An image of a womans hand writing on a notepad during a training session

BCWA Training & Development

BCWA is an in-demand training provider across the West Midlands, offering a wealth of skills and experience in training, consultancy, project development and partnership working.

We offer a range of off-the-shelf or bespoke courses on domestic abuse, coercive control, stalking, rape and sexual violence, forced marriage, honour-based violence, FGM, modern slavery, child sexual exploitation, and complex needs. We can pitch training at a variety of levels, from awareness-level to in-depth development for strategic managers.

BCWA is a recognised Open College Network centre.

Please scroll down to find out more or get in touch to talk to us about how we can help you.

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Why work with BCWA?

We are experts in the field…

“Talking to experts. Very professional, Very supportive”

BCWA have supported survivors of domestic abuse and interpersonal violence for 30 years. We bring this depth of knowledge and experience to our training. Each of our trainers has frontline experience of supporting victims, managing services, or developing strategy.

We make training count…

“I was really impressed at Sara & Jennifer’s knowledge! It really helps to know the Sandwell picture and how it all fits together”

Time is precious, and professionals need to know that training will give them practical knowledge to enhance their work. BCWA’s courses have a strong theoretical base combined with this essential practical expertise.

Each course includes: a wealth of information on the subject, including up to date legislation; case studies; tasks and discussion to enable participants to relate training to their own role; and links to local strategy, standards and referral pathways in each borough.

We can work around your needs…

“A very good course”

We can offer either pre-designed or bespoke courses designed with you according to your organisation’s needs.

We offer consultancy…

“After BCWA training I’m going to write a Domestic Abuse Policy to use in our setting”

Domestic abuse costs UK businesses £1.3 billion per year. By taking effective action, you can cut the costs to your business and get the best out of your skilled employees.

BCWA offers support and consultancy to businesses, statutory agencies and voluntary organisations to develop workplace domestic abuse policies, support employees affected by abuse, meet CSR targets. We can also offer training and development to staff and management to understand the impact of abuse and support HR processes.

Training courses

Currently we have the following training courses available. We can deliver these either online or in-person depending on your needs. Please contact us via training@blackcountrywomensaid.co.uk for prices and availability.

Non-fatal strangulation and suffocation and the legislation

A one hour awareness briefing covering:
• an introduction to the new 2022 legislation
• the impact of non-fatal strangulation and/or non-fatal suffocation (the signs and symptoms)
• questions to consider when risk assessing
• signposting someone for support

Awareness of coercive control

A three hour interactive workshop covering:
• the dynamics of coercive control and the legislation that underpins it
• the impacts of coercive and controlling behaviour on victims
• how to identify and support victims to recognise coercive control
• how to signpost someone for support

Awareness of economic abuse

A three hour interactive workshop covering:
• the definition of economic abuse as described in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021
• the dynamics of economic abuse and the impact on victims
• how to identify and support victims to recognise economic abuse
• how to signpost someone for support

Modern slavery awareness

A free one hour awareness session covering:
• what modern slavery and human trafficking is
• the signs and behaviours of modern slavery
• an introduction to the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and the National Referral Mechanism
• the support services for victims, including Black Country Women’s Aid

An introduction to trauma informed practice

A short eLearning course on trauma informed practice and how you can work in a trauma informed way. Currently available for free.

You are in good company: who we work with…

BCWA training is commissioned by a range of agencies across the Black Country. This includes: including Sandwell, Dudley and Walsall Domestic Abuse Strategic Partnerships; West Midlands Police; Sandwell and West Birmingham CCG; Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust; and many more.  BCWA staff are visiting lecturers at the Social Work departments of Birmingham City University and University of Birmingham.

We are also closely involved in developing the multi-agency response to domestic abuse, modern slavery and interpersonal violence in the West Midlands. We work with Domestic Abuse Strategic Partnerships, Community Safety Partnerships, Children and Adult Safeguarding Boards, the West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner’s Victims Commission, Police and Crime Boards, and DHR Standing Panels.

BCWA also work as expert consultants on initiatives which inform national policy, and have been involved in consultations with the Home Office, Ministry of Justice, Children’s Commissioner, and The Department of Health.

Training for Black Country Local Authorities

BCWA is commissioned to provide domestic abuse and interpersonal violence courses by Dudley Council and Walsall Council. To access their training catalogues for local professionals please visit Dudley Safe and Sound or Walsall Safeguarding Partnership.

Upcoming Events

There are no BCWA training events currently scheduled.

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