Conversations not confrontations

Have you ever wished you could transform a conversation from an antagonistic exchange into productive dialogue? Or that you could more effectively get across your message in such a way that it can be heard even when tensions are high? In partnership with Smile mediation we are delighted to offer this brand new course. The course is online and will be delivered over 3 sessions:

Friday 5th March 9:30 - 11am Session one

Friday 12th March 9:30 - 11 and 11:30 - 1pm - Action learning sets

Friday 19th March 9:30 - 11 Session two

This three-part virtual course will offer tools and skills-based learning to enable you become even more effective at handling challenging conversations.

The course will be structured as two ninety-minute interactive online sessions with an Action learning set (or group coaching) and a reflection exercise in between. The workshops will blend content and tools with skills practice and reflection on typical real life case situations from your   own experiences.

Who should attend?

Anyone who has to conduct challenging conversations as a part of their job, deal with customer complaints or handle tense situations.

Course objectives:

Successful completion of this course will result in:

• The ability to prepare well for a challenging conversation
• Increased skill in holding challenging conversations
• An understanding of the nature of conflict
• More effective customer interactions taking place more often
• Better communication skills evidenced
• Increased confidence around challenging conversations.

Content will include:

• Understanding the nature of conflict (the neuroscience of conflict)
• How to move from judgement to co-operation
• Level two listening skills
• Managing (customer) expectations
• Conflict mapping tool
• Group coaching
• Reflection and discussion

For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Online course equivalent to 1 day. 2 sessions 9 & 16 March . 9.00am - 12.30pm

Introduction to mental health & ASB casework course

 In recent years Housing and ASB practitioners have reported an increase in Mental Health issues being a significant contributing factor in ASB casework. There are more cases than ever before, where Mental Health is being reported as a causal factor in ASB related incidents and equally more cases of victims and witnesses who state that their mental health is suffering because of ASB related incidents.

Generally, Housing Providers, Police and Community Safety teams have a wide experience of resolving ASB cases successfully across all tenures, and taking legal action where necessary. However, where Mental Health is seen as the main contributing factor, many agencies, including housing and their partners, continue to face difficulties in responding effectively to these types of cases.

This course is designed to build confidence and competence in front line staff, including Housing and ASB Practitioners, Mental Health support workers, and those supporting vulnerable adults, front line Police Officers and PCSO’s, as well as Community Safety Teams.

This training course will improve knowledge and understanding of mental health in the context of ASB casework and clarify the myths surrounding the Mental Capacity Act.

Aimed at front line officers who deal directly with reports of ASB. As well as those officers who are providing support to perpetrators of ASB, or victims and witnesses, where mental health is a significant factor.  The course establishes a common understanding of mental health conditions, possible causes of mental health and common treatments .It also looks at the Mental Capacity Act and discusses the Capacity Test. It covers the assessment of risk and vulnerability and how to deal more effectively and decisively in ASB cases where Mental Health issues are seen as a barrier to resolution. The course emphasises the importance of strong, local partnership working and effective working practices including information sharing. It looks at the consideration of Legal action, the Equality, and Human Rights Acts and some important case law. Student participation is strongly encouraged and active cases can be discussed.

Who should attend?

This is a must for Housing Officers, ASB & Community Safety Officers and police officers.

Successful completion will allow delegates to :

• Have a basic understanding of different types of Mental Health issues
• Have a basic understanding of some aspects of the Mental Health Act
• Understand the basic principles of the Mental Capacity Assessment
• Understand the capacity test and assessment
• Understand the importance of a harm centred approach to ASB casework
• Understand the Justification exercise
• What to think about when sharing information and effective partnership working
• The importance of supported accommodation
• Being aware of relevant caselaw.

 This course is CPD accredited

 For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 0161 260 0281

Online course is equivalent to 1 day. 2 sessions 11 & 18 March . 9.00am to 12.30pm

Safeguarding Awareness training

This online course is designed to build confidence, awareness & understanding in front line staff, including Housing, ASB & Community Safety Practitioners, in response to safeguarding adults & children.

Who should attend?

This is a must for Housing Officers, ASB & Community Safety Officers and staff who regularly liaise with the public/communities

Online course equivalent to 1 day. 2 x sessions 19 & 26 March. 9.00am to 12.30pm

Supporting Victims & Witnesses Effectively

Supporting victims and witnesses of crime or antisocial behaviour is an essential skill in order to procure their evidence in proceedings, promote community confidence and avoid unnecessary anxiety. This one day course will provide learners with knowledge of how to understand, deal with and support victims and witnesses of crime and /or antisocial behaviour so that they feel confident to assist, guide, reassure and empower those victims and witnesses to participate in resolution processes.

Who should attend?

Housing officers, ASB / Community Safety officers, ASB team Leaders, Police Officers. 

Learning objectives

• Understand the key principles of supporting victims & witnesses
• Understand risk to and vulnerability of victims and witnesses
• Assess the difference between “targeted” and “non-targeted” crimes and/or act acts of ASB
• Understand what problem-solving resolutions can be adopted to support victims and witnesses
• Understand how to best support, engage and work with “ reluctant” witnesses
• Analyse the capabilities of partnership agencies who can assist the victims and or witnesses in a given scenario

This course is CPD accredited.

For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 0161 260 0281

DIY Premises Closure Orders Process

The 2014 ASB Crime & Policing Act revolutionised the way agencies are able to respond and address anti-social behaviour and criminal activity. The Act empowers ASB Practitioners and enforcement agencies by providing tools, guidance and the flexibility to be innovative.

In particular the powers associated with Premises Closure Orders enable Housing Providers, Police and Community Safety teams to address ASB successfully across all tenures, and take legal action where necessary.

Course summary

The course establishes a thorough understanding of the Premises Closure Process as well as the ability to recognise and safeguard vulnerable tenants.

The course emphasises the importance of strong, local partnership working and effective working practices including information sharing. It looks at the process of legal action, and the Equality and Human Rights Act.

Who should attend

This is a must for Housing and ASB Officers and Managers,           Social Workers and those supporting vulnerable adults with substance misuse, Police Officers & Community Safety Teams

Course objectives

Successful completion will allow delegates to:

• Identify safeguarding risks to vulnerable tenants at risk of exploitation
• Clarify the importance of partnership
• Explain the Partial and Full Closure Order options
• Give a step by step process to how to develop a Premises Closure Order legal bundle
• Give an understanding of the importance of the equality assessment
• Explain the Court Application process and basic advocacy framework
• Discuss the importance of enforcing the order
• Consider sanctions on persistent offenders
• Explain how to extend and/or amend the Order
• Explore the ability to use Closure Orders on HMOs and blocks

  For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 0161 260 0281

Supervising ASB / Community Safety casework

The ability to supervise ASB / Community Safety casework effectively is an important function for managers of teams tackling & investigating cases of antisocial behaviour / community safety.

This half day course will teach managers and aspiring managers how to supervise cases and ensure compliance with the law. It will also teach them how to develop their case workers and how to plan for changes and challenges whilst maintaining morale.

Course Content (Learning Objectives)

• Understand how to supervise an antisocial behaviour investigation

• Ensure appropriate investigation techniques and steps for dealing with antisocial behaviour cases are being carried out.
• Ensure that the full range of tools & powers are being explored and used appropriately
• Ensure that victims & witnesses of ASB are being supported effectively
• Ensure that caseworkers are aware of risk and are progressing cases appropriately & timely
• Ensure that caseworkers are working effectively with partners

• Understand what is required to develop and manage antisocial behaviour caseworkers

• Understand the key skills & competencies required
• Appraising staff, developing them and creating remedial action plans
• Planning for change and promoting staff morale     

Who should attend ?

Managers & aspiring managers of housing / community safety / ASB teams

For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 0161 260 0281

Domestic Abuse Bill - will you be ready for it ? 

We are delighted to offer this free webiner to our members . The webinar will be presented by Judith Vickress from DAHA ( Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance )who will give an update on the forthcoming Domestic Abuse BIll and it's implications for housing providers. There will also be an opportunity for questions during the webinar. 

If you would like to attend please register for the event. Once registered you will receive further details and a link to join the webinar in due course. 

This online course is delivered in 2 half day sessions on 5 and 12 May. The sessions are 9.00am to 12.30pm.

This course is aimed at those officers who deal with ASB cases as part of their role. The course will enable the delegate to understand the methodology of good case management, and will include categories of ASB, risk assessment, investigation techniques, assessing a case, appropriate responses & tools, intervening early, evidence gathering, record keeping, and victim / witness support.

Who should attend?

Housing officers, ASB / Community Safety officers, ASB team Leaders, Police Officers. 

Course objectives:

Successful completion of this course will allow delegates to:

1.       Understand the techniques and skills required to manage ASB cases effectively and promptly

2.         Demonstrate sound interview techniques with complainants and perpetrators

3.         Utilise the appropriate tools and methods to respond to ASB cases early

4.         Make case progression decisions based on analysis and assessment of the case, and evidence

5.         Competently and professionally support victims and witnesses throughout the case

6.         Successfully and confidently bring cases to a prompt resolution / closure.

This course is CPD accredited.

For more information contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 0161 260 0281