Explore our training pathways for ISVAs

Specialist training for aspiring ISVAs, ChISVAs and Service Managers

The Survivors Trust is the only organisation in the UK that provides an accredited diploma qualification for Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs). Our Level 4 Diploma is the highest ISVA Qualification in the country. We contributed to the Home Office’s development of National Occupational Standards for the ISVA role published in 2017 as well as Independent Sexual Violence Adviser Statutory Guidance issued under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024.

Whether you support survivors already, or are looking for a career change, our accredited training is designed to meet your needs. Explore our ISVA Practitioner Diploma, ChISVA and ISVA Service Manager training built with survivors in mind and shaped by national standards.

What is the role of an ISVA?

An ISVA is a trained specialist who provides practical, emotional and impartial support to people who have experienced sexual violence or abuse at any point in their life. Their role is to help survivors understand their options, stay informed, feel supported, and navigate systems such as health, safeguarding and the criminal justice process if they choose to engage with it.

For example, they explain what to expect if someone reports to the police, and give survivors the information they need to make the decision that’s right for them.

You are already a qualified ISVA?

➡️ Our advanced and specialist training could be perfect for you. Keep building your skills to support survivors even more effectively.

📧To register for any of our trainings or for further information, please contact training@thesurvivorstrust.org

ISVA Practitioner Diploma (Level 4)

Become a qualified ISVA with UK’s only accredited Level 4 Diploma, designed to equip you with the skills and confidence to support survivors and navigate the criminal justice process.

ChISVA Practitioner Training

A 2‑day online course preparing ISVAs to support 3–18‑year‑olds, navigate the criminal justice process, and work in line with Home Office and national standards.

ISVA Service Manager Training

For ISVAs who seek to progress into management roles, this programme provides the operational and legal grounding needed to lead services effectively.

Don't take our word for it: Hear from others about our ISVA training

Helen has been great at creating a safe environment where I feel I can share my experiences and learn from my lovely colleagues. Helen truly makes the virtual room be a judgement free zone and encourages very thought provoking ideas - this is what I have found the most useful as it challenges me as a professional and has already given me so many ideas that I want to implement as an ISVA.

The sessions were very much informative and insightful. A lot to learn and practice as well. A lot to study and reflect as I proceed further as an ISVA. The sessions were really good since it gave em an in-depth insight into CPS, CJS, Post-Trial assistance, Compensation. Each of them were very much informative. Thank you.

It was brilliant! Very informative, wonderful guest speakers, and Helen was an absolute delight as usual. I learnt an awful lot and it was a bit overwhelming, but it was paced well and the information-load taken into consideration by Helen. I'm really excited to meet everyone in Rugby but sad to be nearing the end of the training.

For me the interacton with the colleagues and learning from their practical experiences is very useful. The course also covers a whole lot of information from the time the case is referred , to understanding it in depth and supporting it through the case in CJS and thereafter. It was indeed a lot of important information and understanding of self care while caring for others, I feel all of the course material is very useful. It was a booster course making me feel more confident to support the survivors and the staff and me as well.

Thank you again for empowering me to believe in myself and motivating me to be the 1st ISVA that my Trust has ever had. I look forward to the challenges that i will face but know that i have support from my awesome peers and your amazing team.

I’m over the moon with it all and your kind feedback, I know I’ve already said it but I have thoroughly enjoyed every bit of it and although I’m glad the portfolios done, I really enjoyed doing the work for it and it’s such a good refresher / reminder about why we do this kind of work. Thank you again to both you and Anna for being amazing and so supportive throughout