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?

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

Negligence Dressed Up as Compliance

Negligence Dressed Up as Compliance

Over time, workplace policies have shifted. What once served as practical guidance has now become rigid rulebooks that often prioritise compliance over care. Policies have strayed far from their original purpose to support wellbeing, lawful practice and ethical decision-making. One of the most alarming examples of this is the widespread misapplication of the so-called ‘no-touch’ policy. Standing By While Children … Read more

7 Things You Must Know to Maintain Corporate Responsibility and Avoid a Corporate Manslaughter Charge

Before reading this article, let’s take a moment to remember the lives lost due to workplace failures. Behind every statistic, a person, a family and a community have felt the impact. Why Corporate Responsibility Matters Now More Than Ever Every employer in the UK has a legal obligation to ensure that individuals not in their direct employment, such as the … Read more

Attack ‘Not Outside the Workplace Norm’

Your eyes are not deceiving you – you read this correctly…see the link below! Question – I would appreciate it if you could let me know when being victimised is part of the workplace norm? An appeals court denied a bus driver’s workers’ compensation claim saying the PTSD she developed from an attack was “not outside” of a normal workday … Read more

Ensuring Safety and Accountability – A Time for Thoughtful Reflection

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 Reasonable Force Course

The NFPS Understanding Reasonable Force course addresses a significant knowledge gap in the industry. This course is an essential resource for people tasked with training, managing or investigating staff who may use physical force. Who is This Course For? Many individuals in these roles lack formal training or qualifications in the nuanced area of reasonable force. This course provides a … Read more

Workplace Challenges in Modern Society

Workplace violence encompasses a range of behaviours, including physical assaults, threats, and verbal abuse. Recent statistics reveal that a significant number of workers have been affected by workplace violence. According to recent data, approximately 600,000 workers in the UK alone reported being assaulted, threatened, or abused. This figure underscores the urgent need for effective workplace safety measures. In recent years, … Read more

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

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

The Paradox of Restraint Reduction: Why Fighting Restraint Might Fuel Its Persistence

In the realm of organisational management, particularly in sectors dealing with vulnerable populations such as healthcare facilities, schools, and correctional institutions, the discourse around physical restraint has undergone significant evolution. Restraint reduction programmes have emerged as a seemingly noble initiative aimed at minimising the use of physical force in managing challenging behaviours. However, beneath the surface of good intentions lies … Read more