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

Safeguarding Schools across the Scottish Borders and Beyond

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

Elevating and Setting Standards in Aggressive Behaviour Management

The recent BBC Disclosure programme, shown on 5th February 2024, brought to light the need for continued expertise and experience in preventing and managing aggressive behaviours. The programme featured the review into one of Scotland’s most high-profile deaths in prison custody (2015) cases at the Fatal Accident Inquiry which followed. Physical intervention is a very contentious issue and will always … Read more

I’m Not In Charge, So Not My Problem

I was reading several news articles related to inquests, where several things stood out.  In one case, a point that particularly caught my attention was that when asked about the ‘assumption the two-security staff working on the night of incident had been trained in physical intervention’, the person replied “yes”. Assume…you know what you get when you break down the … Read more

Breaking News – A Person Being Restrained Now Can’t Die from Excited Delirium!

As reported in the New York Times on the 11th October 2023, “California has become the first US state to ban the use of “excited delirium” as a cause of death, rejecting a term that prominent medical associations have said is rooted in bias and is often used to justify the deaths of people in police custody”. The New York … Read more

Enhancing Workplace Safety through Training

Workplace safety is of paramount importance in today’s society. Ensuring the safety and well-being of employees not only protects individuals but also has far-reaching benefits for individuals, organisations and communities. Here are some of the was that becoming an NFPS Ltd BTEC Level 3 Physical Restraint qualified Trainer benefits workplace safety today. The provision of a secure environment for employees … Read more

Defending the Right to Self-Defence at Work

Across the scope of employment law, the right to self-defence at work is a critical aspect that needs to be explored in more detail. Let’s delve into the legal foundations that safeguard employees’ rights when defending themselves, the imperative need for personal safety training, and the role of risk assessments in shaping detailed and comprehensive training programmes. Additionally, let’s explore … Read more

The Importance of Qualified Physical Intervention Trainers

Physical intervention trainers play a pivotal role in teaching individuals how to respond effectively and safely to challenging situations. These trainers should possess recognised qualifications in conflict management, physical intervention, teaching, and assessment, all of which are essential for providing comprehensive and effective training. Moreover, maintaining accreditation through annual refreshers and recertification is not just a professional commitment; it is … Read more

Moving people up and down stairs under restraint

A Guide to Managing Risk on Stairs No one should be moved up or down stairs if they are violent or if you reasonably foresee that they might become violent during the process. Moving a person up or down a flight of stairs can be a challenging and potentially risky procedure. Whether you are a care provider, security personnel, or … Read more

Understanding Physical Intervention: Techniques and Training

Physical intervention plays a critical role in various sectors, including healthcare, education, security and other work-related sectors. It involves the use of techniques to manage potentially dangerous situations and ensure the safety of all parties involved. In this article, we will delve into the concept of physical intervention, explore examples of its application, discuss the main types of physical intervention, … Read more