Training and Consultancy Services
Specialist Training for Professionals
Circles South West offers a variety of training packages provided to local and national organisations
seeking workforce development around working with people who sexually harm. We are experts in the
field of sexual violence and child sexual abuse and our trainers are professionally qualified and
experienced former Probation Officers, Police Officers and Social Workers. We understand the
challenges presented in working with people with harmful sexual behaviour, and those at risk, and offer
bespoke packages taking into account the needs of particular agencies.
We offer basic awareness training and more advanced, in-depth training on specific subjects, as
required. Our experience spans working with adults convicted of very serious sexual offences
assessed as high risk of causing serious harm and / or re-offending; young people with harmful sexual
behaviour; with people with learning disabilities and/ or autistic spectrum disorder; and with those who
maintain their innocence as well as those who acknowledge their offending behaviour. We also work
with the non-offending partners of people who have sexually offended.
Example 1 day courses
Level 1 – Working with adults who sexually harm
For professionals with little or no experience of working with this group. We look at the impact
of our own and others’ attitudes and beliefs in relation to sexual offenders, the motivations for
offending, risk assessment and risk management and treatment models to assist with
desistance from sexual offending.
Level 2 – Working with adults who sexually harm
Following on from Level 1, this course considers the need to take an individualistic approach to
working with those who sexually harm. We advocate a trauma informed approach and a need to
understand how a range of sexual interests might have developed. Participants learn how to
feel confident discussing and challenging sexual thinking and behaviour.
Level 1 – Working with young people with harmful sexual behaviour
For professionals with limited experience of working with this cohort of young people group,
and those seeking a refresh. The course emphasises the importance of a trauma informed
approach, considering child development in the context of normal vs harmful sexual behaviour.
We explore pathways into harmful sexual behaviour, the impact of pornography and identify
local support services.
Level 2 – Working with young people with harmful sexual behaviour
Following on from Level 1, this course is for those looking to further develop their skills and
confidence for working with young people with harmful sexual behaviour. The course builds on
the Level 1 training through the use of case studies, sharing of participants’ practice examples
and provides an introduction to safety planning.
Other courses
We also offer a range of half day webinars on specific topics including:
o Internet and other non-contact offending
o The effects of pornography on sexual offending
o Understanding risk and restrictions regarding those who sexually harm
o Treatment methods for those who sexually offend
o Working with women who whose partner or ex-partner has sexually harmed
o Supervising front-line staff working with people who have sexually harmed (for managers).
All our training emphasises the need for self-care and equips participants to feel more confident in
their practice. It is based on up-to-date research, evidence and current practice.
Our training is interactive and, to encourage discussion, we use small group exercises and scenario
work. We also use power point presentations and offer useful handouts for participants.
Recent training evaluation
100% strongly agreed or agreed that the aims of the training were achieved
99% said that delivery of the training was excellent or good
94% said that the materials were excellent or good
90% said that the training met their needs.
Recent participant feedback:
- Very informative and friendly facilitators
- Super informative training on an important topic, lots of opportunity to engage and really good
- discussion on building best practice
- Good delivery, provided me with a good insight into how best to support service users
- So interesting and informative, really well structured with interactive group work
- The session was informative and the people hosting were helpful and knowledgeable
- Helpful to understand normal harmful v sexual behaviour.
For more information or to discuss your requirements please contact us at: info@circlessw.org.uk
