Safeguarding & SEAH investigations training

This course is ideal for:

• HR professionals and employee relations specialists

• Safeguarding and protection officers

• Integrity, ethics and compliance leads

• Anyone responsible for managing or supporting SEAH, misconduct or safeguarding investigations

It is particularly relevant to those working in humanitarian, development, education, civil society, or global workplace contexts — though the training is fully adaptable for any organisational setting.

The course is structured around the full lifecycle of a SEAH investigation, from receiving the initial disclosure through to evidence gathering, reporting, and case closure. Each session includes interactive learning, case-based exercises, and practical tools for real-world application.

Module 1 – Foundations of Safeguarding & SEAH Investigations

Understand the key global frameworks, ethical foundations, and distinctions that define effective safeguarding investigation practice.

Key topics:

• Global standards: CHS Alliance, IASC, UN, and common donor principles

• Survivor-centred, trauma-informed, and do-no-harm approaches

• Differences and intersections between HR and safeguarding case management

• Roles, boundaries and ethical responsibilities of investigators

• Investigator wellbeing and professionalism

Module 2 – Responding to Disclosures and Planning the Investigation

Learn how to respond to SEAH disclosures with sensitivity, build immediate safety and support plans, and scope a defensible investigation.

Key topics:

• Best practice in handling SEAH disclosures

• Survivor safety planning and initial risk assessment

• Reporting duties (internal and external)

• Drafting a clear and proportionate Terms of Reference

• Planning next steps while maintaining survivor trust

Module 3 – Evidence Gathering and Interview Preparation

Explore how to plan interviews and gather evidence in a way that is methodical, survivor-aware, and ethically sound.

Key topics:

• Types of evidence in safeguarding cases

• Interview strategy and sequencing

• Ensuring confidentiality and safeguarding sensitive data

• Addressing power dynamics and minimising re-traumatisation

• Cultural and accessibility considerations

Module 4 – Interviewing Survivors, Witnesses, and Subjects of Concern

Gain practical guidance on how to conduct fair, trauma-informed interviews with all parties involved in SEAH investigations.

Key topics:

• Trauma-informed interview principles

• Interviewing survivors with consent and care

• Managing subject interviews and procedural fairness

• The PEACE model and adaptations for SEAH

• Use of interpreters and interview documentation

Module 5 – Drawing Conclusions, Reporting, and Closing the Case

Bring together the investigation findings and communicate outcomes with clarity, fairness and ethical sensitivity.

Key topics:

• Analysing and weighing evidence

• Drawing fair, defensible conclusions

• Structuring an investigation report

• Communicating findings to survivors and stakeholders

• Case closure, data handling, and lessons learned

The training is modular and interactive, with options for delivery online or in person. We use realistic case scenarios, peer discussion, and guided reflection to ensure participants can apply what they’ve learned with confidence. Session content is tailored to reflect the operating environment, internal procedures and experience level of your team.

Our lead facilitator, William Richards, is an internationally recognised investigations specialist with two decades of experience managing complex safeguarding, misconduct, and whistleblowing cases across more than 30 countries. His expertise spans the humanitarian, media, and public sectors, including senior roles with Oxfam GB, Oxfam Netherlands, Transparency International, and the BBC.

William’s background includes:

• Leading SEAH, corruption and abuse of power investigations in humanitarian and post-crisis settings

• Designing and delivering investigation training for over 100 safeguarding and integrity professionals globally

• Overhauling the integrity system at Transparency International’s global secretariat

• Establishing and managing the BBC’s internal whistleblowing function, including complex and sensitive SEAH casework

• Conducting trauma-informed interviews and safeguarding risk assessments in high-profile, sensitive contexts

He holds a Master’s in International Criminal Justice, is an Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist, and has completed specialist training in the investigation of sexual and gender-based violence as a war crime with the Institute for International Criminal Investigations in The Hague. He is also professionally accredited as a detective and has advanced training in investigative interviewing, disclosure, and evidence handling.

Depending on group size and training scope, EthicsVision may also work in collaboration with associate facilitators. Our associates are highly experienced safeguarding and investigation professionals with global expertise. This ensures the training remains grounded, practical, and responsive to real-world safeguarding challenges faced across different sectors and contexts.