Description
Please note the Assessment for certification must be purchased separately – Purchase here!
Sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (SEAH) are serious violations of human rights that can occur in any organization, including NGOs of all sizes. One way to address these issues is by ensuring professionals gain the knowledge and skills to investigate SEAH effectively. This includes knowing how to recognize, report, and respond to incidents with competence and care.
Tier 3 of the Investigator Qualification Training Scheme (IQTS) equips NGO professionals with the hands-on expertise needed to conduct survivor-centered SEAH investigations within their organizations independently and without supervision. Building on the theoretical foundations of IQTS Tier 2, this course creates space for discussion of real-world scenarios and case studies that explore the nuances of power dynamics, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivities within nonprofit contexts. Learners complete the course with the practical skills needed to navigate the intersection of SEAH and organizational culture.
Partnered with CHS Alliance
Add-on Assessment
Register for your assessment here!
The Assessment is not included in the course price, you can purchase the assessment as an add-on to become IQTS Tier 3 certified to undertake SEAH investigations, learners need to complete three tasks, each of which will be assessed. This includes writing an SEAH investigation plan, carrying out an SEAH interview, and finalizing the investigation with an SEAH investigation report. Participants will work on their plans throughout the course, after the final webinar, participants can schedule their assessed interview, once this is complete and learners have all the information they need, they can finalize and submit their investigation report. Participants are provided with the assessment marking criteria to guide their work. If participants fail their assessment, they are required to register for the course again.
The Full Program
CHS Alliance and 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-centered investigations into SEAH. It supersedes the previously run SEA Investigation workshops run by CHS Alliance.
- Tier 1 is based on the core principles of conducting SEAH investigation.
- Tier 2 teams participants with the necessary knowledge to conduct SEAH investigations under the guidance of an experienced SEAH investigator.
- Tier 3 provides participants with the skills to undertake investigations without supervision. We strongly advise that candidates complete Tier 3 level before practicing current investigations
- Tier 4 refers to continued professional development.
Your details will be shared with CHS Alliance for the purpose of delivering and supporting this training, maintaining your certification, and providing opportunities for future IQTS community engagement. Your information is held on Humentum’s database in accordance with this data protection and privacy policy .
For more information regarding IQTS, please visit CHS Alliance’s website: Investigator Qualification Training Scheme | CHS Alliance
How you will learn
Format
Live Online
Effort
8 hrs/per week
Duration
2.5 Weeks
Certificate
Digital
Humentum’s live online webinar trainings are built on a practical, learner-centered approach. Expert facilitators bring sector-specific experience and real-world insight to every session, creating an engaging and applicable learning experience. Learners are encouraged to actively participate through discussions and hands-on group work.
- Live webinars of approximately 120 minutes each
- Recordings available within 24 hours for any missed sessions (does not apply to interviews)
- Course materials provided at the start of the course
- Opportunities for interactive group activities and discussions
- A user-friendly platform with clear guides and instructions
To get the most out of the course, participants should set aside dedicated time to attend the live webinars and ensure they have a stable internet connection, as well as access to a camera and microphone, to fully engage in discussions and group activities.
Groupwork
In webinar 1, learners are assigned to small learner-groups which remain consistent throughout the course. Together, learners collaborate on key tasks, including developing their individual investigation plans (which may be discussed and developed collaboratively, though each learner submits their own version) and preparing for and conducting the practice interviews. To support this collaboration, an optional two-hour time block is provided on each of the six webinar days. While not mandatory, learners are strongly encouraged to use this time to meet, plan, and work on course assignments.
Practice interviews
Practice interviews form a critical, required component of the IQTS Tier 3 SEAH Investigation Practitioner Program. In the second week of this course, each learner-group completes six interviews across three designated days*. These interviews simulate real-life investigative scenarios using professional actors in the roles of survivors, witnesses (including at-risk individuals), and the Subject of Complaint (SoC), all based on the ThriveBridge case study.
These interviews provide a vital bridge between theory and practice and serve as a foundation for learners’ assessed investigation plan, interview, and final report. These sessions are designed to build confidence and competence in conducting SEAH interviews and include the following key elements:
- Each learner-group conducts six 60-minute interviews: 2x Survivors, 3x Witnesses, 1x SoC
- Every learner has the opportunity to conduct at least one interview
- The course facilitator attends select key interviews and will provide brief, high-level feedback
- Attendance is mandatory. The information gathered during interviews is essential for completing the certification assessment.
- While interviews are underway, non-interviewing members of the learner group observe and offer feedback to support their peers’ interview skills and development.
- After each interview, learners are expected to share findings with their learner-group to ensure evidence is consolidated for the case.
*Once learners are assigned to their learner-group at the start of the course, they will receive a personalized interview schedule. While the practice interviews span a four-day block, each learner will only need to attend for approximately six hours across three of those days.
IQTS Tier 3 certification assessment
The following information relates to the optional IQTS Tier 3 assessment, which is not included in the course fee and must be purchased separately.
Learners who complete the IQTS Tier 3 SEAH Investigator Qualification Practitioner Program have the option to pursue certification as an IQTS SEAH Investigator by completing the Tier 3 assessment. This certification is valid for three years and provides eligibility to progress to Tier 4. This assessment is not included in the course fee, instead, learners may choose to purchase the assessment separately.
To successfully complete the IQTS Tier 3 assessment, learners must submit three individual components:
- SEAH Investigation Plan: Developed during the course using a provided template, with peer collaboration encouraged
- Assessed Interview: A 45-minute online interview with an actor playing the role of a witness
- SEAH Investigation Report: A written submission using a provided template, detailing findings and conclusions.
Full instructions, worked examples, and marking criteria are provided to all learners who proceed with the IQTS Tier 3 assessment.
Who should attend
This course is designed for humanitarian and development practitioners seeking to deepen their expertise in SEAH investigations. It is ideal for safeguarding practitioners aiming to enhance their understanding, individuals aspiring to become investigators and progress through the IQTS certification scheme, and current investigators or investigation managers, pursuing professional development and updated best practices.
Successful completion of the IQTS Tier 2 Exam is required to enrol on this course.
C1-level English proficiency is required due to the course’s technical content.
