Training

Please see below for updates regarding the re-launch of the IQTS programme.

The CHS Alliance and training partner, Humentum, developed the Investigation Qualification Training Scheme (IQTS) as a three-tiered course, based on the Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Investigation Guide (2022). The IQTS offers an intensive, professionally focused training (with examination and assessment) in the skills, knowledge and competencies required to undertake survivor-centred investigations into SEAH. It supersedes the previously run SEA Investigation workshops.

The development and implementation of this scheme was funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office as part of UK government’s strategy to improve global standards and performance on safeguarding in the humanitarian and development sector.

To date, the scheme has seen several large cohorts of participants successfully complete the Tier 2 theory training in just 5 months, and earlier this year we successfully piloted an initial version of the Tier 3 course.

The scheme has experienced an unprecedented demand, both for Tier 2 theory and the consecutive Tier 3 practice course, which is being updated following the pilot test run. The continued interest and support shown for the IQTS scheme demonstrates the importance and need for access to professional, survivor-centred investigation skills.

This high demand meant that we needed to optimise the way that we offer the scheme to make it globally accessible. The training has been on hold over the summer period while we put the necessary changes in place.

We plan to re-launch the IQTS at Tier 2 level in September/October 2023, with a schedule and training offers being gradually added in the following months. Tier 3 training will follow on later in the year. We thank you for your continued patience while we finalise the set-up. Once training dates are confirmed, we will share all relevant information here and via our newsletter.

Read more below about the purpose, target audience, course overview and assessment processes.

Course aim: the Investigator Qualification Training Scheme (IQTS) is a three-tiered training scheme that builds professional skills in survivor-entered investigations into allegations of SEAH. It aims to establish a professional standard with career progression for investigators. The three-tiers support progressively advanced levels of professional training. Tier 2 is designed to equip participants with the necessary theoretical knowledge to undertake SEAH investigations under the guidance of an experienced SEAH investigator. The purpose of Tier 3 is to provide participants with the skills to undertake SEAH investigations without supervision. We strongly advise that candidates complete Tier 3 level before practicing actual investigations.

Audience: the scheme is aimed at humanitarian staff whose role it is to investigate allegations of SEAH by aid workers against crisis-affected people or humanitarian staff. Applicants with previous training and experience in SEAH Investigations can apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Qualification: At Tier 2 – Theory level, a certificate of theory is obtained by successfully passing an external examination. At Tier 3 – Practice level, successful candidates obtain qualification by passing a two-part external assessment at the end of the course. Tier 3 qualification will be valid for three years. Following this, Tier 4 – Qualification Maintenance, will require the collection of Continual Professional Development (CPD) points through investigation practice and learning.

Resources available

The IQTS-related investigation resources (guide and toolkit):

Download the Investigators’ Toolkit

The IQTS first tier, the self-directed online foundation module, is available free of charge. To access the course, visit the Disaster Ready platform, where you need to create an account and search for the course ‘Foundations of SEAH Investigations’:

Visit the Disaster Ready platform

Module overview and availability

*Prices are indicative only. The price scheme will accomodate CHS Alliance membership status, including size of organisation and country level of income. Further discounts are applicable to small CHS Alliance member organisations that are based in low or lower middle income countries.