Two women sat across from each other having a conversation.

Foundation: Independent domestic violence advisor (Idva) training in Wales

Welsh Government-funded Independent domestic violence advisor (Idva) Foundation course enhances practical knowledge of domestic violence in Wales, ensuring the best possible support for domestic abuse victims, survivors and their children

Key course features

Our Idva Foundation course for Wales-based practitioners aims to support you to:

Help victims and their children feel safer through the provision of a quality Idva response
Develop your confidence and skills through group work, coaching and one-to-one feedback sessions
Share experience and best practice with other Idva learners while engaging in reflective practice
Improve practice within your service
Advocate for domestic abuse victims, survivors, and their children in multi-agency setting

Course Overview

This training course is  for Idvas, domestic abuse practitioners and service managers who are based in Wales and who currently carry an active caseload or are about to start doing so.

The course will enhance your practical knowledge, helping you provide the best possible support for domestic abuse victims, survivors and their children.

The training is supported by relevant specialists from many different fields, including the criminal justice system, family law, child protection, sexual assault referral centres (Sarcs) and housing services. The training also includes modules on Multi-agency risk assessment conferences (Marac), anti-racist practice, and working with minoritised groups experiencing domestic abuse or harmful practices. The content is designed to give learners the depth and breadth needed to support domestic abuse victims, survivors and their children in a multi-agency context from a whole family perspective.

Completion of this course will result in an OCNLR Level 3 certificate in Domestic Abuse: Prevention and Intervention

Time commitment

The Wales based 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

This course includes online, in-room, and hybrid training. The online training is delivered via Zoom. For in-room training, locations are to be confirmed depending on learner preference for delivery. For hybrid training this is delivered as a combination of online sessions on Zoom and in-room training (as described).

Eligibility

SafeLives are pleased to offer a fully-funded Idva Foundation course for Wales-based practitioners. Please note, only Group 4 VAWDASV practitioners are eligible. Other eligibility criteria include:

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.
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

Places on this Wales course are free. You must be based in Wales in order to be accepted onto this course.

If you are based outside of Wales please refer to our Our foundation Independent domestic violence advisor (Idva) training.

Learn more about our Idva Foundation training

“Very informative and opened my eyes to barriers experienced. The need for accurate case notes and effective listening.”

Previous learner

How to apply

Simply click on the available training below. If you can’t make the current dates on offer, please register your interest by submitting the following form, and we’ll contact you when future sessions are confirmed.

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.

Training for multi-agency professionals

The partnership will also be developing and delivering a new modular training programme for multi-agency professionals covering topics that include the effects of domestic abuse on children and young people (DACYP), male victims, LGBT+ victims, stalking, and street harassment. Please go to Stori’s (previously Hafan Cymru) website for information about the current offer.