Training
Training informed by evidence, experience, and best practice
Orava supports education professionals by providing 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 those entrusted with these responsibilities are properly equipped and protected.
Our training bridges this gap. Drawing on experience across law enforcement, higher education, and school governance, Orava delivers sector‑aware, purpose‑built training that strengthens investigative practice where it matters most.
We offer a range of in‑house courses tailored to your organisation’s needs, as well as open courses that individuals or smaller groups can book onto and learn alongside colleagues from across your sector.
Training for HEIs
For school staff and governors responsible for managing complaints and misconduct investigations
Find fast answers to common questions about our training, delivery options, and how to get started
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for Schools and FE Colleges
For school staff and governors responsible for managing complaints and misconduct investigations
Why Do HEI Conduct Staff Need Training?
For Higher Education Institutions, the OIA’s Good Practice Framework: Handling Reports of Harassment and Sexual Misconduct is clear: investigators must be trained to gather and evaluate information in a trauma‑informed, student‑centred way, with a strong awareness of how bias, and the perception of bias, shapes decision‑making. These principles sit at the heart of natural justice.
National data from the Office for Students (OfS) shows sexual misconduct is widespread across UK universities, underscoring why HEI Conduct Staff must be trained to investigate these cases competently.
24.5% of final‑year undergraduates reported sexual harassment since entering higher education.
14.1% reported sexual assault/violence.
Women reported far higher prevalence: 33% harassment and 19% assault/violence (vs 12.2% and 7% for men).
Only 13.2% of students who experienced harassment in the past year
made a formal report.
These figures demonstrate that sexual misconduct is both common and under‑reported, making trained, fair, and trauma‑informed investigations essential for HEIs.
A 2025 story in Time Higher Education revealed that UK universities have paid thousands of pounds in compensation for victims of harassment, due to poor investigations affected by delays and poor communication.
In criminal justice settings, investigations of this sensitivity are handled by professionals with structured, specialist training. We believe Student Conduct Investigators deserve the same level of preparation.
While university investigations are not criminal proceedings, they often involve vulnerable parties, contested accounts, evidential complexity, and significant personal and institutional consequences. Staff and students deserve training that reflect this reality.
Orava brings together expertise from the criminal justice system and higher education to deliver specialist training in the most critical areas of investigation.
Core Investigation Skills Course (2 Days)
Foundations for conducting thorough, balanced, and professional investigations.
Interviewing Skills for Conduct Investigations (2/3 Days)
Interviewing that strengthens communication, rapport, and procedural fairness for everyone present.
The Enhanced Cognitive Interview (2 Days)
Trauma‑centred interviewing designed to maximise accuracy, detail, and best‑evidence outcomes.
Open Courses
Open courses recognise that not every team requires whole‑group training.
Delivered online, they allow individual participants to book onto a session and learn alongside colleagues from other organisations. Perfect for new staff, or existing staff looking to upskill or gain CPD.
Click below to view our upcoming courses
Our HEI Courses
Why Do School and FE Leaders Need Investigation Training?
School leaders are busy professionals whose core role is education, not investigation. yet when serious incidents arise, they are suddenly required to make high‑stakes decisions that carry legal, financial, and reputational consequences. As the judge in Howlett versus Michael Hall Schools Ltd (2024) explained "an investigation does not need to meet criminal investigation standards but should be sufficient to establish a disciplinary case to answer. Where the outcome might be dismissal and may impact on a person’s ability to continue in their chosen profession, particular care should be taken to ensure the investigation is thorough and fair”.
At Orava, we believe if staff are being asked to conduct such investigations, they deserve to have received sufficient training to enable them to carry out this role. It is also an ACAS recommendation that persons tasked to carry out investigations be independents, and where possible should have had training. Unfortunately, recent employement tribunals have highlighted the impact of flawed investigations, including significant financial settlements for the claimants.
In Howlett v Michael Hall School Ltd (2024), the Tribunal criticised the school’s investigation for being incomplete, poorly evidenced, and unsupported by proper records. The judge noted that:
Key documents were missing, including investigation notes, policy documents, and records of crucial meetings.
The Investigating Officer kept no formal record of actions, includig their decision-making. The tribunal found this both troubling and suspicious.
Several key witnesses were not interviewed, including the school Health and Saftey Officer, who was central to the incidents under investigation.
The Investigator did not produce an Investigation Report at the conclusion of the process.
These failures meant the school could not demonstrate a reasonable investigation, making the dismissal procedurally and substantively unfair.
The judge’s overall view was that the investigation was “flawed, inconsistent and insufficiently thorough”, with record‑keeping failures contributing directly to the unfair dismissal finding.
In Wood v Halesown College (2024) The Tribunal found that Halesowen College’s investigation into the allegations was seriously deficient and fell well below the required standard. Key criticisms included:
Failure to interview key witnesses — the claimant identified four witnesses who could support his account, but none were interviewed before dismissal.
Failure to gather relevant evidence — the college did not obtain or consider the claimant’s safeguarding and behaviour‑related notes recorded on MyConcern and MyHalesowen, despite repeated requests.
Taking student allegations at face value — the investigating officer did not test the credibility or motivation of the students, even though the judge later found the allegations were fabricated.
Ignoring contradictory evidence — independent student witnesses later confirmed they had seen no inappropriate behaviour, but this evidence was not sought during the investigation.
No further investigation after the disciplinary hearing — although the claimant was told he could provide witness names, no additional fact‑finding was carried out.
Reliance on historic, untested allegations — the investigator improperly relied on a previous employer’s reference without giving the claimant sight of it or testing its accuracy.
The judge concluded that the investigation was incomplete, unbalanced, and procedurally unfair, breaching the contractual disciplinary procedure and directly leading to a finding of wrongful dismissal.
These cases clearly demonstrate why school and FE leaders need robust investigation training, ensuring that natural justice is upheld and decisions are based on fair, thorough, and defensible processes.
Our Schools and FE Courses
Orava draws on specialist experience from both the criminal justice system and the education sector to provide training that supports school leaders and governors responsible for conducting school‑based investigations
Effective Investigation for School and FE Leaders (1 Day)
Learn the basics of conducting a fair, thorough and effective investigation
Effective Investigation for School and FE Leaders (Modular)
Same content as the 1‑day course, delivered across three 2‑hour sessions — ideal for those who can’t commit to a full day.
Conducting an Investigation as a Governor Workshop (2 Hours)
A focused 2‑hour online session giving governors a clear, practical introduction to the essentials of fair and effective investigation
Open Courses
Open courses recognise that schools and FE colleges may not always need whole‑team training. Delivered online, they allow individual school staff and governors to book onto a session and learn alongside colleagues from other organisations. Perfect for new staff, or existing staff looking to upskill or gain CPD.
Click below to view our upcoming courses
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 offer clear value without unnecessary cost. All courses are delivered at simple, fixed day‑rate prices: £600 for in‑person training and £500 for online delivery, with no hidden fees. Orava is not VAT registered, ensuring straightforward pricing from the outset. Prices for open courses are charged per person and shown on the booking pages
Is your training bespoke?
Whilst our core learning outcomes are consistent, every course 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 our LinkedIn page.
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.
Something has come up and I can't make the training now. Can I get a refund?
We understand that plans can change. Please refer to our Refund & Cancellation Policy for full details on your options.