn’t hesitate to use them for sexual violence based scoping or evaluation in the future.”

Liz Canavan, Senior Policy and Partnerships Manager (Victims and Vulnerable People) , Lancashire Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner

‘Survivors UK feel really passionate about working with male survivors. Having the Quality Standards supporting our organisation gives us the focus to continue to meet our clients’ needs.’

Leigh Graham, Counselling Manager, Survivors UK

‘We wanted to ensure that we reached all survivors, in particular the males who made up 9% of our caseload, so we embarked on the process to achieve the Male Quality Standards to ensure males were aware that our services were quality assured and open to them. LimeCulture were very supportive. Whilst the process involved was intense at times it provided an opportunity to review our services and address any barriers for males. Having the Quality Mark has resulted in the proportion of males accessing our service increasing from 9% at commencement of the process to 14% today.’

Deborah Hooton, Operations Manager, Nottinghamshire Sexual Violence Support Service

‘In achieving the Quality Standards our service saw a thorough and wholesale improvement in the management and delivery of our service. We have received legitimacy from mainstream bodies and a surge in referrals since achieving the Quality Mark.’

Imran Manzoor, Head of Service, Breaking the Silence

‘Pursuing independently accredited best practice quality standards is a strategic priority for Safeline. We are an inclusive organisation and want to ensure any survivor accessing our services gets the support they want and need. The Male Quality Standards (MQS) are critical to delivering that goal.

‘Comparing our service against best practice standards immediately identified numerous opportunities to improve our support for male survivors. External verification that our support for male survivors meets the MQS has led to an increase in males accessing our services: they are confident that the support they will receive is high quality.

‘Having external experts assess your services as meeting best practice standards has created a real sense of professional pride within the charity and has helped us retain and recruit staff. Meeting the standards has also helped us secure additional funds to support more male survivors.’

Neil Henderson, Chief Executive of Safeline and Founding Member of the Male Survivors Partnership

Our clients


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