health and safety

Ligature management and room search do not sit in isolation from the wider realities of frontline practice. Can your organisation evidence that it is prepared?

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This image relates to a blog discussing the significance of Ligature Management & Room Search training

There are moments in frontline practice where an organisation’s policies, training, equipment, leadership and legal understanding are tested in seconds. A person is in crisis. A ligature risk is present. Staff must act. Decisions must be made quickly, often under pressure, often in emotionally charged circumstances, and often before senior managers, clinicians, security leads or external responders are immediately available. … Read more

If An Incident Happens, It’s Already Too Late

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Far too many organisations still cling to the belief that a policy sitting quietly in a folder, which is very often unread and rarely applied, is enough to keep staff safe. It isn’t. Policies do not protect people. Competence, clarity, and well-trained staff are what protect people in high-risk environments. When a workplace incident occurs, the investigation will quickly expose … Read more

Why ‘Zero Tolerance’ Isn’t the Same as ‘Zero Risk’

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It’s still a common phrase across workplace policies. “We have a zero-tolerance approach to violence and aggression.” On paper, it looks good and sounds decisive. It’s meant to reassure staff, stakeholders and the public. It gives the impression of a very robust stance on unacceptable behaviour. But here’s the uncomfortable but realistic truth. Zero tolerance does not mean zero risk. … Read more

It is wrong to assume that a singular, static document could ever adequately risk assess physical restraint techniques. Here is why…

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Risk Assessing Physical Restraint Techniques cannot be suitably and sufficiently achieved by means of a static document. This image invites the viewer to read the associated article which provides evidence to the above proclamation.

We at NFPS have recently received requests for ‘risk assessments’ of our advanced restraint techniques. Interestingly, it is something we have rarely been asked for historically, and for good reasons, as shall be revealed within this article. The requests have originated from those delivering training within Health and Social Care and is being largely driven by the Client of the NFPS … Read more

Ensuring Safety and Accountability – A Time for Thoughtful Reflection

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The safety and well-being of participants attending a physical training course is paramount and the responsibility for this lies with stakeholders, including the organisation hosting the course, the trainer delivering the course and the participants themselves.  This shared accountability ensures that risks and any issues raised are addressed appropriately. Who is Responsible for Safety and Well-Being? 1. The Organisation – … Read more

Understanding the Foundations of Effective Conflict Resolution

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A bill which seeks to impose specific duties on employers to improve protections against violence and harassment, especially for #women and #girls, as part of their obligations to ensure workplace health, safety and wellbeing is currently being considered by the UK parliament. This Private Member’s Bill, Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (Amendment) Bill aims to amend the existing Health … Read more

Poor Leadership, Dangerous Mindsets, A Toxic Culture & Ineffective ‘Standards’: Abuse At LIFE Wirral

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An NFPS blog post image referencing the Life Wirral Panorama and ICARS revelations, plus a resource about all things Restraint Reduction Network, RRN

The BBC Panorama broadcast ‘Undercover School: Cruelty in the classroom’, which aired on 17th June 2024, covering the physical and psychological abuse at the Life Wirral School, was highly emotive and made for difficult viewing. If you have not seen it, there is a link at the foot of this post. The International Coalition Against Restraint and Seclusion (ICARS) posted … Read more

It’s Your Story, So Get It Right

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Intervening to take away someone’s freedom of movement is generally done for a greater good, to. To stop a situation from going wrong. Or, To prevent a situation from worsening Either way it’s important that you record and report the full picture around What happened before you had to (physically) intervene What was the other persons behaviour What happened after … Read more

Safeguarding Schools across the Scottish Borders and Beyond

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Whilst UNISON survey exposes ‘shocking’ levels of violence in Borders schools, are things any different in your area? 85 per cent of respondents reported experiencing/witnessing slapping or punching – that figure rose to 88 per cent regarding kicking incidents. More than 55 per cent of respondents said they experienced violence multiple times a week. In recent months, the Scottish Borders … Read more

Red Card…Your Banned!

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QMC recorded 1,800 incidents of aggression, violence and harassment during 2022-23. Notting University Hospital recorded 1,806 incidents. Staff have been hit, spat at, threatened, verbally and racially abused. What are some of the main triggers for the abuse of staff: Treating drunks Rival gangs People high on drugs People with mental health problems Homeless people, seeking a place of warmth … Read more