Achieving Best Evidence

Achieving Best Evidence Interviewing Training

Applying the PEACE Model in Practice

Adjustments made to the usual court process

Role of Professionals in Facilitating Special Measures

Why This Course Is Essential

Knowledge is the key to a safer future!

The Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) Interviewing Training course is an essential learning experience for professionals who are tasked with working with children and young people in investigative settings. Particularly aimed at local authority staff, such as social workers, and other agencies, including police officers, this course is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct ABE interviews in line with current legal frameworks and best practice guidelines.

Conducting an interview with vulnerable witnesses requires both expertise and sensitivity, and this course will empower individuals to meet those responsibilities with confidence and competence.

Importance of the Course

The importance of this training cannot be overstated. In situations where vulnerable individuals, particularly children, have witnessed or experienced a crime, their testimony often forms a crucial part of the investigative process. Achieving Best Evidence ensures that this testimony is collected in a way that is both legally sound and mindful of the emotional and psychological well-being of the witness. As such, it is imperative that professionals conducting these interviews are fully trained to elicit accurate, reliable, and admissible information, while ensuring the process is supportive and compassionate for the witness.

Who should take this course?

Anyone whose role may involve communicating with vulnerable and intimidated witnesses in accordance with S16 and S17 of the Youth Justice & Criminal Evidence Act 1999, In particular:

• Police (including Special Constabulary and Police Community Support Officers)
• National Crime Agency staff
• Border Force staff
• Immigration & Customs Enforcement staff
• HM Revenue and Customs staff
• Independent Office of Police Complaints staff
• Insolvency Service
• Local authority adult & children’s services
• Trading standards staff
• School safeguarding staff

Mastering the ABE interviewing process is not just about understanding the technical aspects of interviewing but also recognising the ethical and legal obligations that come with working with vulnerable groups.

Comprehensive Coverage for Empowerment

This course covers a wide range of topics, including the legal framework under the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, the principles of child psychology in interviews, cognitive interview techniques, and the importance of non-leading questioning. It teaches participants how to build rapport, create a safe environment for the witness, and manage difficult emotions that may arise during the interview process.

Why is this course so important? It ensures that local authority staff and other professionals who may lead or assist in ABE interviews are fully equipped to handle complex and sensitive cases. A well-conducted ABE interview can be the deciding factor in a criminal investigation, making this training crucial not only for safeguarding the legal process but also for ensuring the well-being of the child or vulnerable person involved.

Moreover, the course is essential for any organisation that aims to uphold the highest standards of child protection and inclusivity. Professionals who undertake this training will gain practical tools and strategies that are directly applicable to their day-to-day roles, improving outcomes for both the witnesses they work with and the investigative teams they support.

Benefits to Companies and Individual Learners

Participants will benefit from learning how to manage interviews that are both compliant with legal standards and respectful of the witness’s vulnerabilities. The course fosters an understanding of how to strike a balance between gathering critical information and maintaining the psychological safety of the individual being interviewed. Furthermore, it empowers the professional by developing key skills that increase confidence and proficiency in the workplace, contributing to greater job satisfaction and career development.

For local authorities and other agencies, the benefits of having well-trained staff cannot be overlooked. Properly conducted ABE interviews reduce the risk of evidence being challenged in court due to procedural errors, thus safeguarding the integrity of legal proceedings. In turn, this ensures that vulnerable witnesses are protected throughout the investigative process. Additionally, local authorities stand to gain from fostering an inclusive, diverse, and compliant workforce where professionals are equipped to meet the complex demands of safeguarding roles.

For Individual Learners:

At the individual level, this course provides learners with critical skills that can lead to enhanced career opportunities. Those who complete the training not only enhance their competence in their current role but also increase their employability across sectors that rely on high standards of safeguarding and investigation. From social work to law enforcement, the ability to lead or assist in ABE interviews is a highly valued competency that can open doors to new roles and advancement.

Environmental and Accessibility Advantages

Furthermore, at Safetyman Academy, we are committed to reducing the environmental impact of professional training. By offering this course online, we are eliminating the need for traditional classroom-based sessions, significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with travel and accommodation for in-person training. Participants can complete the course from the comfort of their homes or offices, cutting down on unnecessary carbon emissions while still receiving the same high-quality instruction.

This shift to digital learning aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability and corporate responsibility, allowing both companies and individuals to make greener choices without compromising on their professional development. By reducing travel and promoting remote learning, Safetyman Academy is helping organisations and learners alike to achieve their training goals while contributing to a more sustainable future. It also provides flexible learning opportunities for individuals across different geographical locations, breaking down barriers to essential training.

Recognizing the diverse global workforce, we offer all our courses in 60 languages, reinforcing our commitment to the universal right to safety education. Accessibility ensures that everyone, regardless of location or language, can benefit from our comprehensive safety training.

CPD Credit Hours

This course is accredited for 12 CPD credits.

This course provides the skills and competencies necessary to identify and mitigate the hazards and potential pitfalls of assessing health and equality impacts. In less than twelve hours, participants will have the knowledge and tools to create a safer living environment, protect the vulnerable people of society, themselves and their colleagues, and contribute to the overall success of protecting vulnerable people.

Who the course is for

This course is designed for all workers, from new hires to managers in every sector of the local authority, charitable and industry, who are responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of people. It is also suitable for individuals seeking to enhance their knowledge of the skills required for Achieving Best Evidence Interviewing.

Why it works

• Minimal disruption to the working day – the course takes less than two days.
• Designed for anyone, in any sector, worldwide
• Provides the knowledge and tools required to identify roles and responsibilities in your workplace environment.
• High-impact programme
• Efficient and effective learning – multiple topics are covered in a single, self-contained course.

The business benefits

Participants will have the knowledge and tools to create a safer environment, protect vulnerable people, themselves and their colleagues, contribute to a safer future, and enhance their well-being.

• Improve your safety culture
• Develop staff roles in critical point controls.
• Achieve an internationally recognised and respected certification for staff
• Enhance your reputation within your industry.

Your benefits

By taking this course, you’ll be able to:

• Understand your responsibilities for ABE
• Identify and report on potential hazards
• Assess public and workplace impacts
• Comply with the UK and international standards

In summary, the Achieving Best Evidence Interviewing Training course is vital for any professional working with vulnerable witnesses. It equips participants with the knowledge and skills needed to perform their duties ethically and effectively, while also contributing to their personal career growth. Through this course, individuals can be assured they are adhering to legal standards, protecting vulnerable groups, and supporting inclusive practices in their workplace. The course offers long-term benefits to both the participants and their employers, paving the way for stronger career prospects and a more sustainable approach to training.

The average time needed to complete the course is 12 hours, and the minimum passing mark for the exam is 70%. 

Everyone! ABE is fundamental to protecting the vulnerable people in our society.

The world is changing quickly, and businesses need employees with training, knowledge, and skills to be competitive.

People continually developing their professional skills or pursuing higher education and training are positioning themselves for future career advancement opportunities.

By giving yourself or your employees the knowledge to perform your role safely at work, you will stay safe and go home safely, making the rest and play time in life far more rewarding, whatever you love to do.

KNOWLEDGE IS POWER, EMPOWER YOURSELF TODAY!