Professional/Short course Achieving Best Evidence

Course code
UZSJS7153
Application
University
Level
Professional/Short Course
School
School of Social Sciences
Campus
Frenchay
Duration
xx
Delivery
Face-to-face
Module Leader
Dr Anne Eason

15 credit level 6 module

About

This 15 credit level 6 module, Achieving Best Evidence, concentrates on preparing officers to undertake the specialist learning required to effectively interview vulnerable and intimidated victims and witnesses. It is a practice-based unit that supports operational policing, social work and other statutory bodies that interact with those who are particularly vulnerable.

On successful completion of this module, you will be able to:

  • identify the statutory provisions relevant to Visually Recorded Interviews (VRI) and the admissibility of evidence.    
  • assess the impact of vulnerabilities, intimidation, and trauma on the interview process. 
  • plan and conduct interviews in accordance with the PEACE model and Achieving Best Evidence guidance 2022.
  • apply an investigative mindset to investigative interviewing.    
  • use models of reflective practice, analyse your own interviews, identifying areas for future development.

How to apply

Please click on the Apply Now button to apply for your CPD module, which you can take as a stand-alone course or as part of an undergraduate or postgraduate (Masters level) programme.

For further information

Structure

Content

The module syllabus will typically cover the following:

  • Introduction to the Achieving Best Evidence (2022) guidance
  • The stages of the PEACE model for Visually Recorded Interviewing
  • Planning a VRI
  • Different types of questions/questioning approaches
  • Special Measures
  • Significant Witnesses
  • Trauma and Impact on memory
  • Witness assessment
  • Identifying vulnerability and intimidation in victims and witnesses
  • Rapport building and communication skills
  • What is an investigative mindset?
  • Interview planning
  • Reflective practice in ABE interviewing 

Learning and Teaching

Due to the nature of the topic, the module will be delivered face-to-face in a series of interactive workshops across a five day period, inclusive of the final assessment.

The workshops will comprise a blend of didactic and interactive teaching and learning, providing you with the opportunity to plan and practice interview techniques, questioning approaches and build and develop communication skills.

Assessment

Assessment of this module comprises a two-hour timed, in-class test based upon a set of questions in preparation for an ABE interview.

Prices and dates

Supplementary fee information

Fees

Please view our full fee information to see the price brackets for our modules.

Dates

Please click on the Apply Now button to view dates.

Features

Study facilities

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Take a personalised virtual tour of the Health Professions facilities and experience what a typical day could look like here for you.

Page last updated 19 November 2025