Why this apprenticeship

Most of us didn’t step into the abuse sector dreaming of becoming “managers.” We came here to make a difference. But whether you call yourself a manager or not, if you’re leading people, programmes, or services, you are already shaping lives.

The truth is: good management is one of the most powerful tools we have for protecting survivors and supporting colleagues. When teams are well-led, staff feel safer, services are more consistent, and survivors are better supported.

This apprenticeship is designed for people across the sector, from service managers and programme leads to training coordinators and project officers who want to turn their leadership into lasting, practical impact.

What Makes it different

- Real-world change, not theory: Learners complete seven projects inspired by serious case reviews, each tackling challenges that mirror the reality of abuse services. These projects aren’t hypothetical, they lead to practical improvements in your workplace.
- Sector-shaped learning: The curriculum reflects the specific pressures of domestic and sexual abuse work: trauma-informed teams, safeguarding governance, multi-agency collaboration, crisis planning.
- Dual qualification: Alongside the Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship Standard, learners gain the IDVA Certificate (Level 3). This is especially valuable for experienced managers who were already in leadership when the IDVA qualification was first introduced and therefore weren’t prioritised to take it. Many commissioners now expect to see IDVA certification, this apprenticeship provides a respected way to gain it alongside advanced management training.
- Confidence, not just competence: This is about giving managers, reluctant or otherwise, the belief, skills, and authority to lead brilliantly, not just adequately.

What you’ll Gain

- Lead teams in a way that reduces burnout and builds resilience
- Confidently tackle operational challenges without losing focus on survivors
- Plan, fund, and adapt services so they last through change and crisis
- Use data to improve practice and prove impact to commissioners
- Hold their own in multi-agency spaces, shaping safer systems for survivors
- Earn both a Level 5 Operations Manager qualification and the Level 3 IDVA Certificate

The 7 Projects

The heart of the programme is seven workplace projects — each rooted in lessons from serious case reviews.
- Every project addresses a real issue the sector faces
- Every project is applied to your own workplace
- Every project creates change that makes your team, your service, and your outcomes stronger

Crisis Response & Risk Management - Recognise crisis situations, carry out risk assessments, and ensure safety planning in line with policies. Use appropriate tools to safeguard survivors.

How it works

- Length: 18 months
- Learning sessions: Two 3-hour workshops each month (online or in-person)
- Workplace learning: 20% of time dedicated to mentoring, reflective practice, and applied projects
- Assessment: Portfolio, project with report, presentation, and professional discussion (End-Point Assessment)

Who it’s For

This programme is for anyone in the abuse sector who leads people or programmes — whether or not they see themselves as a “manager”:
- Team leaders and service managers
- Coordinators of training, prevention, or policy programmes
- Operational and back-office leads keeping services sustainable
- Aspiring leaders ready to take on bigger roles

If you’ve ever thought: “I just want to do the work, not be a manager” — this programme is for you. It’s about giving you the skills to lead with confidence, so your work has more impact, not more admin.

Funding

- Levy-paying employers: 100% funded through your Apprenticeship Levy.
- SMEs (non-levy payers): Our preferred option is levy transfer. Larger organisations often have unused levy funds, and can transfer up to 25% to support smaller services. When this happens, your apprenticeships are fully funded with no employer contribution at all — and we actively help to make this happen.
- If levy transfer isn’t available: SMEs can still access 95% government funding, with only a small 5% employer contribution.
- Learners: There is never a cost to the individual.

The Outcome

Graduates don’t just get letters after their name. They finish this programme having delivered seven real, measurable improvements in their workplace — and with the confidence, tools, and recognition to keep making change long after the course is done.

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Staff Recruitment & Retention - High turnover and burnout create instability. Our apprenticeships provide a structured development path, increasing staff engagement and retention by offering career progression and growth opportunities.

Skills Gaps & Workforce Development - Many support workers lack formal training in trauma-informed care and safeguarding. Our apprenticeships ensure your team receives standardised, high-quality training in essential skills, creating consistency in best practices across your organization.

Limited Training Budgets - Training can be costly. With government-funded apprenticeships, you can upskill staff affordably while maintaining high standards, helping you manage tight budgets without compromising quality.

Heavy Workloads & Time Constraints - Support workers often have limited time for training. Our work-based apprenticeships minimise disruption, allowing staff to learn while continuing in their roles, so you get maximum impact without added strain.

Emotional Resilience & Wellbeing - The emotional demands of the role can lead to burnout. Our apprenticeships include training in mental health, self-care, and resilience, helping staff maintain their wellbeing and stay engaged in their work.