University Advanced Diploma in Investigative Interviews with Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses

Program Overview

The University Advanced Diploma in Investigative Interviews with Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses equips professionals with the skills to effectively interview vulnerable populations, including children, adults with learning disabilities, and victims of sexual offenses. Through a combination of face-to-face sessions, self-directed study, and work-based learning, participants gain knowledge in victim and witness assessment, interview planning, and interviewing techniques. The program aims to enhance participants' ability to facilitate victims' access to justice and contribute to improved investigative outcomes.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objectives:

• To equip individuals with the skills necessary toeffectively plan and conduct investigative interviews withvulnerable victims and witnesses.
• To enable professionals toreflect on experiences from their own workplace practiceand link it to the module content for enhanced theoretical and practical knowledge development.
• To empower participants toengage with presentations from practitioners, participate in discussions with peers, and take part in a variety of practical exercisesfor a holistic learning experience.

Program Description:

This short course on investigation is designed forindividuals working with vulnerable populations, including children, adults with learning disabilities, or victims of sexual offenses. The program providesparticipants with the necessary knowledge and skills to conduct effective investigative interviews. The course covers topics such as:

• The roles and responsibilities of specialist interviewers
• Victim and witness assessment, including the impact of trauma and the role of intermediaries in the process
• Planning interviews, including the role of others at an interview, interview structure, and managing limitations on a victim or witness's communication
• Preparing witnesses for interviews
• Supporting victims and witnesses during interviews
• Interviewing techniques and questioning style
• Evaluating investigative material
The course is delivered over a 12-month period, with participants attending face-to-face teaching sessions for three days at their chosen location. The remaining learning is through self-directed study and work-based learning, supported by access to materials and program leaders throughout the duration of the course.

Outline:

Course Components:

• Subject:
Interviewing techniques
• Structure:
Teaching sessions, group work, discussions, practical exercises, formative assessments, and tutorials
• Content:
• The roles and responsibilities of a specialist interviewer
• Assessing victims and witnesses, including trauma, and intermediary roles
• Interview planning, structure, and managing limitations in communication
• Witness interview preparation support
• Supporting victims and witnesses during interviews
• Interviewing techniques and questioning styles
• Evaluating investigative material

Course Schedule:

The program involves 12 months of study with face-to-face sessions taking place over three days at the participant's chosen location. The remaining period is focused on self-directed and work-based learning.

Assessment:

• Assessments are a combination of written work, presentations, and practice-based submissions.
Each module will include:
• Formative assessments: opportunities for feedback on your progress with the learning
• Summative assessments: opportunities to demonstrate what you have learned through assessments of knowledge, understanding and skills.

Teaching:

Methods:

The program utilizes diverse teaching methods to enhance active learning and knowledge acquisition. These include:

• Presentations by experienced professionals: Exposure to insights from practitioners in the field.
• Group discussions: Facilitating collaborative learning and sharing perspectives with peers.
• Practical exercises: Hands-on application of newly acquired skills.
• Individual tutorials: Personalized clarification of doubts and guidance from program leaders.

Faculty:

While specific faculty details are not provided, the course description assures that program participants will have access to experienced professionals and program leaders throughout their learning journey.

Resources:

The program offers access to various resources for student support, including:

• Extensive library databases and a substantial collection of books and e-books.
• Dedicated support team for addressing technical issues.

Careers:

While specific career paths are not outlined, the course equips participants with valuable skills applicable in various fields involving interviewing vulnerable individuals. This opens up potential career opportunities such as:

• Social workers
• Police officers
• Victim support specialists
• Child protection workers
• Mental health professionals

Other:

• The course aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills to facilitate victims' access to justice and contribute to improved investigative outcomes.

Summary:

The University Advanced Diploma in Investigative Interviews with Vulnerable Victims and Witnesses provides a comprehensive program for those seeking to enhance their ability to conduct effective interviews with vulnerable populations. Through a balanced approach of theory, practical exercises, and real-world case studies, the course aims to empower participants with the necessary skills and confidence to serve these vulnerable groups. Additionally, the flexibility offered by the hybrid learning model makes this program accessible to busy professionals.