Training & Webinars
Training informed by evidence, experience, and best practice
For Higher Education Institutes (HEIs), the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) Good Practice Framework Consultant: Handling Reports of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct highlights that investigators should be “trained in how to gather and evaluate information in a trauma‑informed and student‑centred way.” It further emphasises that investigators must have an awareness of how bias and the perception of bias can affect investigative decision‑making. These are cornerstones of natural justice.
Within the criminal justice system, investigations of this complexity and sensitivity are routinely managed by staff who receive specialist, structured training. Orava believes that the same level of professional preparation should be extended to Student Conduct Investigators. While student conduct investigations are not criminal proceedings, they often involve many of the same challenges, including vulnerable parties, contested accounts, evidential complexity, and significant personal and institutional consequences.
In schools and academy trusts, senior teachers, leaders, or governors are frequently asked to investigate serious and highly sensitive matters. These can include allegations of misconduct, staff assaults on pupils, and formal complaints, carrying significant safeguarding, legal, and professional implications. Despite the gravity of these responsibilities, those tasked with conducting investigations are often given little or no specialist training in investigative practice. Orava recognises the complex pressures faced by education professionals, providing staff with the tools, frameworks, and confidence needed to conduct investigations that are fair, robust, trauma‑informed, and defensible. The aim is not to turn educators into investigators, but to ensure that those entrusted with these responsibilities are properly equipped, supported, and protected.
Orava’s training is designed to bridge this gap, equipping investigators with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to conduct fair, robust, and defensible investigations grounded in best practice. With experience spanning law enforcement, higher education and school governance, Orava’s training is purpose‑built, sector‑aware, and never one‑size‑fits‑all.
”I can already see that my team are feeling more confident and better equipped to undertake the interview elements of our role, and it's opened up our conversations about our investigations and how we can improve what we do.”
Student Conduct Investigator
Training Categories
Our training fits around your schedule, with sessions ranging from a few hours to a couple of days. Check out the core areas we cover below and click on the relevant course/webinar for more detailed information.
Student Conduct: Core Investigators Course - 2 Days
Effective Investigation Skills for School Leaders - 1 Day
Foundations of Investigative Decision-Making - 1/2 Day
How to Conduct an Evidential Assessment - 1/2 Day
Drafting Robust Investigation Reports: - 1/2 Day
CPIA and Disclosure in Parallel Proceedings - 1/2 Day
Student Conduct: Core Interviewing Skills Course - 2 Days
The Enhanced Cognitive Interview (ECI) - 2 Days
Interview Strategies for Multi-Witness Cases - 1/2 Day
Vulnerability in Investigative Interviews - 1/2 Day
The Art of Questioning- 1/2 Day
Phased Releases of Evidence in Interviews - 1/2 Day
Free Webinars
Fundamentals of Student Conduct Investigations
Wednesday 1st July 2026 14:00-16:00 GMT
This is a practical, accessible introduction for anyone new to investigations or looking to refresh their approach.
This session is designed to cut through complexity and focus on what really matters: fair, robust, and defensible investigations in a challenging and often sensitive area of work.
If you’re working in student conduct, moving into investigator roles, or asked to lead investigations alongside your academic responsibilities, this one’s for you.
Click on the flyer to find out more
To book - please email james@oravaconsulting.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are trainers fully qualified?
Our Principal Consultant James holds a Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training and a PGCLTHE from the University of Cumbria, with experience delivering training and assessment in police training departments and higher education. He is well‑versed in a range of pedagogical approaches, allowing training to be adapted to different learners and contexts
Where/how do you deliver training?
Orava delivers training at the location and in the format that works best for you. With extensive experience in both in‑person and virtual delivery, training can be delivered on‑site or online, or through a blended approach. Sessions are designed to be flexible and adaptable, ensuring effective delivery across different platforms.
How much does it cost?
At Orava we believe high‑quality training should deliver clear value without unnecessary cost. Training is offered at simple, fixed day‑rate prices, with no hidden fees. Orava is not VAT registered, ensuring straightforward pricing from the outset. All costs are discussed openly in advance, with travel and accommodation included where required, so clients can budget with confidence.
Is your training bespoke?
Most of our training to be bespoke, ensuring every session is adapted to your specific organisation and objectives. We use tailored content and relevant case studies to keep things practical and meaningful for your team. We also offer a selection of open courses and webinars, which are perfect for individuals or smaller groups who want to master the core principles without the need for a fully customised course.
Do you offer any free training?
Yes. Orava occasionally runs free online webinars across a range of topics, as we’re passionate about supporting organisations and individuals. These will be advertised here and on LinkedIn
Who is your training suitable for?
Orava’s training is designed for professionals who may be tasked with conducting complex or sensitive investigations in education setting, often with limited formal training or support. This includes Student Conduct Investigators, senior leaders, and governors working across schools and academy trusts.
Is your training evidence-based?
Yes. Orava is passionately committed to delivering training that reflects the most up‑to‑date research and best practice. Training content is continually reviewed and refined in line with the latest developments, and key sources are shared during sessions to ensure transparency, credibility, and real‑world relevance.
Do you only work with Educational Organisations?
No. While Orava has extensive experience delivering training within education, it also provides bespoke, specialist training for law‑enforcement professionals and other public and private sector organisations. This includes focused training in areas such as Specialist Interviewing and CPIA and Disclosure, tailored to operational and investigative requirements. Please contact us directly to discuss these.