Foundation: Independent domestic violence advisor (Idva) training

Time commitment

The Idva Foundation course comprises 12 days (in-room, online, or hybrid) training, delivered in four blocks; e-learning modules which must be completed prior to attending each block of training; and the completion of four assessed worksheets that are submitted online.

The first eight days of all our foundation courses cover what we consider the core essentials for anyone working with victims of domestic abuse. The final four days focus on the specialist subject. You must attend all 12 days.

The list below provides guidance on recommended study time you should allow:

• Guided learning (training blocks, pre-course reading and e-learning modules) – 120 hours
• Worksheets – 50 hours
• Notional study – 130 hours
• Total course time requirement – 300 hours

Eligibility

Our Idva Foundation course is available to practitioners who meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. Anyone with a current active caseload of adults in the community. This is to ensure that you have a varied range of case examples for your worksheets.
2. A line manager or equivalent role within an appropriate organisation, who can vouch for you for the entire time you are on the course and completing the worksheets.

To promote diversity and widen our learners’ network, we will limit the number of successful applicants from the same organisation admitted to one course to two spaces. Please consider this before you apply to avoid any disappointment.

Price

£2,450 per learner. This training is tax exempt.

For practitioners based in Wales, please refer to our Wales: Idva Foundation training which is fully-funded.

Wales: Idva Foundation training

Subsidies

The reduced fee spaces are allocated by random selection from the pool of successful applicants who qualify. Please ensure that you complete the application as fully as possible as the answers provided on the application will be used to determine eligible learners. 

Thanks to the additional funding from Ministry of Justice our subsidised spaces are offered at an even lower rate currently.  

• Subsidised space £2000 - Learners from registered charities with an annual income of less than £1million. 
• Super subsidised space £1000 - Learners from registered charities with an annual income of less than £500,000. 

How to apply

Applications for the Idva Foundation Spring 2025 course are now open. If you cannot make any of the courses currently on offer, please register your interest below, and we’ll contact you when future dates are confirmed.

Register your interest

Additional information about the application process can be found in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

Accessibility

We welcome learners of all backgrounds and abilities. We encourage you to share with us any details on accessibility and diversity needs so we can ensure the right support is in place. You can also contact us if you have any queries via training@safelives.org.uk.