Safe Interviewing Child Focused SAFE Interviewing.png

Asking the RIGHT Questions in the RIGHT way

Blue Illustrated We Are Hiring Facebook Post (450 x 150 px).png

19-20th May

at TANGLIN TRUST school, Singapore

book before 7th May

Book HERE

Protecting Children, Supporting Educators

Equip your school with the tools and confidence to handle sensitive safeguarding conversations responsibly. Keep children safe while ensuring their voices are heard.

Strategic

Keep the CP Enquiry CHILD focused

Accessible

Meet the needs of THAT child

Factual

Ask the RIGHT QUESTION's in the RIGHT way

Empowering

Remember, this is YOUR work but THEIR LIFE

Why do you need Advanced Disclosure Training?

© Child Focused SAFE Interviewing provides school staff with the skills, tools and confidence to have sensitive and appropriate conversations with children regarding safeguarding or child protection concerns that haven’t yet met the threshold for informing external authorities

Problems
The problems that schools face

Schools are often the first place a child discloses abuse or trauma
School staff are not trained in interviewing children
Children rarely provide the full information initially
Information is needed in order to decide on actions
Risk contaminating information and potential evidence
International schools are less likely to have external support

Risks
The Risks that unskilled interviewing can cause

The children additional emotional harm
Place children at additional risk of harm
Protect the abuser
Lead to false information being gathered
Lead to miscarriages of justice
Cause significant emotional, reputational and financial harm to others (staff member, parent, school, other children)

THE SOLUTION!
for schools and any organisation working with children directly

Have the Safeguarding team certified in © Child Focused SAFE Interviewing
Follow the step by step framework and protocols provided
Understand that the interview process starts long before you ever meet with the child.
Ensure that the Safeguarding team and Leaders in the school have a clear understanding of why the steps are so important to be followed and support the interview process.
Ensue that the child's needs at the centre of decision making

Book a Meeting

Why ©SAFE Interviewing Works

Evidence-Based Approach

Protects Children

©SAFE Interviewing ensures that the child’s needs and experience are paramount, and it minimises the likelihood of retelling the information multiple times to multiple people.

Empowers Staff

It empowers members of the Safeguarding Team to conduct interviews that are sensitive, compliant, and focused on the child’s well-being.

Clear Structure to Follow

Structured, child-focused and empowering methodology for having interviewing children in safeguarding cases.

Aligns with Safeguarding in Schools

Designed to enhance safeguarding within schools and organisations and protect students, staff and schools

Learn More

©SAFE Courses

Level 3 - Advanced ©SAFE Interviewing

The Level 3, Advanced ©SAFE Interviewing is an in-depth training programme designed for professionals who are responsible for the more in-depth conversations or interviews with students who may have experienced some form of harm, or those who may have harmed others. Although the techniques learnt are specifically designed to meet the needs of children, they are also applicable if you were interviewing an adult. This advanced course combines theoretical knowledge with practical, hands-on experience to ensure participants can confidently apply the ©SAFE Interviewing methodology in their safeguarding practice.

What to Expect

✅ Self-Paced Learning (7–8 hours)

Complete the theory behind Child Focused ©SAFE Interviewing through videos and reflective tasks.
Flexible: Study in small chunks over two weeks.

✅ Onsite Training (2 full days)

Hands-on practice using a contextually relevant case study.
Develop and refine interviewing skills in a structured, supportive environment.

✅ Follow-Up Support

Online group supervision (3–4 months after training) for reflection, reinforcement, and feedback.

Accreditation & Extension

Certification valid for 12 months.
Extend to 24 months by attending an additional group supervision at the 12-month mark, for a low additional cost

Practical Training

Two days of immersive in-person training with opportunities to practice and refine interviewing skills using the ©SAFE methodology.

Case Study Analysis

Work through complex safeguarding scenarios to deepen understanding and build confidence in real-world application.

Reflective Practice

Completion of a practice journal to embed skills and promote ongoing self-assessment.

Group Supervision

Participate in an online group supervision session 3–4 months after training to consolidate learning, address challenges, and receive expert feedback.

Flexible Accreditation

Accreditation is valid for 12 months, with the option to extend to 24 months by attending a further group supervision session.

✅ Master the ©SAFE Methodology
Apply Essential ©SAFE Interviewing principles to in-depth, real-world safeguarding scenarios, ensuring a structured, child-centred approach.

✅ Develop Advanced Interviewing Skills
Refine techniques through hands-on role-playing exercises and guided practice sessions, enhancing confidence in conducting sensitive conversations.

✅ Navigate Complex Cases with Confidence
Analyse challenging safeguarding situations using case studies and expert-led discussions, strengthening decision-making and professional judgement.

✅ Engage in Reflective Practice
Use the various case studies throughout the training, as well as the follow up Group Supervision session to critically reflect and refine interviewing approaches, ensuring continuous skill development.

✅ Enhance Professional Competence
Achieve a higher standard of safeguarding practice through advanced training, real-time feedback, and multiple opportunities over time to embed learning

✅ Maintain and Extend Accreditation

Stay accredited for 12 months with structured training and supervision.
Extend accreditation to 24 months by attending an additional group supervision session at the 12-month mark

Level 2 - Essential © SAFE INTERVIEWING

Level 2, Essential ©SAFE Interviewing is a comprehensive online training designed for safeguarding teams, counsellors, and senior leaders in both international and UK schools. Delivered as a series of pre-recorded webinars, this course combines theoretical insights, practical examples, reflective tasks, and an assessment to ensure participants gain a robust understanding of ©SAFE Interviewing principles.

For safeguarding teams, counsellors, and senior leaders in international and UK schools. This comprehensive online training provides the core knowledge needed to conduct effective, child-centred interviews in safeguarding contexts.

What to Expect

✅ Self-Paced Learning (7–8 hours)

Pre-recorded webinars covering theoretical insights, practical examples, and ethical considerations.
Reflective tasks and an assessment to reinforce learning.
Flexible: Complete at your own pace over two weeks.

✅ Build a Strong Foundation

Learn to plan and structure interviews effectively.
Develop skills to ensure interviews are child-centred and ethically sound.
Gain essential knowledge for SAFE Interviewing Accreditation.

Upgrade to Advanced Training

Complete this course first, then upgrade to Advanced ©SAFE Interviewing at a reduced cost within 6 months.

Theoretical Foundation

An introduction to the theory and principles underpinning ©SAFE Interviewing.

Practical Planning

Guidance on preparing for interviews, including key considerations to ensure interviews are effective, ethical, and child-centred.

Interviewing Examples

Watch real-world examples to illustrate ©SAFE Interviewing in practice.

Interactive Elements

Reflective tasks to encourage participants to apply their learning and think critically about their approach.

Assessment

A test to consolidate learning and ensure readiness for practical application.

Flexible Online Format

Complete the course at your own pace over 6–7 hours with engaging, pre-recorded video content.

Understand the Principles of ©SAFE Interviewing
Gain a thorough understanding of the theoretical framework that underpins @SAFE Interviewing practices.

Recognise the Importance of Planning
Learn how to effectively prepare for interviews, including key considerations such as setting, purpose, and the needs of the child.

Analyse Real-World Examples
Observe and reflect on practical examples to deepen their understanding of how ©SAFE Interviewing is applied in real situations.

Develop Reflective Skills
Engage in reflective tasks to consider their own practice, identify areas for improvement, and embed theoretical knowledge into their work.

Apply Ethical Interviewing Techniques
Understand the importance of maintaining a child-centred, trauma-informed approach throughout the interviewing process.

Prepare for Accreditation
Build the foundational knowledge needed to progress to the the Advanced ©SAFE Interviewing course.

Level 1 - © SAFE CONVERSATIONS

Level 1, @SAFE Conversations is designed for all school staff, equipping them with the confidence and practical skills to engage sensitively with students who may be upset or emotionally disregulated. The course provides essential tools to conduct supportive conversations while recognising when to escalate concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or guide the student to make a report themselves.

This training introduces participants to the principles and practices of effective communication, ensuring that students feel heard, validated, and supported in a safe and respectful environment.

What to Expect

✅ Engaging onsite training with staff (min 1/2 day, dependant on staff size)

We will discuss how to group your staff for the training and work with you so that it is as least disruptive to running the school as possible.

✅ Essential Communication Skills

Learn how to engage in supportive, child-centred conversations.
Develop techniques to ensure students feel heard, validated, and supported.

✅ Recognising and Responding to Concerns

Understand when and how to escalate concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Gain confidence in guiding students to make a report themselves when appropriate.

✅ Creating a Safe and Respectful Environment

Apply the core principles of effective, trauma-sensitive communication.
Ensure every interaction fosters trust, emotional safety, and professional boundaries.

This training provides a vital foundation for all staff, ensuring that students receive the right support at the right time.

Preparing for a Supportive Conversation

Understanding the importance of environment, privacy, and rapport building to reduce anxiety and foster trust.

Active Listening and Communication Techniques

Exploring how attitude, behaviour, and empathy can encourage openness and honesty.

Supportive Conversation Examples

Real-world examples to illustrate listening and communication skills in practice.

Recognising and Responding to Needs

Identifying when a conversation requires escalation to safeguarding leads or supporting the student in taking action.

Empowering Student Voice

Encouraging students to lead conversations to better understand their needs and concerns.

Interactive Learning

Engaging in activities for all your school staff to practice learned skills and build confidence, ensuring readiness for real-life application.

Approach Conversations with Confidence

Plan and prepare for sensitive discussions, ensuring a safe and supportive setting.

Build Trust and Rapport

Use empathy and non-judgemental approaches to reduce anxiety and promote openness.

Practice Active Listening

Apply effective listening skills to validate students’ feelings and encourage self-expression.

Identify and Respond to Concerns

Recognise when issues should be reported to the DSL or when to support a student in making a report.

Facilitate Empowering Conversations

Encourage students to lead discussions, ensuring they feel heard and respected.

Understand Communication Best Practices

Learn how to ask appropriate questions, avoid common pitfalls, and maintain professional boundaries.

Embed Learning in Daily Practice

Integrate supportive conversation skills into everyday interactions for better student outcomes.

Ms Sian Jorgensen MSc. MA. BACP. SWE
Director: Encompass Safeguarding Ltd.

Covers: UK (Midlands and North) and International

Educated to Masters level as both a Counsellor and Social Worker and with extensive specialist qualifications and experience from the USA, UK and SE Asia. Sian combines impressive international statutory and investigative experience and knowledge with a person-centred and restorative consultancy practice.
Sian first completed Child Interview training in the USA in 2003 when working as a Child Abuse Investigator. More recently, in 2023 she was one of only a small number of specialist social workers in Staffordshire, UK chosen to complete the Achieving Best Evidence interviewing certification alongside specialist Police officers.
Over the last 20 years, Sian has undertaken countless formal interviews required for both criminal and family court proceedings and also less formal but still complex and challenging conversations seeking positive change with children and the adults caring for them (parents, foster carers, teachers etc).
Both as a Child Protection specialist and as a Counsellor, she has sensitively explored concerns of harm and abuse with hundreds of children and adults in many countries and from many backgrounds, leading to real and positive change for many children.

Mark Fower BA (Hons)
Director: Marka Training & Development Ltd

Covers: UK (Nationwide) and International

Marta Drozd MA (Hons)
Director: Marka Training & Development Ltd

Covers: UK (Nationwide)

In his 30-year police career, Mark has delivered the Achieving Best Evidence, Investigative Interviewing and Child Abuse Investigation courses. In 2023, he delivered the Interviewing Child Victims Course and the Child Abuse and Serious Crime Investigation course to The Child Protection Unit of the Cambodian Children’s Fund, and The National Cambodian Police.

Mark led Child Protection Teams managing and directing investigations into the sexual and/or physical abuse of children and child homicides.  As the force strategic lead, he led The Hostage and Crises Negotiator Team which included the Counter Terrorism and Crime in Action (Kidnap) response functions.

He has worked in partnership with multidisciplinary teams to co-ordinate safeguarding interventions, conduct comprehensive risk assessments, and then plan, agree, and implement effective safeguarding plans.

Marta dedicated nine years of her professional career to Hampshire Police as an Investigator working in a team focused on supporting and providing specialist practical and emotional 1:1 support to vulnerable people who had been subject to a serious sexual offence or who were experiencing the most challenging life events.

Since leaving the police she has further deepened her focus of working with vulnerable children and adults in a positive, collaborative, and non-judgmental manner to help de-escalate crisis. Motivated by a desire to offer more holistic support to those in crises in our communities, and develop herself within the wider support structures, she focused on mental health and wellbeing.

She holds a Level 2 Certificate in Safeguarding, Prevent and British Values (RQF), a level 3 Diploma in Mental Health First Aid, and a Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills.

Marta has a diverse and impressive set of skills in relation to victim care, safeguarding, risk management, vulnerability, and public protection portfolios. She draws on the key values such as empathy, respect, compassion and integrity to build positive relationships with individuals and groups to empower them to make positive changes in their lives.

Prof. Becky Milne
Forensic Psychologist

Becky Milne is a Professor of Forensic Psychology at the Institute of Criminal Justice Studies at the University of Portsmouth. She is the course leader of the FdA Investigation and Evidence and the FdA in Police Studies, distance learning degree programmes specifically for investigators. A chartered forensic psychologist and scientist and Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society, she is an Associate Editor of the International Journal of Police Science and Management and is a member of the ACPO Investigative Interviewing Strategic Steering Group. She has worked closely with the police and other criminal justice organisations (in the UK and abroad) through training of the Enhanced Cognitive Interview, Witness Interview Advising and also in the interviewing of vulnerable groups (Tier 3 and 5) and providing case advice as an expert advisor. Becky was part of a writing team who developed the National guidance document Achieving Best Evidence that outlines the best ways to interview witnesses and victims for legal purposes (Home Office, 2007). Becky was given the Tom Williamson award for her outstanding achievements in the field of investigative interviewing by ACPO in April 2009.

School / Organisational Accreditation:

Let everyone know that you are a school or organisation that takes Safeguarding extremely seriously and are focused on ensuring children’s voices are heard and interviews are conducted ethically and appropriately.

Requirements

✅ Completed the SAFE Interviewing Agreement, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to supporting qualified staff in following the ©SAFE Interviewing Framework

✅ Senior Leadership Team to complete an annual 1-hour Child Focused ©SAFE Interviewing implementation training session* to ensure an understanding of the framework, system, and necessary support.

*Included in Membership fee

Learn More

Asking the RIGHT Questions in the RIGHT way

Protecting Children, Supporting Educators

Equip your school with the tools and confidence to handle sensitive safeguarding conversations responsibly. Keep children safe while ensuring their voices are heard.