Training & Coaching
Specialist Investigation & Professional Practice Training
Avident delivers practitioner-led training for investigators, supervisors, and managers working within law enforcement, regulatory, and professional investigation environments. All courses are grounded in real-world experience, current legislation, and best practice across England and Wales, with a strong emphasis on integrity, defensibility, and professional judgement. Training can be delivered in person or online, and tailored to organisational risk profiles, operational roles, and experience levels.
Courses currently available:
As part of our safeguarding and community outreach initiative Minutes Matter Bristol – an authorised training provider for the Daniel Baird Foundation, free accredited life-saving accreditation courses are also provided to youth groups and community organisations.
Witness evidence remains central to effective investigations. This course develops the skills required to obtain accurate, reliable, and ethically-secured witness accounts while maintaining the integrity of the interview process.
The training places equal importance on legal compliance, communication skills, and professional empathy, ensuring witnesses are treated fairly and evidence is robust.
Suitable for investigators across policing, enforcement, and regulatory environments.
Learning outcomes include:
- Legislative and procedural framework affecting witness interviews
- Principles of ethical investigative interviewing
- Active listening and rapport building
- Questioning techniques and information gathering
- Structured interviewing approaches, including PEACE
- Converting interviews into clear, compliant statements
- Managing vulnerability and special measures
- Protecting the integrity of interview material
Why this course matters
Witness evidence can make or break an investigation. Poor interviewing risks inaccurate accounts, distressed witnesses, and evidence that cannot withstand scrutiny. This course equips investigators with the skills to obtain reliable, ethical, and legally compliant witness evidence, improving case quality while maintaining public trust and professional standards.
Courtroom Skills and Giving Evidence
This course prepares all witnesses for the demands of giving evidence in court, focusing on preparation, professionalism, and credibility.
Participants will develop the skills required to present evidence clearly, withstand challenge, and maintain composure under cross-examination, while meeting their ethical obligations to the court.
Learning outcomes include:
- Understanding court structure and process
- Preparing for testimony
- Presenting evidence clearly and accurately
- Managing cross-examination
- Courtroom conduct and professional demeanour
- Use of exhibits during evidence
- Ethical responsibilities when giving evidence
- Learning from case outcomes and feedback
Why this course matters
An investigator’s credibility in court directly affects the weight given to their evidence. Poor preparation or presentation can undermine months of investigative work. This course prepares investigators to give clear, confident, and ethical evidence, ensuring their contribution assists the court and reflects professional standards.
Investigative Decision Making
Professional Judgement, Recording, and Accountability
This one-day course is designed to strengthen investigative decision-making by developing structured professional judgement, situational awareness, and defensible recording practices.
The training explores how investigators make decisions under pressure, how those decisions should be recorded, and how policy decisions withstand scrutiny during supervision, disclosure, and court proceedings. It is suitable for investigators and supervisors operating in complex, fast-moving, or high-risk investigative environments.
The course blends theory with practical application, enabling participants to recognise cognitive influences, apply structured decision-making tools, and maintain clear, auditable decision records.
Learning outcomes include:
- Understanding fast and slow decision-making and how each impacts investigations
- Developing situational awareness within dynamic investigative environments
- Applying an investigative mindset to problem identification and resolution
- Using structured approaches such as the ABC rule and the five-WH method
- Enhancing problem-solving through logical and proportionate decision frameworks
- Understanding the purpose and value of key decision logs
- Identifying the core elements of a defensible policy decision
- Understanding the role and structure of policy files
- Knowing when and how to record policy decisions effectively
- Managing sensitive policy decisions appropriately and lawfully
Why this course matters
Poorly made or poorly recorded decisions are among the most common sources of risk in investigations. This course focuses on clarity of thought, quality of judgement, and quality of record-keeping, supporting investigators to make decisions that are proportionate, ethical, and capable of withstanding later scrutiny.
Exhibit Management
This course examines the critical role of exhibit management in maintaining evidential integrity, legal admissibility, and public confidence.
It is suitable for exhibits officers, investigators, and supervisors responsible for evidence handling or oversight. The course is grounded in practical experience from complex investigations.
Learning outcomes include:
- Legal framework governing exhibit management
- Evidence handling, storage, and preservation
- Maintaining an unbroken chain of custody
- Documentation standards and audit readiness
- Risk identification and mitigation
- Professional communication with investigators and legal partners
- Ethical challenges and accountability
- Quality assurance and review processes
Why this course matters
The integrity of physical evidence underpins the credibility of the entire investigation. Failures in handling, storage, or documentation can result in evidence being excluded and public confidence being damaged. This course reinforces professional standards in exhibit management, ensuring evidence remains secure, traceable, and legally admissible.
Introduction to Disclosure
Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA)
This foundational course provides investigators with a clear and practical understanding of disclosure obligations under the CPIA 1996.
It is designed for those new to disclosure responsibilities or seeking to refresh their understanding of lawful, ethical evidence handling. The course emphasises transparency, accuracy, and professional judgement throughout the investigative process.
Participants will gain confidence in managing material from the outset of an investigation, reducing risk and strengthening case integrity.
Learning outcomes include:
- Purpose and principles of the CPIA 1996
- Roles and responsibilities within the disclosure process
- Managing unused material effectively
- Evaluating relevance and evidential value
- Accurate record-keeping and audit trails
- Ethical considerations and professional conduct
- Communication with prosecutors and legal partners
- Awareness of current guidance and emerging issues
Why this course matters
Disclosure failures remain one of the most common causes of collapsed cases and miscarriages of justice. Early misunderstandings or poor habits can create risk that grows throughout an investigation. This course establishes strong foundations, ensuring investigators understand their responsibilities from the outset and manage material lawfully, ethically, and transparently.
Advanced Disclosure Training
Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA)
This course is intended for investigators and supervisors working on serious, complex, or high-risk investigations.
It builds on foundational disclosure knowledge and focuses on decision-making, strategy, and defensibility in complex evidential environments, including digital and third-party material.
Participants will strengthen their ability to manage disclosure proactively and withstand scrutiny.
Learning outcomes include:
- Current disclosure landscape and recent reviews
- Reasonable lines of enquiry in complex cases
- Roles, responsibilities, and accountability
- Digital and third-party material management
- Disclosure strategy and decision recording
- Scheduling sensitive and highly sensitive material
- Redaction principles
- Public Interest Immunity considerations
- Defence engagement and disclosure challenge
Why this course matters
Serious and complex investigations generate large volumes of material, much of it sensitive or digital. Without a clear strategy, disclosure risk increases exponentially. This course strengthens decision-making, documentation, and oversight in high-risk cases, helping investigators and supervisors manage disclosure proactively and withstand legal challenge.
Use of Force Awareness
Legal Framework, Decision-Making, and Accountability
This awareness-based course provides an understanding of the legal and professional framework governing the use of force by police officers and trained police staff.
Designed for police staff, partner agencies, and members of the public who require insight into policing powers, the course explores how use of force decisions are made, justified, and reviewed. It is an educational programme only and does not involve physical techniques or practical application.
The course supports transparency, informed discussion, and improved understanding of police decision-making in operational environments.
Learning outcomes include:
- Understanding the legal basis for the use of force in England and Wales
- Awareness of national and local policy governing use of force
- Insight into decision-making models used by police officers
- Understanding proportionality, necessity, and accountability
- Awareness of available tactics and equipment (at an overview level)
- Understanding recording, reporting, and post-incident review processes
- Recognising the role of scrutiny, oversight, and public confidence
Why this course matters
Use of force decisions are among the most scrutinised aspects of policing. Misunderstanding the legal framework or decision-making processes can damage public trust and confidence. This course improves transparency and understanding, supporting informed discussion about police powers, accountability, and professional judgement.
Conflict Management & Personal Safety
Legal Framework, Decision-Making, and Accountability
This Conflict Management course provides participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to recognise, prevent, and safely manage conflict in everyday and professional settings. The focus is on early intervention, effective communication, and personal safety, with an emphasis on de-escalation and risk awareness rather than confrontation.
Through realistic discussion and practical learning, participants gain confidence in managing challenging interactions while prioritising their own safety and the safety of others.
Learning outcomes include:
- Recognise early warning signs of conflict and potential escalation
- Understand the factors that contribute to challenging behaviour
- Use effective verbal and non-verbal communication to de-escalate situations
- Apply personal safety principles to reduce risk
- Make informed decisions about disengagement and seeking support
- Respond more confidently and calmly in pressurised situations
Why this course matters
Conflict can arise unexpectedly in many environments and, if poorly managed, can quickly escalate into situations that place people at risk of harm. This course helps participants develop the awareness and skills needed to prevent escalation, manage behaviour safely, and protect themselves and others.
By focusing on communication, judgement, and personal safety rather than physical intervention, the training supports safer workplaces, stronger communities, and more confident individuals who are better equipped to handle difficult interactions appropriately and responsibly.
Minutes Matter Bristol - Basic Life Support (BLS) & Control the Bleed (CTB)
Minutes Matter Bristol (MM Bristol) is a community-focused, preventative training initiative committed to reducing harm and improving outcomes through early intervention, education, and empowerment. The programme delivers high-quality certificated Basic Life Support (BLS) and Control the Bleed (CTB) designed to equip individuals and communities with the confidence and skills to respond effectively in life-threatening emergencies.
Income generated through commissioned and paid training directly supports MM Bristol’s safeguarding and community outreach objectives. This funding model enables the provision of free, fully funded BLS and CTB training to youth groups, community organisations, and vulnerable or high-risk populations who may otherwise face barriers to accessing accredited life-saving education.
By reinvesting training fees into preventative education, MM Bristol supports wider safeguarding aims, including violence reduction, community resilience, and early intervention. Training is delivered by experienced practitioners and aligned with recognised best practice, ensuring consistency, accountability, and public confidence.
MM Bristol operates as part of the Avident Group and is an authorised training provider for the Daniel Baird Foundation, delivering CTB training in line with nationally recognised standards and evidence-based guidance. The BLS training is provided in line with the latest Resuscitation Council (UK) 2021 guidance, with successful candidates receiving certificated accreditation.
Further information is available at:
- Daniel Baird Foundation: www.thedanielbairdfoundation.org
- Minutes Matter Bristol: www.minutesmatterbristol.co.uk
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Immediate Action That Saves Lives
This course provides participants with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively to a range of life-threatening medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, and choking.
The training focuses on early recognition, decisive action, and safe intervention until professional help arrives. It is practical, supportive, and designed for real-world situations faced by members of the public, workplaces, and community groups.
No previous medical experience is required.
Course Details:
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Format: Face-to-Face
- Accreditation: Valid for 1 year
- Max Group Size: 16 delegates
- Includes: Hands-on practice, certificate
Learning outcomes include:
- Recognising cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies
- Understanding the importance of early intervention and calling for help
- Performing effective CPR
- Safe and confident use of a public access defibrillator (AED)
- Managing an unconscious casualty and recovery positioning
- Recognising the signs of anaphylaxis
- Understanding the use of adrenaline auto-injectors (at an awareness and practical level)
- Recognising and managing choking in adults and children
- Knowing when and how to escalate to emergency services
Why this course matters
Medical emergencies rarely come with warning. Cardiac arrest, severe allergic reactions, and choking can all become fatal within minutes if no action is taken. The difference between life and death is often not advanced medical care, but whether someone nearby has the confidence to act.
This course equips ordinary people with the skills, understanding, and reassurance needed to step forward, take control, and provide life-saving care when every second counts.
Control the Bleed (CTB)
Stopping Life-Threatening Bleeding Before Help Arrives
This course teaches participants how to recognise and control catastrophic bleeding using simple, effective techniques.
Designed for members of the public, community groups, and organisations, the course focuses on rapid decision-making and practical intervention in the moments immediately following serious injury.
The training aligns with national best practice and is delivered in a calm, supportive environment.
Course Details:
- Duration: 2 to 3 hours
- Format: Face-to-Face
- Max Group Size: 16 delegates
- Includes: Hands-on practice
Learning outcomes include:
- Recognising life-threatening bleeding
- Understanding when bleeding is immediately dangerous
- Applying direct pressure effectively
- Use of tourniquets and bleed control equipment
- Managing casualties safely while awaiting emergency services
- Understanding personal safety and scene awareness
- Building confidence to act decisively under pressure
Why this course matters
Severe bleeding can be fatal within minutes. In many cases, the person who saves a life is not a clinician, but the first person on scene. This course gives ordinary people the skills and confidence to do something extraordinary — to act quickly, control bleeding, and save a life before help arrives.
Flexible Delivery
We understand that one size does not fit all. Our training can be adapted for:
- Shorter sessions (e.g. school assemblies, awareness sessions)
- Extended sessions with additional content (e.g. safeguarding, mental resilience)
- Group sizes large and small (we’ve trained over 200 people in one sitting!)
- Fundraising events where we charge a reduced rate so you can raise money for your cause
We also offer annual refresher training and bespoke sessions for staff teams. If you have specific learning objectives or training outcomes in mind, we’ll work with you to create a tailored programme.
Enhanced Vetting: NPPV3/SC
ICO Registration: ZB956423
Association of British Investigators: F2300
Ex Police Industry & Commerce: 28692