Training

Please see below for an important update regarding future availability this programme, which replaces the previously run SEA Investigation workshops.

The CHS Alliance and Humentum jointly designed a three-tiered Investigation Qualification Training Scheme (IQTS) based on the new Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (SEAH) Investigation Guide.

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 a continuous and unprecedented demand, both for Tier 2 theory and the consecutive Tier 3 practice course, which is currently being updated to incorporate feedback and make improvements following the pilot test run.

This high demand has meant that we must examine the way that we offer the scheme to optimise it and make it globally accessible for anyone interested.  We are therefore placing the IQTS temporarily on hold over the coming summer period while we put these necessary changes in place.

At present, we have no precise date for the IQTS re-launch, but as soon as this has been confirmed we will share dates and any other relevant information here and via our newsletter.

We would like to thank you for the intense interest and support shown for the scheme. It demonstrates the importance and need for access to professional, survivor-centred investigation skills.

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 you wait for completion of Tier 3 before you start 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 level, a certificate of theory is obtained by successfully completion of an external multiple-choice examination. At Tier 3, successful candidates obtain qualification by meeting or exceeding a two-part assessment undertaken during the training course. Tier 3 qualification will be valid for three years, and qualification maintenance (Tier 4) will require the collection and demonstration of Continual Professional Development (CPD) points.

Currently 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.