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Managing Difficult Conversations

Managing Difficult Conversations

How to speak to child victims and do no further harm.

A practical, skills-based seminar led by experienced safeguarding professionals. Drawing on Achieving Best Evidence principles and real-world casework, the course covers rapport building, effective questioning, and accurate recording to ensure conversations are both supportive and legally robust.

Why This Training Matters

When a child discloses abuse or exploitation, the professional’s response can have a lasting impact on their recovery. Poorly handled conversations risk re-traumatisation or loss of trust, and may compromise future engagement. This course equips professionals with the skills and confidence to manage these conversations safely, sensitively, and ensuring information is gathered appropriately and can be relied on if needed. 

What You'll Gain

By completing this course, you will:

tickPrepare effectively for sensitive and challenging conversations
tickBuild rapport and trust with children and young people
tickApply effective listening and questioning techniques
tickManage disclosures in a trauma-informed, evidentially sound way
tickClose conversations safely and appropriately
tickRecord information accurately and sensitively

Who Should Do This Training

  • Police Officers
  • Social Care Workers
  • Health Practitioners
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1 Day Course
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In Person:
£1,250 + travel expenses. Up to 24 delegates
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Online:
£950
Content can be tailored to meet your specific needs
Charity Support

We’re proud to support the wider charitable sector - any registered charity booking training
with us will receive a 20% discount.

Enquire
Meet Your Trainer
Phillip Baines
Phillip Baines
Safeguarding Consultant

Philip is a highly experienced safeguarding professional with a career spanning over two decades in policing, including 14 years in the Child Abuse Investigation Unit. His expertise includes specialist child abuse investigations, Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interviews with vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, and family liaison work. 

A qualified AIM3 assessor for children displaying Harmful Sexual Behaviours (HSB), Philip has led training for education providers, children’s homes, and both domestic and international law enforcement agencies. He has also overseen quality assurance for the Home Office Harmful Sexual Behaviours Support Service (HSBSS). 

At MCF, Philip delivers the Harmful Sexual Behaviours and Managing Difficult Conversations training. Drawing on his investigative background and trauma-informed practice, his sessions are practical, engaging, and focused on building the skills and confidence professionals need to respond effectively and sensitively to safeguarding concerns. 

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