Training

What is an ISVA?

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers, or ISVAs as they are more commonly known, provide practical and emotional support to victims of sexual violence. The support provided by an ISVA will vary from case to case, depending on the needs of the victim and their particular circumstances. However, the main role of an ISVA includes making sure that complainants of sexual assault have the best advice on:

• Counselling and other services available to them
• The process involved in reporting a crime to the police
• Taking their case through the criminal justice process, should they choose to do so’

Due to the complex nature of the support provided by ISVAs, it is important that all professionals undertaking the ISVA role are properly trained and effectively supervised to ensure client safety, professional boundaries are maintained and the strict rules and processes of the criminal justice process are adhered to in support of the client.

Why Choose LimeCulture for ISVA Training?

LimeCulture is the leading provider of training for Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs), having now trained over 450 ISVA since 2011. Our competence-based training for ISVAs is practical in focus, ensuring that those undertaking the role are equipped with the tools, skills, expertise, confidence and competence to undertake their responsibilities.

ISVA Development Programme

LimeCulture’s comprehensive 6-module course aims to equip new and experienced ISVAs with the knowledge and specialist skills to identify risk and support the needs of victims throughout the criminal justice process. Each module contains a comprehensive syllabus of challenging content designed to equip ISVAs with the practical skill and knowledge in which to embed and influence every day practice.

Course Content

The ISVA Development Programme was developed to be delivered over six modules. Each module is taught over two consecutive days to minimise the amount of time ISVAs are away from their services.

• Module 1: ‘Defining the Role of the ISVA’
• Module 2: ‘Referral and Case Management’
• Module 3: ‘Managing Trauma and Risk’
• Module 4: ‘Working with SARCs and Forensic Awareness’
• Module 5: ‘The ISVA’s Role in Safeguarding’
• Module 6: ‘The Court Process’

Course Eligibility

The ISVA Development Programme is suitable for those wishing to become an ISVA. It is also suitable for new ISVAs who have not yet undertaken professional ISVA Training.

Due to the increasing recognition of the importance of ISVA training and the requirement for ISVAs to be properly trained, we will also accept ISVAs who are already working in the role who have not yet undertaken professional ISVA training on to the ISVA Development Programme.

The ISVA Development Programme is suitable for all ISVAs whether they work with adults, children and young people, females or males. It is also suitable for ISVAs who have a specialist focus to their work and/or provide support to specialist client groups.

Our Trainers

LimeCulture has pulled together the best trainers in the field to deliver the ISVA Development Programme. Each of the trainers is a leader in their field and each is nationally and internationally renowned for the work they do. Together their expertise ensures that the training provided on the ISVA Development Programme is exceptional.

Accreditation

The ISVA Development Programme is an accredited professional course focusing on the core skills and competencies required to work as an ISVA. This training is accredited by our awarding body, NCFE. On successful completion of the full course, ISVAs will receive a certificate of accreditation from NCFE.

National Occupational Standards

The ISVA Development Programme has been designed to meet the Skills for Justice National Occupational Standards (NOS) relevant for ISVAs.

Course Fees

The cost of the ISVA Development Programme is £2,200 plus VAT per person. Discounted rates are not available.

The course fee includes:

• Electronic material and presentations
• Delegate notebook
• Refreshments and lunch

The course fee does not include:

• Breakfast or an evening meal
• Travel
• Overnight accommodation

Course Location

The ISVA Development Programme is held at one of our preferred training venues located in Manchester and will be confirmed upon booking a place.

Overnight accommodation is not available, however our training venues are located in Manchester city centre, so there are lots of hotels to suit all budgets. LimeCulture take no responsibility for the arrangement of accommodation for our delegates. Full course details will be sent to delegates once the online booking form has been completed and approved.

Maximum Numbers

This course has a maximum number of delegates applied to support the learning and development needs of the ISVAs.

Course Dates and Times

The ISVA Development Programme is usually held three or four times per year, depending on the level of demand.

The ISVA Development Programme starts at 10am and finishes no later than 4.30pm on each day of the training. Assessments are usually held at the end of the second day, so it is requested that ISVAs do not make arrangements to leave the training early unless there are exceptional circumstances that are agreed with the LimeCulture beforehand.

Booking a Place

Our courses frequently get booked up quickly, so we limit the timeframe available to book the ISVA Development Programme. We only operate a waiting or reservation list in exceptional circumstances.

Please click the link below to book your place today, following booking you will then receive an email confirmation, if you encounter any booking problems please email info@limeculture.co.uk:

On completion of the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Development Programme, the learning and accreditation opportunities continue. LimeCulture offer a three day accredited module ( four units) to support the professionalised response of ISVA’s and the promotion of service equality for all victims of Sexual Assault, ensuring that all victims of sexual violence are supported effectively and safely.

These specialist modules are designed to tailor the knowledge and skills learned from the Independent Sexual Violence Advisor Development Programme to create an extra toolkit in supporting clients with specific needs.

Please note that places can only be booked on the advanced development programme on the successful completion of the ISVA DP or equivalent accredited ISVA course.

Course Content

ADP 1: Support clients with specific needs

This bespoke programme is a 3-day specialist course focusing on specific needs:

• Unit 1 focuses on working with LGBTQ+ & transgender clients
• Unit 2 focuses on supporting clients who self harm, suicide awareness and response
• Unit 3 focuses on working with girls and gangs
• Unit 4 focuses on working with sex workers

Each unit on this module is delivered by an expert specialist trainer, with extensive knowledge and specialism in their individual field, ISVA’s have the perfect opportunity to ask questions and fully embed their learning over the three days.

ADP 1 Course Dates & Booking

ADP 2: Supporting Children & Young People

This 3-day elective has been written specifically for ISVA’s working with Children. LimeCulture has noticed a large increase in the number of Children’s ISVA and the need to recognise the different process, skills and competencies in supporting this client group, effectively and safely.

The programme was written in collaboration with two Children’s ISVA to ensure that delegates come away from the training with both practical and theoretical knowledge to help engage and young people, under the age of 18, affected by Sexual Violence. It is important to acknowledge the different skills set of ISVA’s who support Children through the Criminal Justice System, and this course is designed to help bridge the skills gap from ISVA to Children’s ISVA, enhancing the professionalised response provided to Children.

The elective units:

• Unit 1: The rights of a child
• Unit 2: The journey of a child through the Criminal Justice System
• Unit 3: Developing a toolkit for children

ADP 2 Course Dates & Booking

ADP 3: Supporting Older People

This 2-day elective has been written specifically for all ISVA’s acknowledging that working with Older People will be a feature of their support work. The experience of Older People who have experienced sexual violence will be  exacerbated by social, cultural and physical issues which may not directly relate to all victims and therefore requires a tailored response. This course recognises the need to develop different processes, skills and competencies in supporting this client group, effectively and safely.

The programme was written in collaboration with Age UK and SafeLives to ensure that delegates come away from the training with both practical and theoretical knowledge to help engage older people affected by Sexual Violence. It is important to acknowledge the different skills set of ISVA’s who support Older People through the Criminal Justice System, and access to medical, social and cultural support, this course is designed to help ISVAs develop the skills necessary to support this client group.

The elective units:

• Unit 1: Understanding the support needs of Older People
• Unit 2: Supporting Older People 

ADP 3 Course Dates & Booking

Why LimeCulture?

What others have said:

“I felt that although a lot of information and topics were covered over the three days of training I always felt engaged and interested in the content. The trainers made all of the topics, which are at times quite heavy, easy to follow and take in. Thank you so much!”

Our Trainers

LimeCulture has selected expert trainers in the field to deliver both the Advanced Development Programmes. Our trainers are leaders in their specialist fields, who are nationally and internationally renowned for their work. Together their expertise ensures that the training provided on the Advanced Development Programme is exceptional.

Accreditation

The Advanced Development Programme is an accredited professional course focusing on specific skills and competencies required to enhance the work as an ISVA. This training is categorised by our accrediting body, NCFE. On successful completion of the full course, ISVAs will receive a certificate of accreditation from NCFE.

National Occupational Standards

The Advanced ISVA Development Programme has been designed to meet the Skills for Justice National Occupational Standards (NOS) relevant for ISVAs.

Course Eligibility

The Advanced Development Programme is only available to ISVAs who have successfully completed an accredited professional ISVA course i.e. the ISVA  Development Programme or equivalent. ISVAs who have not yet completed (or have only partially completed) an accredited professional ISVA course will not be accepted on to the ADP, regardless of how many years they have been practicing as an ISVA. 

We will accept bookings from ISVA’s who are currently undertaking the ISVA Development Programme, as long as they are due to have completed training before the course begins. Places will only be provided to candidates whose employers have agreed to pay the full course fees. 

Course Dates & Times

The Advanced Development Programme is usually held two or three times per year, depending on the level of demand. The Advanced Development Programme starts at 10am and finishes no later than 4.30pm on each day of the training. Assessments are usually held at the end of the day, so it is requested that ISVAs do not make  arrangements to leave the training early unless there are exceptional circumstances that are agreed with the trainers beforehand.

Please click on the specific Elective to view the training dates.

Course Locations

The Advanced Development Programme is held at our preferred training venues located in Manchester. Overnight accommodation is not available, however our training venues are located in Manchester city centre, so there are lots of hotels to suit all budgets. LimeCulture take no responsibility for the arrangement of accommodation for our delegates.

Course Fees

The cost of the Advanced Development Programme is £600 plus VAT per person. Discounted rates are not available.

The course fee includes:

• Electronic material and presentations
• Delegate pack and note book
• Refreshments and lunch

The course fee does not include:

• Breakfast or an evening meal
• Travel
• Overnight accommodation

Booking a Place

Our courses get booked up quickly, so we limit the timeframe available to book the Advanced Development Programme. We only operate a reservation list in exceptional circumstances. Places will only be provided to candidates whose employers have agreed to pay the full course fees.

Please select the training Elective and click on the buttons below to book either or both of the Advanced Development Programme Electives. Following booking you will then receive an email confirmation, if you encounter any booking problems please email info@limeculture.co.uk:

ADP 1 Course Dates & Booking

ADP 2 Course Dates & Booking

ADP 3 Course Dates & Booking

This two-day workshop aims to equip new and experienced ISVA Managers (and those responsible for delivering ISVA Services) with the knowledge and specialist skills to ensure their staff are effectively supported to deliver ISVA services to victims of sexual violence.

As ISVA Services are increasingly being recognised as a vital element in the response to victims of sexual violence, the demand on ISVA services has never been greater. It is imperative that they are able to provide and maintain high-quality, safe and efficient services for the people they support. Effective management of the service and it’s staff is crucial to the success of ISVA service provision.

Why LimeCulture for ISVA Manager Training?

This successful workshop has been delivered by LimeCulture since 2012 and has been rated as ‘excellent’ by Managers of ISVA Services located within the voluntary and community sectors, Statutory Sectors and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

This workshop has been described as:

“Extremely useful for ISVA Managers to benchmark their services and to ensure they are up to date with new and emerging developments relating to ISVA Practice”

Feedback provided by an ISVA Manager who attended the Workshop for ISVA Managers in 2015

Course Content

This workshop provides managers with the opportunity to explore with their peers, the roles and responsibilities of ISVAs and ensure safe, appropriate and effective practice is embedded throughout their services.

The Workshop will focus on the following areas:

• Defining the roles & responsibilities of an ISVA (including boundaries)
• Risk Identification, Assessment, Management
• Caseload Management
• Communications
• Governance
• Managing Pathways

Course Eligibility

The Workshop for ISVA Managers is suitable for those who manage ISVAs or are responsible for delivering ISVA Services.

This workshop is suitable for ISVA Mangers who operate in the following sectors:

• Voluntary and community (specialist sexual violence or other)
• Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)
• Police
• NHS
• Local Authority

Places will only be provided to candidates whose employers have agreed to pay the full course fees.

Our Trainers

LimeCulture has pulled together the best trainers in the field to deliver the Workshop for ISVA Managers. Each of the trainers is a leader in their field and each is nationally and internationally renowned for the work they do. Together their expertise ensures that the training provided on the Workshop for ISVA Managers is exceptional.

Accreditation

The Workshop for ISVA Managers is an accredited professional course focusing on specific skills and competencies required to for those who manage ISVAs or are responsible for delivering ISVA Services. This training is categorised by our accrediting body, NCFE. On successful completion of the full course, candidates will receive a certificate of accreditation from NCFE.

Course Dates & Times

The Workshop for ISVA Managers is usually held twice per year, depending on the level of demand.

Course Location

The Workshop for ISVA Managers training is held at one of our preferred training venues located in Manchester City Centre. Overnight accommodation is not available, however our training venues are located in Manchester city centre, so there are lots of hotels to suit all budgets. LimeCulture take no responsibility for the arrangement of accommodation for our delegates.

Course Fees

The cost of the Workshop for ISVA Managers is £450 plus VAT per person. Discounted rates are not available.

The course fee includes:

• Delegate pack including electronic material and presentations
• Refreshments and lunch

The course fee does not include:

• Breakfast or an evening meal
• Travel
• Overnight accommodation

Booking a Place

Our courses frequently get booked up quickly, so we limit the timeframe available to book the Workshop for ISVA Managers. We only operate a waiting or reservation list in exceptional circumstances.

Please click the link below to book your place today, you will then receive an email confirmation, if you encounter any booking problems please email info@limeculture.co.uk:

Course Dates & Booking 2019

Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO) Development Programme

LimeCulture’s comprehensive 2-module course aims to equip key University and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) staff with the knowledge and specialist skills to identify risk and appropriately support the needs of students and staff who are victims of sexual violence.

Each module contains a comprehensive syllabus of challenging content designed to equip University and HEI staff with the practical skills and knowledge to enable them to respond appropriately to those who disclose sexual violence. This course will also provide University and HEI staff with the expertise to embed and influence practice in their organisation’s response to sexual violence.

Course Content

The Sexual Violence Liaison Officer (SVLO) Development Programme was developed by LimeCulture in collaboration with the University of Greenwich and Keele University to meet the needs of all Universities and HEI who have a responsibility to respond appropriately to students or staff members who have experienced sexual violence, either recently or non-recently.

This accredited course has been designed to be delivered over six days. Each of the 2 modules is taught over three consecutive days to minimise the amount of time staff are away from their Universities/HEIs.

• Module 1: Delivering an effective response to disclosures of sexual violence, identifying needs and managing risk
• Module 2: Facilitating access to appropriate support, including the involvement of the criminal justice process

LimeCulture is delighted to be able to share with universities and HEIs a copy of the model job description for SVLOs.  Please click here to download a Word version. 

Our Trainers

LimeCulture has pulled together the best trainers in the field to deliver the SVLO Development Programme. Each of the trainers is a leader in their field and each is nationally and internationally renowned for the work they do. Together their expertise ensures that the training provided on the SVLO Development Programme is exceptional.

Accreditation

The SVLO Development Programme is an accredited professional course focusing on the core skills and competencies required to work at a University or HEI as an SVLO. On successful completion of the full course, ISVAs will receive a certificate of accreditation from NCFE, our awarding body.

Course Eligibility

Places will only be provided to candidates whose employers have agreed to pay the full course fees.

Course Dates & Times

The SVLO Development Programme starts at 10am and finishes no later than 4.30pm on each day of the training. Assessments are held at the end of the day, so it is requested that delegates do not make arrangements to leave the training early unless there are exceptional circumstances that are agreed with the LimeCulture beforehand. Click on the button below for course dates and online booking.

Course Locations

The SVLO Development Programme is held at one of our preferred training venues located in Manchester.

Overnight accommodation is not available, however our training venues are located in Manchester city centre, so there are lots of hotels to suit all budgets. LimeCulture take no responsibility for the arrangement of accommodation for our delegates.

Course Fees

The cost of the SVLO Development Programme is £1100 plus VAT per person. Discounted rates are not available.

The course fee includes:

• Electronic material and presentations
• Delegate notebook
• Refreshments and lunch

The course fee does not include:

• Breakfast or an evening meal
• Travel
• Overnight accommodation

Booking a Place

Our courses get booked up quickly, so we limit the timeframe available to book the SVLO Development Programme. We only operate a reservation list in exceptional circumstances. To book a place, complete the online Booking Form:

Course Dates & Booking

Self-Care Training

‘Self-care’ – an important topic that is so often overlooked by many employers. LimeCulture is expanding its training portfolio, which now includes Self Care Training for professionals.

This training has been developed to help practitioners identify the risk factors of vicarious trauma and implement practical strategies to promote self-care within their services / organisations. We are now taking expressions of interest from professionals or organisations who would like to book this training when it becomes available.

Please follow the link below to register your interest in this exciting new training and we will contact you with more information.

Self-Care Expression of Interest Form

Following a series of successful pilot workshops in 2015, LimeCulture is worked in partnership with the Premier League to deliver a range of workshops to 20 clubs over the 2016/17 season. The workshops included sessions on sexual consent, sexting and sexual health and were delivered to players aged between 14-21 years old.

LimeCulture is delighted to be working in partnership with the Premier League to ensure that players have up-to-date information and knowledge about these important issues and look forward to continuing this work in the 2018/19 season.

For more information about this programme, please contact info@limeculture.co.uk

LimeCulture delivers a range of different events every year.

Some of these events are delivered as part of our bespoke training or consultancy offer, and may include accredited training, conferences, information sharing events, and research focus groups. 

If you would like to discuss LimeCulture supporting you with your event, get in touch on info@limeculture.co.uk

Jan 2019

Mar 2019

Apr 2019

May 2019

Workshop for ISVA Managers (WIM) – May 2019 – 29/05/2019 – 30/05/2019 at 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Sep 2019

Advanced Development Programme (ADP) Elective 2: Supporting Children and Young People – September 2019 – 24/09/2019 – 26/09/2019 at 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Oct 2019

Nov 2019

Workshop for ISVA Managers (WIM) – November 2019 – 26/11/2019 – 27/11/2019 at 10:00 am – 4:30 pm

Jan 2020

LimeCulture has extensive experience of designing and delivering tailored training packages for individual organisations and services across the UK which incorporate all aspects of the response to sexual violence.

Our experience ranges from developing small one-off training workshops for individual clients, right through to rolling out large training programmes to multiple cohorts in a variety of settings.

Bespoke training can be delivered ‘in-house’ to reduce your staff travel or can be delivered at a venue of your choice, at a time that suits you and your team.

Bespoke training is based on your unique needs. We will listen to what you have in mind, work with you to identify your requirements for the training and put together a package that is tailored to suit your organisation’s objectives.

If you would like to discuss your training needs, please contact us or email info@limeculture.co.uk.

Examples of recent bespoke training packages can be found below (click the links below to jump to a section):

• Crisis Worker Development/Induction Programme
• Sexual Violence Awareness
• Supporting Victims/Survivors of Sexual Violence for Counsellors & Therapists
• Psychological Responses to Sexual Violence
• Sexual Violence Awareness Training for Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs)

Crisis Worker Development/Induction Programme

(Bespoke content & material delivered to Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk SARCs, Rowan Centre Northern Ireland, The Emerald Centre – Bedfordshire SARC, Hope House – Gloucestershire SARC, Spring Lodge – Lincolnshire SARC)

Crisis Workers have an important role in providing initial support to those who attend Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs).

It is vital that Crisis Workers have access to high-quality training to support them in delivering this role. They need training that gives them the competence and confidence to respond appropriately to vulnerable people and provide professional advice and support on the range of options available to them in the aftermath of a sexual assault.

LimeCulture has worked with a range of SARCs to develop bespoke Crisis Worker training packages that not only meet the needs of the SARC’s delivery model, but also meet the needs of the communities that use their services. We have trained new Crisis Workers, as well as delivering training to more experienced Crisis Workers to ensure that their professional knowledge and skills are maintained and refreshed.

Sexual Violence Awareness

(Bespoke content & material delivered to Imperial College London Medical School)

With an increased focus on sexual violence and its impact on our society, there is a growing need for organisations to respond appropriately to disclosures of sexual violence from the people you work with, be it your staff or your service users.

Raising awareness about sexual violence is an important first step in developing an appropriate organisational response. Through dispelling myths and misconceptions, right through to building effective response models that are sensitive and appropriate to meet the needs of victims and survivors of sexual violence, we can work with you to develop a training package that suits your organisational aims and objectives.

Supporting Victims/Survivors of Sexual Violence for Counsellors & Therapists

(Bespoke content and material developed and delivered for staff at The Birchall Trust)

Counsellors and Therapists tell us that clients frequently disclose sexual violence in their therapy sessions. They also tell us that they are not always confident to respond to such disclosures for fear of saying or doing the wrong thing or in some way not being able to support their clients appropriately.

Additionally, Counsellors and Therapists tell us that they are worried about what might happen to them as professionals if their clients’ case ends up in a court room. They have real concerns about the possibility of being called as a witness or having their records being disclosed to a court.

Our experienced training team can work with your Counsellors and Therapists to understand how best to work therapeutically with victims/survivors of sexual violence. We will listen to staff concerns, and design a package that can help them to confidently support people who have experienced sexual violence, whether before a trial or afterwards.

Psychological Responses to Sexual Violence

(Bespoke content and material developed and delivered to staff at the Havens – The SARCs for London)

Understanding the different ways that people might respond in the aftermath of a sexual assault is absolutely vital for the frontline staff whose job it is to provide support to victims of sexual offences.

Our experienced trainers will work with your organisation to understand their role in order to develop a comprehensive training package that enables them to work effectively with those who have experienced sexual violence. Material can be developed to focus on the importance of communication, managing boundaries, risk and need identification and self care, in the context of working to support those who may be vulnerable or distressed.

Sexual Violence Awareness Training for Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs)

(Bespoke content and material developed and delivered to Greater Manchester IDVAs and staff from Let Go and Safety Net – Cumbria)

Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) and domestic abuse services play a vital role in supporting victims/survivors of abusive interpersonal relationships. Sexual Violence is often a key aspect of the abuse they may be experiencing. Therefore, it is important that IDVAs are able to identify and respond appropriately to the needs of their clients who may also be experiencing sexual violence.

As sexual violence specialists, our experienced trainers work with domestic abuse professionals to enable them to effectively support clients who have also experienced sexual violence. Course content can focus on the differing options available to clients who are also experiencing sexual violence, such as reporting sexual offences, forensic retrieval and medical examination, sexual health and mental health services and importantly, the role of dedicated ISVAs and specialist sexual violence services who would take a lead in risk and need identification around sexual violence and provide support through court processes.