At Fondazione SAFE, we are proud to contribute to initiatives that enhance global security, governance, and institutional capacity-building. As part of the International Centre on Asset Recovery (ICAR) initiative, we have played a key role in conducting a Qualitative Study aimed at assessing the long-term impact of ICAR’s training programs.

A pioneering study for training impact evaluation

ICAR’s training programs have been pivotal in equipping professionals with the tools and methodologies necessary to combat economic and financial crimes effectively. Since 2017, ICAR has systematically measured the impact of its training initiatives. However, to further refine its approach, a new methodology integrating both quantitative and qualitative assessments was introduced.

In this context, Fondazione SAFE led the Qualitative Study, which provides a comprehensive, in-depth analysis of training effectiveness by capturing insights from professionals who participated in ICAR training sessions between 2021 and 2023. This study, conducted through semi-structured interviews with trainees, aimed to assess how knowledge acquired during training sessions translates into real-world applications, institutional improvements, and long-term capacity-building.

Key Findings: Tangible Benefits and Enduring Impact

The study revealed compelling evidence of the long-lasting benefits of ICAR training programs:

  • High Retention and Relevance: Trainees demonstrated remarkable recall of key training content, even after a considerable amount of time had passed, underscoring the practical value of the knowledge imparted.
  • Practical Application: Participants reported integrating acquired skills and methodologies into their daily work, leading to enhanced financial investigations, asset recovery processes, and inter-agency cooperation.
  • Knowledge Dissemination: Beyond individual benefits, the training sessions extended their impact through knowledge-sharing within institutions, with each trainee estimated to pass on key learnings to 8 to 15 colleagues.
  • Network Expansion: the study highlighted the formation of strong professional networks, which have facilitated inter-agency collaboration and intelligence-sharing, improving the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts and fighting financial crimes.

Fondazione SAFE’s role in advancing training methodologies

Our expertise in conducting high-quality research and impact assessments has allowed us to refine the evaluation framework for ICAR’s training initiatives. The insights gathered through this study will contribute to the further development of training strategies, ensuring that future programs are even more effective in strengthening institutional resilience and the rule of law.

By leveraging our experience in security, governance, and training evaluation, Fondazione SAFE remains committed to supporting global efforts to combat financial crime, enhance institutional capacity, and promote international cooperation.