Working in domestic abuse or safeguarding isn’t just a job, it’s a calling.
Whether you’re supporting someone to find safety, rebuild their confidence, or navigate complex systems, your work changes lives every day.

If you’re in your first few years in the sector, you’ve probably come across the term IDVA certificate. It stands for Independent Domestic Violence Advocate — the recognised qualification that helps you build the knowledge, skills, and confidence to support survivors safely and effectively.

At Be Astute, we believe that becoming qualified shouldn’t be about ticking boxes. It should be about growing as a practitioner — understanding people, developing resilience, and learning how to create real impact. That’s why we’ve designed a route that combines the official Level 3 IDVA Certificate with the Level 4 Domestic and Sexual Abuse Worker Apprenticeship — delivered together, online, in a supportive, reflective way that fits around real life.

What is an IDVA Certificate?

An IDVA certificate is the nationally recognised qualification that prepares professionals to support people affected by domestic abuse.

At Be Astute, we are proud to be an approved centre to deliver the OCNLR Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Abuse: Prevention and Early Intervention, often referred to as the Level 3 IDVA certificate. It’s the same recognised programme delivered by SafeLives, the sector leader in domestic abuse training.

This qualification builds deep understanding of:

• How domestic abuse affects individuals and families

• Assessing risk and planning for safety

• Working in a trauma-informed and person-centred way

• Building effective multi-agency relationships

It’s a respected, evidence-based foundation for anyone working in domestic abuse or related fields. But we know from experience that knowledge alone isn’t enough the real learning happens when people apply it

Learning That Builds Confidence and Compassion

That’s where our integrated approach makes a difference.

At Be Astute, we deliver the Level 3 IDVA Certificate and Level 4 Apprenticeship together. They’re not separate stages — they’re part of one, connected journey designed to help you grow as a practitioner over time.

While the Level 3 qualification builds essential knowledge and understanding, the Level 4 apprenticeship helps you bring it to life — linking what you learn to your day-to-day work, encouraging reflection, and developing the confidence to make independent, ethical decisions in complex situations.

By the end of the programme, you’ll hold two nationally recognised qualifications:

• The OCNLR Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Abuse: Prevention and Early Intervention, and

• The Level 4 Domestic and Sexual Abuse Worker Apprenticeship.

More importantly, you’ll feel equipped — both professionally and emotionally — to support people with skill, empathy, and clarity.

Designed for People Early in Their Career

This programme was created especially for people who’ve already started working in the field.

Those in their first one to two years of practice who want to build confidence, structure, and professional recognition.

You might be:

• An IDVA, outreach or caseworker supporting victims and survivors

• A housing, social care, or health professional who regularly works with people experiencing abuse

• Someone who wants to formalise their learning with a qualification that reflects both their knowledge and their practice

Our approach helps you take the passion and commitment you already bring to your work and turn it into lasting professional strength.

Flexible, Supportive Learning — That Fits Real Life

We know that people in this sector are often stretched thin. That’s why everything we deliver is online, supportive, and designed to work around you.

• Live online sessions every two weeks (three hours each), filled with discussion, reflection, and shared learning

• Practical activities between sessions, helping you apply new ideas to your role straight away

• Regular tutor support from experienced professionals who understand the emotional and operational realities of this work

Learning at this pace gives you time to absorb, reflect, and practise. It’s not about rushing through content, it’s about real development that sticks.

Why Employers Love This Route

For employers, this programme is a powerful way to invest in their people.
It allows staff to gain both the Level 3 IDVA Certificate and the Level 4 Apprenticeship qualification, fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy or government co-investment.

But more than that, it helps to:

• Strengthen reflective practice across teams

• Improve the quality and consistency of service delivery

• Support staff wellbeing through structured, supported learning

• Build professional confidence and competence from the inside out

When practitioners feel supported and skilled, everyone benefits — colleagues, organisations, and most importantly, the people they support.

Take the Next Step

If you’re looking to gain your IDVA certificate and continue developing as a professional in the domestic abuse or safeguarding field, the Be Astute apprenticeship is a brilliant next step.

You’ll achieve both:

• The OCNLR Level 3 Certificate in Domestic Abuse: Prevention and Early Intervention, and

• The Level 4 Domestic and Sexual Abuse Worker Apprenticeship — delivered together in one integrated, supportive programme.

It’s fully funded, fully online, and designed to help you grow in confidence, skill, and purpose.

To find out more or check your eligibility, contact our team, we’d love to help you take the next step in your journey.

In Summary

The IDVA certificate remains a cornerstone qualification for professionals working in domestic abuse support, but at Be Astute, we believe it should be more than a certificate on paper.

Our approach combines the rigour of the OCNLR Level 3 qualification with the reflection, mentoring, and applied learning of the Level 4 Apprenticeship. It’s a route that’s compassionate, comprehensive, and focused on real change.

You’ll gain respected qualifications, professional confidence, and the insight to make a genuine difference, not just in how you work, but in the lives of the people you support.

About Be Astute

At Be Astute, we believe that professional learning should be meaningful, empowering, and rooted in real experience.
Our team combines expertise in education, business improvement, and vocational training with a shared commitment to helping people and organisations reach their full potential.

We’re based in Frome and work with organisations across the UK to improve systems, skills, and confidence always with one goal in mind: to make learning practical, engaging, and effective in the real world.