Training & Consultancy
We operate a not-for-profit business model, providing cost-effective interviewer training options to suit the needs of individuals and organisations. Our procedures and resources have been rigorously evaluated. We are well-placed to advise what sequence of activities and delivery methods promote various interviewer competencies.
Our work is broadly focused, but we have particular expertise in the interviewing of vulnerable witnesses such as children, people with complex communication needs, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. We provide training relevant to forensic, health, education, business and residential care settings.
Learning resources
Our extensive library of learning resources has developed over many years. It includes a simulated (avatar) interviewee, films of actual interviews, podcasts about work issues, narrated PowerPoint instruction and quizzes with instant feedback. We draw on advice from leading experts in sustainable learning and skills from some of the best talent in the creative industries.
We use a reliable, flexible and user-friendly online learning system to deliver e-learning activities via a web browser. Learners can access this system from anywhere with a computer and internet connection. This system is used in our large customised training programs and off-the-shelf courses.
Personnel capabilities
We are a diverse team with varied skills and interests. Some of us have strong academic expertise in areas such as child memory development, program evaluation or law. Others have focused our careers on developing interviewer training skills, running workshops and practice sessions.
All training that is focused on interviewer skill development involves some live interaction with Centre personnel. We coach our training staff over many months to play the role of different interviewees in a manner consistent for all learners and known to shape interviewer performance. We can provide strong evidence to support the effectiveness of these mock interview practice sessions which are delivered by phone, face-to-face or via videoconference.
Our training staff are also able to code interviews according to standardised measures of performance, and provide feedback in a manner known to improve interviewer performance.
Choosing the right service
We tailor-make training to suit a whole range of contexts and client groups. Our activities and delivery methods depend on various factors: evidence on what works, budget, number of learners, overlap with existing resources, and the ability (where appropriate) to engage an organisation’s in-house trainers rather than our own staff.
We currently offer eight highly interactive online courses, which have evolved from research into how skills are learned and maintained. These courses are self-paced (up to one year) and are open for enrolment at any time.
These courses are listed below. If you are interested in enrolling, please submit an enquiry here.
Focuses on the ‘how to’ of interviewing children to encourage reliable and elaborate responses.
Approximately 25 hours
Teaches practical strategies for gathering reliable and comprehensive verbal information from adults in fair and respectful ways. Designed to assist professionals who conduct investigations in law enforcement settings.
Approximately 20 hours
A short course that teaches practical strategies for gathering reliable and comprehensive verbal information from patients and clients in supportive and respectful ways. For professionals who work in the healthcare setting.
Approximately 12 hours
We are currently offering this course at a SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE OF $800 for individual enrolment. Contact us to enrol now!
A short course that develops techniques for gathering detailed, accurate information from adults in fair and respectful ways. For professionals who conduct workplace investigations.
Approximately 15 hours
Comprehensive training for forensic interviewers of vulnerable witnesses such as children, people with complex communication needs and culturally diverse populations. This course and its resources are available in both English and Spanish. For more information about the Spanish version, see “Entrenamiento en Entrevistas Forenses con Niños” below.
4 – 6 months
Focuses on talking to children about their experiences in a way that maximises relevant information and minimises errors. Designed for professionals who regularly work with children and adolescents.
This course builds core questioning skills and covers topics such as talking about repeated events and considerations related to sensitive matters and situations where mandated reports of abuse may need to be filed.
Approximately 1 – 2 months
Develops interview techniques to detect deception and assess credibility during interviews with adults. Developed in collaboration with Prof Aldert Vrij, Dr Samantha Mann and Dr Sharon Leal, internationally-recognised experts in detecting deceit. Ideal for professionals who conduct or supervise interviews where lie detection is one of the aims.
2 months
Teaches practical strategies for talking to vulnerable people (such as children and adults with complex communication needs) who come in contact with the legal system. Ideal for legal professionals and those seeking training that focuses on communication.
15 hours
El curso “Entrenamiento en Entrevistas Forenses con Niños” se ofrece en español y a distancia con una duración aproximada de 78 horas. Contiene 8 módulos que instruyen a los participantes sobre cómo obtener información probatoria relevante de niños y niñas en formato narrativo. Los temas cubiertos por el curso incluyen: buenas prácticas de entrevista, desarrollo infantil, elección de preguntas efectivas, obtención de información confiable y uso de un protocolo de entrevista.
El curso se ajusta al ritmo individual de los participantes; sin embargo, esperamos que se complete en cuatro meses.
Si está interesado en inscribirse, comuníquese aquí.
We provide advice about interviews in various forums. This includes expert testimony, training needs analysis and assisting individuals when preparing for complex interviews.
We can help to build the capacity of independent trainers and conduct program evaluations.
