A Tour of our Online Training system for Conflict Management and Physical Interventions

Behaviour Support

Evidence-based, person-centred strategies for preventing, de-escalating, and responding to challenging behaviours.

Understanding Behaviour

Learn why behaviours happen and what they communicate.

Prevention First

Reduce risk through proactive, person-centred strategies.

Safe Response

Apply trauma-informed de-escalation under pressure.

Sustaining Change

Maintain skills and improve quality of life outcomes.

Why It Matters

Without effective behaviour support, staff safety, service user dignity, and organisational stability can all be at risk.

01

Safety

Escalations put staff and service users in danger.

02

Dignity

Poor responses can cause trauma and mistrust.

03

Retention

High-stress incidents drive staff turnover and burnout.

Skills That Work

Practical, person-centred training to reduce incidents and improve outcomes.

Insight

Recognise the function and triggers of challenging behaviours.

Prevention

Build proactive strategies to reduce escalation risk.

Response

Apply safe, trauma-informed de-escalation techniques.

Improvement

Embed behaviour support into daily practice.

Course Outline & Goals

Develop the awareness, judgement, and practical skills needed to prevent, manage, and survive high-risk lone working situations

Dynamis Conflict Management Training Course

Course Title

Conflict Management: Evidence-Based Training for Professional Interactions

Course Aim

To equip professionals with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills needed to identify, prevent, and manage conflict situations effectively, treating everyone with dignity and respect while ensuring safety for all parties involved.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

Know:

The legal frameworks and context for managing conflict in professional settings
The definition of ‘violence at work’ and relevant workplace policies
The timeline of crisis escalation and stages of conflict
The core principles of non-escalation, de-escalation, and crisis intervention
The ‘social contract’ concept that establishes shared expectations of dignity and respect
The principles of reasonable force and their application when verbal strategies fail

Understand:

How treating people with dignity by showing respect forms the foundation of conflict management
The importance of self-control and emotional regulation (the “Showtime mindset”)
How proxemics and body language influence conflict situations
The impact of alcohol, drugs, and weapons on situational risk
The ethical considerations in managing conflict professionally
How cognitive difficulties (including intoxication, mental health issues, or learning difficulties) affect communication
The value of scenario-based practice in developing conflict management skills

Be able to do:

Apply the core principle that “all people respond to being treated with dignity” in difficult situations
Implement effective pre-planned responses to common conflict scenarios
Demonstrate alert and decisive behavior through situational awareness
Establish rapport and utilize active listening skills
Apply persuasion techniques and offer options to gain voluntary cooperation
Redirect negative behavior effectively
Recognize and respond appropriately to communication needs
Employ appropriate verbal and non-verbal de-escalation strategies
Respond professionally rather than react emotionally to anger triggers
Apply appropriate physical safety skills when necessary (if included in the training format)

Course Duration

Full-day (6 hours): Comprehensive conflict management skills
Half-day (3 hours): Conflict Management Fundamentals
Two-day option: Adding personal safety/lone-working physical skills for higher-risk environments
Online options: 2-4 hour Zoom sessions with live instruction

Target Audience

Public-facing staff in healthcare, education, retail, transport, and utilities
Community-based and lone workers
Customer service teams
Security personnel
Any professional who may encounter conflict situations

Learning Methodologies

Scenario-driven training using the SCENA approach (research-informed and evidence-based)
Practice-based exercises that replicate real workplace encounters
Interactive role-playing of common conflict situations
Video case studies and analysis
Small group problem-solving activities

Tailoring and Relevance

Training is specifically designed based on a thorough Training Needs Analysis to address your organization’s unique environment and the types of conflict situations your team encounters regularly.

Legal and Medical Review

All training content is regularly reviewed and updated to align with current legislation and best practices, meeting the high standards required by the Institute of Conflict Management accreditation.

Trainer Qualifications

Delivered by qualified and experienced conflict management professionals certified through the Institute of Conflict Management (ICM), ensuring high-quality instruction and relevant expertise.

Resources Provided

Participants receive comprehensive reference materials and have access to ongoing support for implementation of learned skills in the workplace.

Certification

All participants who successfully complete the course receive certification recognized by the Institute of Conflict Management.

Advanced De-Escalation for PICU, Acute, ED

Course Title: Advanced Strategies in De-escalation: A Masterclass for Challenging Situations

Course Aim: To equip staff working in acute, intensive care, and emergency department environments with advanced knowledge, understanding, and practical skills to effectively manage challenging situations involving people with acute mental health difficulties, using trauma-informed approaches that preserve dignity while ensuring safety.

Course Duration: 2 days

Target Audience: Healthcare professionals working in PICU, acute, and emergency department settings who may encounter people with acute mental health difficulties, including nurses, support workers, security personnel, and clinical staff.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will:

Know:

The Seven Phases of Crisis (Kaplan Wheeler) and how they manifest in acute mental health situations.
Legal frameworks including duty of care, necessity, and proportionality in healthcare settings.
Risk factors and warning signs specific to escalating behaviours in people with acute mental health difficulties.
Gateway behaviours that indicate potential escalation.
Trauma-informed approaches and their evidence base.
The relevant aspects of the Human Rights Act as they apply to healthcare interventions.
The SCARF Model and its application in managing distressed individuals.
The proper response protocols when called to disturbances in healthcare settings.

Understand:

The principles of trauma-informed care and person-centred approaches for patients with acute mental health difficulties.
The importance of staff wellbeing and emotional equilibrium when managing challenging situations.
The difference between conflict and crisis behaviours in patients with mental health difficulties.
The ethical considerations in avoiding coercion and blanket restrictions in acute care environments.
How trauma affects a person’s behaviour and responses during crisis situations.
The difference between emergency and planned interventions in mental health care settings.
How to recognise when team members may need assistance to remain professional.
Decision-making processes under pressure in high-stakes healthcare encounters.

Be able to:

Identify early warning signs and gateway behaviours to prevent escalation.
Apply advanced de-escalation and non-escalation techniques in complex situations.
Use trauma-informed and person-centred approaches to defuse risk and preserve dignity.
Communicate and coordinate effectively as a team during incidents.
Reflect on incidents using structured tools for personal and organisational growth.
Maintain emotional equilibrium and support wellbeing for both staff and patients.
Take appropriate action when verbal methods fail, knowing legal and safety boundaries.
Approach and engage persons with cognitive difficulties using the five-step crisis intervention pathway.
Implement the “First Responder Philosophy” for proper incident management.
Intervene ethically when professionally difficult situations arise within the team.

Learning Methodologies:

The course utilises a variety of teaching methods including classroom instruction, practical role-play, realistic scenario-based practice, and hands-on skills development. Participants will engage with lived experience experts and practise in contexts specifically designed to reflect the unique challenges of acute, intensive care, and emergency department environments. The SCENA approach (Scenario, Coaching, Engagement, Non-linear learning, and Assessment) ensures transfer of skills to real-world operations through progressively complex scenario practice.

Tailoring and Relevance:

This training is specifically designed and tailored to the unique roles, tasks, and problems faced by healthcare staff working in high-pressure environments with patients experiencing acute mental health difficulties. Scenarios and examples are drawn from PICU, acute care, and emergency department settings, including situations involving bereavement, delirium, psychosis, and trauma. The course addresses specific challenges such as managing patients who may be highly distressed, paranoid, or experiencing psychotic episodes.

Legal and Medical Review:

All content is tactically effective, legally correct, and medically safe, with specific attention to the particular risks and considerations present when working with people experiencing acute mental health difficulties in healthcare environments. Training includes awareness of risks of sudden death proximal to restraint and emphasises the importance of maintaining safety while respecting human rights.

Trainer Qualifications and Credibility:

The course is delivered by expert facilitators from Dynamis and Vistelar with decades of experience in conflict management, trauma-informed practice, and advanced de-escalation, trusted by NHS Trusts and other leading healthcare organisations. Our trainers have demonstrated expertise in brain injury, empathic communication, and the physiology of threat response.

Resources Provided:

Participants receive comprehensive course materials, reference guides for post-training implementation, and access to ongoing support resources to reinforce learning after the course. Takeaway tools include pocket reference cards, access to short reinforcement videos, and brief team-based exercises that can be implemented in the workplace.

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:

The effectiveness of the training is measured through participant satisfaction surveys, pre and post-course knowledge assessments, and follow-up evaluation of incident rates and staff confidence levels in the workplace. Success will be measured by improved patient experience, reduced incidents, decreased staff injuries, and enhanced staff confidence and morale.

Reinforcement and Ongoing Learning:

Learning is reinforced through structured debriefing tools, team reflection practices, and ongoing support resources that help maintain skills and prevent complacency over time. A programme of sustainment ensures both short-term impact and ongoing sustained improvement in your healthcare environments, with champions identified to help embed the learning within teams.

Crisis Management: Supporting Vulnerable and Volatile Individuals

Course Title

Crisis Management: Supporting Vulnerable and Volatile Individuals with Dignity and Safety

Course Aim

To equip professionals with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills needed to safely manage crisis situations involving vulnerable or volatile individuals, using trauma-informed approaches that maintain dignity while ensuring safety for all involved.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

Know:

The Kaplan Wheeler Model of the seven phases of crisis behavior
The SCARF Model for understanding social triggers
Legal frameworks related to duty of care and personal safety
Risk factors and warning signs of escalating behavior
Trauma-informed approaches to crisis intervention
The core principle that “all people respond to being treated with dignity by showing them respect”
The five ‘special needs strategies’ for individuals with cognitive difficulties (temporary or long-term)

Understand:

How to recognize early signs of escalation in vulnerable or volatile individuals
The impact of proxemics and body positioning in crisis situations
The importance of team-based responses to high-risk behaviors
The balance between providing care and ensuring safety
The ethical considerations when working with vulnerable individuals
The neurobiological basis of crisis behaviors
How personal triggers can impact professional responses
The difference between emergencies and planned interventions

Be able to do:

Apply effective pre-planned responses to crisis situations
Demonstrate appropriate verbal tactics and behaviors for encounters with distressed individuals
Execute dynamic risk assessments in real-time scenarios
Implement non-triggering communication strategies
Apply trauma-informed de-escalation techniques
Maintain emotional equilibrium under pressure
Correctly position themselves to maximize safety when approaching volatile individuals
Apply appropriate physical protective interventions as a last resort (if included in training format)
Document incidents appropriately for legal and organizational requirements

Course Duration

Full-day (6 hours): Comprehensive crisis management skills
Optional additional day for physical protective interventions (where appropriate)
Blended learning options with online pre-learning (90 minutes) and in-person practice

Target Audience

Healthcare professionals
Social care workers
Educational staff
Security personnel
Public-facing workers who encounter vulnerable or volatile individuals

Learning Methodologies

Scenario-driven training using the SCENA approach
Practical role-playing of common crisis situations
Video case studies and analysis
Small group problem-solving activities
Demonstration and supervised practice

Tailoring and Relevance

Training is specifically designed based on a thorough Training Needs Analysis to address your organization’s unique environment and the specific vulnerable populations you serve.

Legal and Medical Review

All training content is regularly reviewed and updated to align with current legislation and best practices, meeting the high standards required by the Institute of Conflict Management accreditation and SWC (Safety Without Compromise) endorsement.

Trainer Qualifications and Credibility

Delivered by experienced professionals with expertise in crisis management, trauma-informed care, and conflict resolution, certified through the Institute of Conflict Management (ICM).

Resources Provided

Participants receive comprehensive reference materials and access to ongoing support resources for implementing learned skills in the workplace.

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Course effectiveness is measured through practical skill assessment during training and follow-up evaluation of implementation in the workplace.

Reinforcement and Ongoing Learning

The course includes strategies for maintaining skills through practice and reflection, with optional follow-up support to ensure sustained application of techniques.

This course is built on the foundation of treating every person with dignity and respect, even in crisis situations. The scenario-based approach ensures that participants develop practical skills they can immediately apply in their work environments, resulting in increased confidence, reduced incidents, and better outcomes for both staff and the vulnerable individuals in their care.

Dynamis Personal Safety Training Course

Course Title

Personal Safety and Breakaway Skills: Evidence-Based Training for Professional Safety

Course Aim

To equip professionals with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills needed to assess risks, maintain situational awareness, and respond effectively to threatening situations, ensuring their personal safety while working in potentially volatile environments.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

Know:

The legal frameworks related to personal safety and self-protection
The principles of dynamic risk assessment for safety-critical situations
Pre-incident indicators and warning signs of potential aggression
The concept of “baseline versus anomalies” for situational awareness
Safe systems of work for lone working and community-based engagement
The “survival anchor” concept for maintaining motivation during high-stress encounters

Understand:

How to balance customer service with personal safety considerations
The importance of trusting intuition in personal safety contexts
The pitfalls of denial and complacency when facing potential threats
How attackers select victims through a cost-benefit analysis
The connection between personal safety confidence and effective de-escalation
The role of instinctive protection in high-stress scenarios
How mental modeling and “when-then thinking” prepare for effective responses

Be able to do:

Assess personal safety habits and make appropriate adjustments
Recognize pre-incident indicators of escalating aggression
Apply the “baseline versus anomalies” method for enhanced situational awareness
Position themselves strategically to maintain safe distance and escape routes
Execute instinctive protective responses to common physical threats
Implement safe disengagement techniques when confronted with aggressive behavior
Apply appropriate physical breakaway skills when verbal methods have failed
Develop and use pre-planned responses for high-risk scenarios

Course Duration

Full-day (6 hours): Comprehensive personal safety and breakaway skills
Half-day (3 hours): Personal safety fundamentals (with optional online pre-learning)
Available as standalone training or integrated with conflict management training

Target Audience

Community-based workers (housing, social work, probation)
Lone workers in utilities, maintenance, and field services
Healthcare professionals
Enforcement personnel
Any professional who works in potentially volatile environments

Learning Methodologies

Scenario-driven training using the SCENA approach
High-fidelity role-playing of common workplace safety challenges
Progressive skill development from simple to complex techniques
“Learn by doing” approach rather than passive instruction
Mental modeling exercises using “when-then thinking”

Tailoring and Relevance

Training is specifically designed based on a thorough Training Needs Analysis to address your organization’s unique environment and the specific safety challenges your team encounters.

Legal and Medical Review

All physical techniques taught have undergone rigorous risk assessment for both practicality and safety, with attention to potential impacts on both staff and clients.

Trainer Qualifications and Credibility

Delivered by experienced professionals with expertise in personal safety and breakaway techniques, certified through the Institute of Conflict Management (ICM).

Resources Provided

Participants receive comprehensive reference materials and access to ongoing support resources for implementing learned skills in the workplace.

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Course effectiveness is measured through practical skill assessment during training and follow-up evaluation of implementation in the workplace.

Reinforcement and Ongoing Learning

The course includes strategies for maintaining skills through practice and reflection, with optional follow-up support to ensure sustained application of techniques.

This personal safety training is built on the understanding that in high-stress encounters, people revert to instinct and habit. The course therefore aims to build on natural instinct while embedding new habits through repeated practice in context. The scenario-based approach ensures that participants develop practical skills they can immediately apply in their work environments, resulting in increased confidence and resilience in potentially dangerous situations

Physical Protective Interventions Training Course

Course Title

Physical Protective Interventions: Evidence-Based Skills for Safety and Dignity

Course Aim

To equip professionals with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills needed to safely manage high-risk situations requiring physical intervention, while prioritizing dignity, human rights, and restraint reduction principles.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

Know:

The legal frameworks governing physical interventions, including duty of care, necessity, and proportionality
The biomechanical principles underlying safe physical intervention techniques
Risk factors and warning signs requiring immediate protective action
Contraindications and medical considerations for different intervention techniques
Documentation requirements and post-incident reporting procedures
The continuum of force options and decision-making frameworks

Understand:

The ethical implications of using physical interventions in care settings
The difference between emergency and planned interventions
How trauma history can affect responses to physical interventions
The importance of maintaining dignity throughout physical interventions
The psychological impact of physical interventions on both service users and staff
The relationship between proper technique and injury prevention
How to balance safety needs with restraint reduction principles

Be able to do:

Assess risks quickly in rapidly evolving situations
Apply appropriate holding techniques with proper biomechanical alignment
Execute safe breakaway and disengagement techniques when threatened
Implement team-based interventions with clear communication
Transition smoothly between different levels of intervention as situations evolve
Maintain safety while minimising restriction of movement
Apply techniques with appropriate intensity and duration
De-escalate during physical interventions to enable earliest safe release
Document interventions thoroughly and accurately
Participate effectively in post-incident reviews

Course Duration

One-day program (6 hours): Foundation physical skills for low-risk environments
Two-day program (12 hours): Comprehensive physical interventions for medium- to high-risk settings
Bespoke programs available based on organisational risk assessment

Target Audience

Healthcare professionals in mental health and acute settings
Social care staff supporting individuals with challenging behaviours
Security personnel in healthcare environments
Educational staff in specialist behaviour support settings
Any professionals authorised to use physical interventions in their role

Learning Methodologies

SCENA scenario-driven approach progressing from simple to complex situations
Graduated skill development with ample practice time
Video analysis of technique application with detailed feedback
Small group practice with expert coaching
Role rotation exercises to understand all perspectives
Reality-based stress inoculation training for skill retention
Simulation exercises mirroring actual workplace situations

Tailoring and Relevance

Training is specifically designed based on your organisation’s unique risk profile, service user population, and regulatory requirements. Physical techniques are selected and modified to address the specific challenges your team faces, with consideration for staffing levels, environmental factors, and service user characteristics.

Legal and Medical Review

All physical techniques have undergone rigorous independent review:

Medical assessment by qualified healthcare professionals
Biomechanical evaluation for safety and effectiveness
Legal review for compliance with relevant legislation
Risk assessment addressing both service user and staff safety

Trainer Qualifications and Credibility

Delivered by specialist trainers with extensive experience in both teaching physical skills and real-world application in care settings. All trainers maintain current certification in physical intervention instruction and undergo regular peer review and continuing professional development.

Resources Provided

Participants receive comprehensive support materials including:

Illustrated technique guides with step-by-step instructions
Decision-making frameworks for intervention selection
Risk assessment templates
Video resources for technique review
Quick-reference cards for common techniques

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Course effectiveness is measured through:

Pre and post-training confidence assessments
Practical skill demonstration and competency evaluation
Follow-up evaluation of technique application in workplace settings
Analysis of incident reports to identify improvement areas
Regular refresher assessments to ensure skill maintenance

Reinforcement and Ongoing Learning

The course includes a structured plan for skill maintenance:

Scheduled practice sessions in the workplace
Regular technique review with peers
Progressive skill development through advanced modules
Incident review framework to facilitate continuous learning
Access to trainer support for technique refinement

This physical interventions training emphasises that physical techniques are always a last resort, to be used only when other interventions have failed or are inappropriate. The course balances the need for effective protective skills with an overarching commitment to dignity, respect, and restraint reduction.

Course Title: Safe Caring with Older People (Dementia Care)

Course Aim:

To equip care staff with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills to safely support older people experiencing distress that may be amplified by the effects of dementia, using person-centered approaches that maintain dignity and respect.

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of this course, participants will:

Know:

The relevant articles of the Human Rights Act that apply to care for older people with dementia.
The Seven Phases of Crisis (Kaplan Wheeler) and how they manifest uniquely in dementia care settings.
Legal frameworks including duty of care, necessity, and proportionality when supporting distressed older people.
Risk factors and warning signs specific to dementia-related distress behaviors.
Health and safety implications when working closely with older people experiencing cognitive challenges.

Understand:

The principles of trauma-informed care and person-centered approaches specific to dementia care.
The importance of staff wellbeing and emotional equilibrium when supporting people with dementia.
The difference between emergency and planned interventions in dementia care contexts.
The ethical considerations in avoiding coercion and blanket restrictions with vulnerable older people.
How cognitive impairment affects communication, comprehension, and emotional regulation in older people.

Be able to do:

Apply effective non-escalation and de-escalation techniques specifically tailored for older people with dementia.
Demonstrate safe physical intervention skills, including prompting, escorting, and gentle guiding approaches.
Execute personal safety and breakaway techniques appropriate for working with older people.
Clearly articulate the rationale for different interventions and describe the legal and ethical implications of using restrictive practices with older people.
Implement the five key strategies for working with cognitive challenges: Model Calmness, Reduce Stimulation, Separate and Support, Adapt Communication, and Meet Unmet Needs.

Course Duration:

1 Full Day (6 hours of instruction)

Target Audience:

Care staff working with older people in residential, nursing, or community settings who support individuals living with dementia or other cognitive impairments.

Learning Methodologies:

This course uses a scenario-driven approach (SCENA) that incorporates:

Classroom discussions on theoretical concepts and legal frameworks
Practical role play exercises focusing on common challenging scenarios in dementia care
Physical skills practice in an emotionally safe learning environment
Video demonstrations of effective communication and safe physical approaches
Interactive problem-solving activities based on real-world care situations

Tailoring and Relevance:

The training content is specifically designed and tailored to the unique roles, tasks, and challenges faced by staff caring for older people with dementia. Scenarios are contextual to real-life situations in care settings, making the training engaging, effective, and directly applicable to daily work. Common scenarios include supporting residents during personal care, managing territorial disputes between residents, responding to hallucinations, and addressing distressed behavior triggered by cognitive impairment.

Legal and Medical Review:

All physical intervention techniques taught have been specifically adapted for older people with consideration of age-related physical vulnerabilities such as osteoporosis, cardiovascular conditions, and medication effects. The training content is tactically effective, legally correct, and medically safe, designed to withstand scrutiny in legal proceedings. Techniques emphasize the least restrictive approach possible while maintaining dignity and safety.

Trainer Qualifications and Credibility:

Dynamis trainers have extensive experience in adult social care settings, with specific expertise in dementia care. All trainers are certified under the Institute of Conflict Management standards and undergo continuous professional development in dementia care approaches. Dynamis has been providing specialized training for care settings since 2006, working with organizations including Balhousie Care Group, Brendoncare, AgeCare UK, and Luxury Care UK.

Resources Provided:

Participants receive:

Comprehensive course handbooks with all key techniques and principles
Reminder cards summarizing key de-escalation approaches and safe physical techniques
Access to online video resources demonstrating dementia-specific communication techniques
Documentation templates for incident recording and reflection
Post-course support via email for scenario-specific questions

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan:

The program’s effectiveness will be measured through:

Pre and post-course knowledge assessments
Practical skills observation and feedback during the course
Participant satisfaction surveys
Follow-up assessment of incident rates and severity in the workplace
Periodic refresher sessions to maintain skill proficiency

Reinforcement and Ongoing Learning:

Learning will be reinforced through:

Regular team discussions of challenging situations using the framework taught
Supervisor observation and feedback on application of techniques
Access to refresher materials and videos
Case study reviews at team meetings
Scheduled refresher training to prevent skill decay and complacency

This comprehensive approach ensures that staff develop not just skills for the moment, but sustainable practices that enhance the quality of care and safety for both residents and staff over time.

Dynamis Positive Handling Training Course

Course Title

Positive Handling: Evidence-Based Training to Keep Everyone Safe in Your School Setting

Course Aim

To equip school staff with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills needed to manage challenging behaviors effectively and safely, creating a culture of dignity and respect where physical intervention is used only as a last resort.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

Know:

The context and legal basis of Positive Handling in schools, including Human Rights Act considerations
The Seven Phases of Crisis (Kaplan Wheeler) and the SCARF Model
Brain-based approaches to understanding trauma, ACEs, and challenging behaviors
Legal frameworks including duty of care, necessity, and proportionality
Risk factors and warning signs in physical interventions
Health and Safety and Manual Handling guidelines relevant to high-risk incidents with children

Understand:

The core principle that every person should be treated with dignity and respect
How staff Duty of Care should influence decision-making in managing incidents
The difference between emergency and planned interventions
The ethical considerations in avoiding coercion and blanket restrictions
When it may be appropriate or necessary to hold a child, and when it may NOT be appropriate
How to minimize risks when physical interventions are used
The importance of staff wellbeing and emotional equilibrium during challenging situations

Be able to do:

Apply effective non-escalation and de-escalation techniques
Demonstrate safe physical intervention skills, including prompting, escorting, and holds
Execute personal safety and breakaway techniques
Carry out and record safer holding procedures with children to create safety
Clearly articulate the rationale for different interventions
Apply good-practice guidance to common high-risk incidents
Describe the legal and ethical implications of using restrictive intervention

Course Duration

Full-day (6 hours): Best for less experienced or less confident teams managing extreme behaviors
Half-day (3 hours): Supported by pre-course online learning (90 mins), ideal for time-pressed schools
Double-session day: AM and PM groups for larger rollouts (up to 32 learners total)
Customized options available based on specific needs

Target Audience

Teaching staff in mainstream primary and secondary schools
Staff in special educational needs settings
Early years practitioners
Alternative provision staff
Learning support assistants
School leadership teams

Learning Methodologies

Scenario-driven training using the SCENA approach (research-informed and evidence-based)
Practical role-play of common school scenarios
Interactive discussions and problem-solving
Physical skills practice in a supportive environment
Video case studies and analysis

Tailoring and Relevance

This training is specifically designed for YOUR staff working with YOUR children who present with behaviors of concern. The course is customized based on a Training Needs Analysis to address your school’s unique environment, whether Early Years, Mainstream Primary, SEN contexts, Secondary Schools, or other educational settings.

Legal and Medical Review

All training content is tactically effective, legally correct, and medically safe, supported by our legal and medical audits. The physical intervention techniques taught have been reviewed to ensure they would withstand scrutiny in legal proceedings.

Trainer Qualifications and Credibility

Dynamis trainers are all full-time, qualified, and insured professionals who hold recognized qualifications in Adult Education and Level 3 Qualifications in Physical Intervention. We are accredited for quality assurance with the Institute of Conflict Management (ICM) and hold a 5-star ‘Safety Without Compromise’ rating.

Resources Provided

Training Needs Analysis documentation
Review and feedback on your Positive Handling Policy
Access to a “Resources” folder with instructional videos, templates, case-law samples, and other tools
Ongoing telephone support from our training team for staff safety queries

Monitoring and Evaluation

Course effectiveness is measured through participant feedback, skill demonstration, and follow-up support to ensure implementation in the school environment.

Reinforcement and Ongoing Learning

Government guidance recommends refresher training every 12 months. We provide resources and support to maintain skills and prevent complacency between formal training sessions.

This comprehensive course description follows the expanded KUD model guidelines from your updated document, providing clear learning outcomes and the additional contextual information needed to fully understand the training’s purpose, methods, and value.

Secure Escort for Mental Health

Course Title: Secure Escort for Mental Health

Course Aim: To equip secure escort personnel with the knowledge, understanding, and practical skills required to safely transport and escort individuals with mental health needs, managing challenging behaviors ethically and effectively while ensuring the safety and dignity of all involved.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

Know:

The relevant legal frameworks including Mental Health Act provisions that apply to secure escorts
The Seven Phases of Crisis (Kaplan Wheeler) and the SCARF Model
Legal frameworks including duty of care, necessity, and proportionality
Risk factors and warning signs in physical interventions
Health and Safety implications of secure mental health escorts
Safe Systems of Work for escort teams
Procedures for proper vehicle checks and transport safety

Understand:

The principles of trauma-informed care and person-centered approaches
The importance of staff wellbeing and emotional equilibrium
The difference between emergency and planned interventions
The ethical considerations in avoiding coercion and blanket restrictions
Decision-making under pressure and fear management techniques
How to minimize confrontation risk by detecting pre-incident indicators
The importance of effective handover procedures with healthcare staff

Be able to:

Apply effective non-escalation and de-escalation techniques
Demonstrate safe physical intervention skills, including prompting, escorting, and holds
Execute personal safety and breakaway techniques
Clearly articulate the rationale for different interventions
Recognize pre-assault cues for escalating aggression
Use appropriate body language to improve safety
Apply principles of time, distance, and opportunity for exit/escape
Conduct proper vehicle security protocols for safe patient transport
Manage critical moments during transport including entry/exit of vehicles

Course Duration

4 days of intensive training combining theoretical knowledge and practical skills development

Target Audience

Professionals responsible for the secure transport and escort of individuals with mental health needs between facilities or to appointments

Learning Methodologies

The course employs multiple teaching methods including classroom instruction, scenario-based learning, practical role play, and physical skills practice. The “whole task” approach is used throughout, ensuring skills are practiced in realistic contexts. Online pre-course learning materials are provided to establish foundational knowledge before in-person training.

Tailoring and Relevance

The training content is specifically designed and tailored to address the unique challenges faced by secure escort teams working with mental health service users. Course materials are based on real-world scenarios identified through needs analysis workshops with escort personnel, ensuring direct relevance to daily operational tasks.

Legal and Medical Review

All physical intervention techniques taught are tactically effective, legally correct, and medically safe. The course content aligns with current legislation including the Mental Health Act, Human Rights Act, and Health and Safety requirements. Interventions are designed to minimize risks associated with restraint and transport.

Trainer Qualifications and Credibility

Courses are delivered by experienced trainers with backgrounds in mental health services and secure transport. All trainers hold appropriate qualifications in prevention and management of violence and aggression (PMVA) and maintain current knowledge of best practices in the mental health escort sector.

Resources Provided

Participants receive comprehensive handbooks, quick-reference guides for use in the field, and access to our online learning platform for refresher materials. Additional resources include vehicle security checklists and post-incident reporting templates.

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

Course effectiveness is measured through pre and post-training knowledge assessments, practical skills demonstration, and follow-up evaluations to determine impact on operational practice. Incident data is reviewed to identify improvements in safety outcomes following training.

Reinforcement and Ongoing Learning

The learning is reinforced through regular team debriefs, refresher sessions every 12 months, and access to updated online materials. Managers are provided with observation checklists to support the transfer of learning to the workplace.

Dynamis Lone Working Course: One Day

Course Aim

To equip staff with essential knowledge, understanding, and practical skills to maintain personal safety while lone working in community settings, identifying and managing potential risks effectively.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this one-day Lone Working and Personal Safety training course, participants will:

Know:

The context of Lone Worker Personal Safety in their specific work environment
Health and Safety implications and legal requirements related to Lone Working
Safe Systems of Work principles for their team
The Kaplan Wheeler model of Crisis Behaviour and the 7 phases of crisis
Warning signs and pre-incident indicators for potential aggression or violence

Understand:

Decision-making processes under pressure and fear management techniques
How to effectively use Lone Worker Personal Safety Alert Devices and communication systems
How to minimize confrontation risk by detecting pre-incident indicators
The importance of information sharing between teams and services
The ethical considerations in risk assessment and intervention
The value of trusting intuition in identifying potentially dangerous situations

Be able to do:

Recognize pre-assault cues for escalating aggression
Use body language appropriately to enhance personal safety
Apply principles of time, distance, and opportunity for exit/escape planning
Implement effective non-escalation and de-escalation techniques
Articulate the rationale for different interventions and their legal implications

Learning Methodologies

The course utilizes the SCENA methodology – a scenario-driven training approach that ensures content is directly relevant to participants’ day-to-day work. Training combines classroom discussion, video case studies, practical exercises, and physical skills practice in a safe learning environment.

Tailoring and Relevance

The training content is specifically designed and tailored to the unique roles, tasks, and challenges faced by lone workers within their organisation, using relevant case studies and scenarios to enhance learning transfer.

Legal and Medical Review

All physical intervention techniques taught are tactically effective, legally correct, and medically safe, designed to withstand scrutiny in legal proceedings.

Trainer Qualifications

Delivered by experienced, certified trainers with extensive background in lone worker safety and conflict management.

Resources Provided

Participants receive comprehensive reference materials, access to ongoing support resources, and guidance on implementing learning in the workplace.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Course effectiveness is measured through participant feedback, knowledge assessments, and practical skills demonstration throughout the day.

Dynamis Two-Day Lone Working and Personal Safety with Breakaway Skills Course

Course Title

Lone Working and Personal Safety: Essential Skills for High-Risk Community Work

Course Aim

To equip frontline professionals who work alone in the community with comprehensive knowledge, understanding, and practical skills to assess risks, prevent conflict, manage challenging situations, and protect themselves effectively while maintaining professional service delivery.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this two-day intensive course, participants will:

Know:

The legal framework surrounding personal safety, including duty of care obligations, reasonable force principles, and self-defense law
The Kaplan and Wheeler timeline of crisis development and appropriate interventions at each stage
Pre-incident indicators (PINs) that signal escalating risk and potential for violence
Information-sharing protocols and their importance in maintaining staff safety across services
Different types of aggressive behaviors and their underlying triggers, particularly in vulnerable populations
The role and proper use of personal safety devices and alert systems (e.g., Skyguard, smartphone SOS functions)
Key risk factors associated with lone working in community settings
The psychological impact of threatening situations and how stress affects decision-making

Understand:

How intuition functions as an early warning system and its role in maintaining personal safety
The importance of tracking systems and check-in protocols for lone workers
How denial and complacency can undermine safety awareness and intuitive responses
The difference between general anxiety and genuine fear signals, and how to distinguish between them
The psychology of victimization and how predatory individuals select and test potential targets
The ethics of using proportionate physical intervention as a last resort for self-protection
How trauma history may influence client behavior and appropriate staff responses
The impact of environmental factors on personal safety and risk assessment

Be able to:

Recognize pre-assault cues and respond appropriately to prevent escalation
Implement effective verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques to defuse potential conflict
Create and maintain appropriate professional boundaries in challenging situations
Demonstrate clear, assertive communication when setting limits or exiting unsafe situations
Perform practical personal safety techniques, including:
- Creating distance and using barriers effectively
- Defensive positioning and stance
- Safe exit strategies from confined spaces
- Basic breakaway techniques from common grabs and holds
- Escape methods that minimize harm to all parties
Conduct dynamic risk assessments before and during lone working situations
Use personal safety devices correctly and effectively under pressure
Apply post-incident procedures, including reporting, debriefing, and accessing support
Develop personalized safety plans for specific working contexts

Course Duration

Two full days (typically 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM each day) with appropriate breaks to ensure optimal learning and practice of physical skills.

Target Audience

Frontline professionals who work alone with potentially challenging individuals, including housing managers, welfare officers, community health workers, social workers, outreach staff, and others who visit clients in their homes or community settings.

Learning Methodologies

Scenario-based learning using realistic case studies (e.g., Sarah Merritt, Hannah Foster, Ashleigh Ewing)
Practical role-play exercises simulating real-world encounters
Video analysis of actual incidents to identify warning signs and intervention points
Partner-based practice of physical breakaway techniques with graduated resistance
Small group discussions and problem-solving activities
Personal reflection and experience sharing in a supportive environment
Simulated practice using personal safety alert devices
Dynamic risk assessment exercises

Tailoring and Relevance

The training content is specifically designed and tailored to address the unique challenges faced by professionals who work with vulnerable populations in community settings. Scenarios and examples reflect the actual situations participants encounter, including managing unpredictable behavior, visiting unfamiliar locations, dealing with multiple people in a residence, and responding to trauma-affected individuals. Cultural sensitivities and specific client group characteristics (such as asylum seekers’ triggers and concerns) are incorporated throughout the training.

Legal and Medical Review

All physical techniques taught have been reviewed for medical safety and legal compliance. The training emphasizes proportionate response within the legal framework of reasonable force and self-defense, while prioritizing prevention and de-escalation. Physical skills are designed to be effective while minimizing risk of injury to all parties.

Trainer Qualifications and Credibility

Courses are delivered by experienced Dynamis trainers who possess:

Extensive practical experience in high-risk environments
Professional qualifications in conflict management and physical intervention
Adult education certifications and proven instructional skills
Up-to-date knowledge of legal and safety standards for lone working
Real-world expertise in managing and surviving threatening situations

Resources Provided

Comprehensive participant workbook with key concepts, checklists, and resources
Personal safety planning templates and risk assessment tools
Reference cards for quick access to de-escalation techniques and breakaway methods
Access to digital resources for continued learning and skills reinforcement
Information on how to access ongoing support and advice

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

The program’s effectiveness is measured through:

Pre and post-course confidence and knowledge assessments
Practical skills evaluation during scenario-based exercises
Follow-up data collection on implementation of safety protocols
Incident reduction metrics and reporting quality improvement
Participant feedback on relevance and applicability to daily work

Reinforcement and Ongoing Learning

To ensure skills are maintained and complacency is avoided:

Refresher modules are available for digital review
Regular practice recommendations are provided
Team-based drills are suggested for implementation at staff meetings
Follow-up support from trainers for specific safety concerns
Update communications on emerging threats and countermeasures

This course empowers participants with the confidence, judgment, and practical skills needed to stay safe while serving vulnerable populations in challenging community settings, ensuring they can fulfill their professional responsibilities while effectively managing personal risk.

Dynamis 5-Day Positive Handling Train-the-Trainer Course Desc

Course Title

Positive Handling Train-the-Trainer: Creating Internal Capacity for Safer Environments in Schools and Care Settings

Course Aim

To develop skilled internal trainers who can effectively teach staff in schools and care homes to manage challenging behaviors with dignity and respect, ensuring physical intervention is used only as a last resort while maintaining safety for all.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this 5-day course, participants will:

Know:

The context and legal basis of positive handling in schools and care settings, including Human Rights Act considerations
The Seven Phases of Crisis (Kaplan Wheeler) and the SCARF Model for understanding behavior
Risk factors and warning signs when using physical interventions
Health and Safety implications and good-practice guidance for managing high-risk incidents
Training delivery methodologies including scenario-based learning and adult education principles
Course administration procedures and documentation requirements for trainer-led sessions

Understand:

The principles of dignity and respect in all interactions with vulnerable people
The importance of transforming a culture of fear to a culture of care through effective training
The difference between emergency and planned interventions
How to build trainer credibility and establish effective learning environments
The ethical considerations in avoiding coercion and blanket restrictions
How to conduct a Training Needs Analysis to tailor content to specific environments
How to select appropriate scenarios and vehicles for learning based on common high-risk situations

Be able to:

Deliver comprehensive training on non-escalation, de-escalation, and crisis management strategies
Teach and assess practical physical intervention skills appropriate for lower-risk environments
Design scenario-based learning experiences tailored to specific settings (schools or care homes)
Adapt training content to address the specific needs of different staff teams and service user groups
Conduct effective skills assessments and provide constructive feedback to learners
Create and maintain proper training documentation and certification records
Monitor, evaluate, and continuously improve training effectiveness

Course Duration

5 days of in-person train-the-trainer course delivery, with potential pre-course online learning components to maximize in-person practice time

Target Audience

Selected staff with appropriate experience, energy, and motivation to become internal trainers within schools and care homes for older people. Ideal candidates have extensive experience with their specific service users and understand common flashpoints and effective de-escalation strategies.

Learning Methodologies

Pre-loading: Online video-based training to introduce key concepts before face-to-face sessions
Transfer week: Face-to-face training with Dynamis mentors and practice taking on the trainer role
Projects week: Trainees practice delivering core components of knowledge-based elements
Scenario-based learning using situations relevant to participants’ environments
Practical skills assessment and feedback
Supervised teaching practice

Tailoring and Relevance

The program is specifically designed to develop trainers who can address the unique challenges faced in lower-risk environments like schools and care homes for older people. The training focuses on scenario-based learning using situations directly relevant to these settings, ensuring all physical techniques are appropriate for the service users involved.

Legal and Medical Review

All training content is tactically effective, legally correct, and medically safe, supported by Dynamis’ legal and medical audits. The physical intervention techniques taught have been reviewed to ensure they would withstand scrutiny in legal proceedings.

Trainer Qualifications and Credibility

The course is delivered by Dynamis trainers who are full-time, qualified, and insured professionals. All hold recognized qualifications in Adult Education and Level 3 Qualifications in Physical Intervention. Dynamis is accredited for quality assurance with the Institute of Conflict Management (ICM) and holds a 5-star ‘Safety Without Compromise’ rating.

Resources Provided

Training Needs Analysis documentation
Policy review guidance
Access to a “Resources” folder with instructional videos, templates, case-law samples, and other tools
Ongoing telephone support from the Dynamis training team for safety queries
Complete trainer materials to deliver the training within their organization

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

The effectiveness of the program is measured through participant satisfaction, skill demonstration, and organizational impact metrics such as reduction in incidents. This data feeds back into continuous improvement of both the train-the-trainer program and the internal training delivered by graduates of the program.

Reinforcement and Ongoing Learning

Graduates receive ongoing support from Dynamis, including access to updated resources and telephone consultation for complex cases. Regular CPD opportunities help maintain trainer skills and ensure content remains current with evolving best practices and legal requirements.

Dynamis 10-Day Positive Handling Train-the-Trainer Programme for Higher-Risk Environments

Course Title

Advanced Positive Handling Train-the-Trainer: Comprehensive Intervention Skills for High-Risk Healthcare, Secure and Specialist Settings

Course Aim

To develop expert internal trainers capable of teaching staff in high-risk environments to manage severe challenging behaviours and violence safely, ethically, and effectively, with a comprehensive tactical repertoire that includes clinical holding, chemical interventions, and seclusion procedures, while maintaining dignity and respect for vulnerable individuals.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this 10-day comprehensive programme, participants will:

Know:

The extended legal framework governing restrictive practices in high-risk settings, including Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards, and human rights legislation
The comprehensive range of risk factors in managing acute behavioural disturbance (ABD), psychosis, substance-induced states, and other high-risk presentations
Advanced clinical knowledge of psychological and physiological responses to restraint, including positional asphyxia, excited delirium, and restraint-associated cardiac arrest
Pharmacological interventions, their mechanisms, indications, contraindications, and monitoring requirements when used as part of a behavioural management strategy
The medical, ethical, and legal considerations for seclusion and long-term segregation, including environmental safety requirements
Robust documentation requirements for recording, reporting, and reviewing incidents involving restraint, rapid tranquilisation, or seclusion
Post-incident management protocols, including debriefing methodologies and trauma-informed approaches to support both staff and service users

Understand:

The complex ethical balance between duty of care, risk management, and the fundamental rights and dignity of vulnerable individuals
The psychological impact of trauma, adverse childhood experiences, and institutional settings on behavioural presentation and intervention effectiveness
The correlation between environmental factors, staff approaches, and the escalation or de-escalation of behavioural crises
The importance of functional behaviour analysis in developing proactive intervention strategies for individuals with complex needs
How different mental health conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and substance abuse issues affect behavioural presentation and intervention selection
The principles of trauma-informed care when working with populations who have experienced significant adverse life events
The critical importance of prevention strategies and positive behaviour support plans in reducing the need for physical interventions
The psychological impact on staff of managing severe violence and the importance of organisational support systems

Be able to:

Deliver comprehensive training on an extended range of physical interventions appropriate for various high-risk scenarios, including responses to weapons, multiple aggressors, and extreme violence
Teach and assess clinical holding techniques for safe medication administration to resistant individuals
Facilitate realistic scenario-based training incorporating the complexities of high-risk environments, including limited space, environmental hazards, and multiple service users
Instruct on proper monitoring procedures during and after physical interventions, including vital signs assessment and recognition of medical emergencies
Develop and deliver training on seclusion protocols, including assessment for suitability, implementation procedures, and ongoing monitoring requirements
Adapt training for specific environmental constraints such as secure wards, confined spaces, and areas with limited staff resources
Conduct thorough post-incident reviews that inform practice improvement and risk reduction strategies
Design tailored training for specific client groups with unique risk profiles (forensic, acute psychiatric, learning disabilities with challenging behaviour, etc.)
Integrate robust physical skills with verbal de-escalation and environmental management strategies as part of a comprehensive approach

Course Duration

10 days of intensive, immersive training with a progressive structure that builds from theoretical foundations to complex scenario management and supervised teaching practice.

Target Audience

Experienced professionals from high-risk settings who demonstrate exceptional aptitude in behaviour management, risk assessment, and communication skills. Ideal candidates have substantial experience in managing serious incidents and possess the credibility, resilience, and emotional intelligence necessary to lead training in high-pressure environments.

Learning Methodologies

Advanced scenario-based learning utilising high-fidelity simulations of complex, high-risk incidents
Progressive skill development with regular competency assessment
Team-based intervention practice mirroring real-world staffing configurations
Video analysis of intervention techniques with biomechanical and safety assessments
Supervised teaching practice with structured feedback
Case study analysis of serious incidents to identify learning points and preventative strategies
Role-play exercises to develop clinical decision-making under pressure
Simulated emergencies requiring rapid assessment and intervention

Tailoring and Relevance

This programme is specifically designed for environments where staff face elevated risks of serious violence, including secure mental health units, forensic settings, specialist learning disability services managing extreme challenging behavior, psychiatric intensive care units, and high-dependency healthcare settings. The content addresses the unique challenges of managing acute behavioral disturbance, psychosis, substance-induced aggression, and personality-related violence within the constraints of clinical environments.

Legal and Medical Review

All intervention techniques, clinical holding procedures, and protocols for chemical and environmental interventions have undergone rigorous review by legal experts specializing in mental health and capacity law, alongside medical professionals with expertise in restraint-related risks. The programme meets or exceeds all relevant national standards and regulatory requirements for restrictive interventions in healthcare settings.

Trainer Qualifications and Credibility

The programme is delivered by Dynamis master trainers with extensive frontline experience in high-risk environments and advanced qualifications in healthcare, behavioral management, and adult education. All lead trainers hold relevant clinical qualifications alongside specialized certifications in managing violence and aggression in healthcare settings.

Resources Provided

Comprehensive trainer manuals with detailed technical guidance
Digital resource library including assessment tools, lesson plans, and presentation materials
High-quality instructional videos demonstrating proper technique execution
Risk assessment templates and decision-making frameworks
Policy development guidance for restraint, rapid tranquilization, and seclusion
Post-incident review and debriefing protocols
Ongoing access to technical support and clinical consultation

Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

A multi-tiered evaluation framework assesses both trainer competency and organizational impact through:

Pre and post-course knowledge assessment
Structured observation of teaching practice
Technical skills assessment under various conditions
Implementation monitoring through site visits and remote support
Collection and analysis of incident data to measure intervention effectiveness
Feedback from frontline staff receiving training from programme graduates
Regular refresher and update sessions to maintain standards and address emerging issues

Reinforcement and Ongoing Learning

Graduates receive continuing professional development opportunities including quarterly updates on evolving best practices, emerging research, and changes to legal frameworks. An online community of practice facilitates peer support and shared learning, while regular skills maintenance workshops ensure technical proficiency is maintained at the highest standards.

PMVA Pathfinder for Healthcare Settings

Our Programme Helps Your Teams to Reduce Risk

Enhance your existing PMVA programme through evidence-based development

Working in partnership with AJA Associates, we deliver comprehensive trainer development programmes specifically designed for NHS mental health trusts. Our Pathfinder approach builds upon your existing strengths while introducing innovative, evidence-based methodologies.

Course Descriptors

PMVA Pathfinder: Trainer Development Programme

Duration: 5-10 days (flexible delivery options)

Target Audience: Clinical leads and existing PMVA programmes within NHS trusts and healthcare settings

Delivery Method: Scenario-driven, practice-based learning

Programme Overview:

The PMVA Pathfinder programme represents a collaborative approach to enhancing existing PMVA training capabilities within healthcare settings. Developed in partnership with AJA Associates, this programme focuses on upskilling current trainer teams to deliver more effective, engaging, and evidence-based PMVA training.

Key Learning Outcomes:

Know the latest evidence-based approaches to PMVA training design and delivery
Understand how to create emotionally safe, performance-oriented learning environments
Do implement scenario-driven training methodologies that reflect real workplace challenges

Programme Components:

Trainer Skills Development: Advanced facilitation techniques for high-stakes learning
Scenario-Based Training Design: Creating authentic, work-relevant practice scenarios
Assessment and Quality Assurance: Evidence-based approaches to measuring training effectiveness

PMVA Pathfinder: Conflict Management Enhancement

Duration: 2-3 days (integrated within main programme)

Focus: Advanced de-escalation for healthcare settings

Specialized Content:

Crisis Intervention Techniques: Tailored for patients experiencing acute distress
Cognitive Difficulty Management: Person-centred approaches for patients with dementia, learning disabilities, or mental health conditions
Team-Based De-escalation: Coordinated responses in high-pressure healthcare environments
Family and Visitor Management: Professional conflict resolution with distressed relatives

Evidence-Based Framework:

Building on research validated through our College of Policing partnerships and healthcare implementations across 10+ NHS trusts, participants learn proven methodologies for reducing escalation incidents.

Partnership with AJA Associates

Our PMVA Pathfinder programme is delivered in partnership with AJA Associates, bringing together:

Clinical Expertise: AJA Associates’ deep understanding of mental health, CAMHS, and acute healthcare environments
Training Innovation: Dynamis’s evidence-based, scenario-driven training methodologies
Practical Implementation: Combined experience in delivering sustainable change within NHS trusts
Ongoing Support: Collaborative approach to programme sustainment and continuous improvement

Evidence Base and Quality Assurance

Research Foundation:

Methodology adopted by UK College of Policing for nationwide implementation
Validated through academic partnership with Loughborough University
Evidence base drawn from implementations across healthcare, education, and public safety sectors

Quality Standards:

ICM (Institute of Conflict Management) accredited training
SWC (Skills for Work and Care) endorsed methodology
NHS-compliant documentation and certification processes

Measurable Outcomes:

91% of participants report increased confidence
9.4/10 average trainer effectiveness rating
Demonstrated reduction in restrictive practice incidents

“By far the best course I’ve attended in the NHS. Current, relevant, and extremely well delivered. 10/10 for delivery, professionalism, and structure.” – NHS Training Participant

Contact us to discuss how the PMVA Pathfinder programme can enhance your existing training capabilities and improve outcomes for both staff and patients.

Multi-Academy Trust Consulting Services

Our Programme Helps Trusts Build Excellence at Scale

Strategic consulting engagements that balance consistency with individual school identity

We partner with Multi-Academy Trusts to develop comprehensive, long-term strategies for behaviour management, staff safety, and student wellbeing across diverse school portfolios. Our approach recognizes that while trusts need consistency in standards and outcomes, each school brings unique characteristics that must be respected and leveraged.

Course Descriptors

Multi-Academy Trust Strategic Development Programme

Duration: 12-24 months (ongoing partnership model)

Target Audience: Trust executives, senior leaders, headteachers, designated safeguarding leads

Delivery Method: Blended consulting approach with strategic planning sessions, school-specific assessments, and ongoing support

Programme Overview:

Our strategic development programme works with Multi-Academy Trusts to create comprehensive, trust-wide approaches to behaviour management and staff safety while respecting the individual character and needs of each school within the trust. We develop maturity over time through phased implementation and shared resources.

Key Learning Outcomes:

Know how to develop consistent trust-wide standards while maintaining school individuality
Understand the critical success factors for scaling effective practice across diverse educational settings
Do implement sustainable systems for ongoing quality assurance, staff development, and continuous improvement

Programme Components:

Trust-Wide Strategic Planning: Comprehensive analysis and long-term roadmap development
School-Specific Assessment and Adaptation: Tailored approaches that respect individual school contexts
Executive Dashboard and Reporting: Trust-level oversight with school-specific insights
Shared Resource Development: Creating economies of scale while maintaining local relevance

Value Proposition for Trust Growth:

Our leading-edge approach serves as a significant value proposition when attracting new schools to the trust, demonstrating commitment to staff safety, student wellbeing, and evidence-based practice.

Trust-Wide Digital Infrastructure and Shared Resources

Duration: 3-6 months (setup) + ongoing management

Focus: Creating economies of scale through shared platforms, resources, and expertise

Digital Platform Components:

Trust-Wide Learning Management System: Shared repository of training materials with school-specific customization
Executive Dashboard and Reporting: Real-time performance metrics and incident tracking across the trust
Shared Resource Library: Policy templates, training materials, and best practice database
Communication and Collaboration Tools: Inter-school learning networks and expert consultation access

Executive Leadership and Board Support Services

Duration: Ongoing partnership with regular engagement cycles

Focus: Providing senior leaders and governors with insight and support for effective oversight

Strategic Leadership Support:

Senior Leadership Team Support: Strategic planning sessions, risk management framework, and performance review processes
Board and Governance Support: Board reporting framework, risk dashboard development, and compliance assurance
Physical Environment Assessment: School walk-around programme with systematic environment assessment
Operational Excellence Reviews: Staff practice observation and culture assessment

Trust Growth and Value Proposition Enhancement

Focus: Using leading-edge practice as a competitive advantage for trust development

Value Proposition Development:

Attraction Strategy for New Schools: Leading-edge training programmes and evidence-based results
Enhanced Value for Existing Schools: Professional development opportunities and resource efficiency
Competitive Advantage Elements: Research partnership access and innovation testing ground
Sustainability and Growth Support: Scalable systems development and knowledge transfer processes

Implementation Approach and Outcomes

Phased Implementation:

Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-6): Trust-wide strategic planning and individual school assessment
Phase 2: Development (Months 7-12): School-specific adaptation and shared resource development
Phase 3: Maturation (Months 13-24): Full programme implementation and performance optimization

Measurable Outcomes:

Trust-Level Performance: Consistency metrics, efficiency gains, and staff satisfaction improvements
Individual School Impact: Incident reduction, staff development, and community confidence
Strategic Business Benefits: Enhanced recruitment, improved retention, and cost efficiency

“The partnership has transformed how we operate as a trust. We now have consistency where we need it and flexibility where it matters, with every school benefiting from shared expertise while maintaining their unique identity.” – Multi-Academy Trust CEO

Contact us to explore how our Multi-Academy Trust consulting services can enhance your strategic development, operational efficiency, and competitive position in the education sector.

National Implementation Programmes

Our Programme Helps Nations Transform Practice at Scale

Evidence-based, culturally responsive training implementation for entire sectors

We partner with national governments, regulatory bodies, and policy makers to implement large-scale training transformations that enhance public safety, reduce restrictive practices, and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations. Our programmes combine proven methodologies with local expertise to create sustainable, sector-wide change.

Course Descriptors

National Implementation Programme: Policy Co-Design and Regulatory Integration

Duration: 12-24 months (phased implementation)

Target Audience: Policy makers, regulatory bodies, senior administrators, national training coordinators

Delivery Method: Collaborative co-design workshops, pilot programmes, and iterative development

Programme Overview:

Working directly with national governments and regulatory bodies, we co-design training standards and implementation frameworks that align with local legislation, cultural contexts, and sector-specific requirements. Our approach ensures that training programmes are not only effective but fully integrated with existing governance structures.

Key Learning Outcomes:

Know how to adapt evidence-based training methodologies to local regulatory and cultural contexts
Understand the critical success factors for large-scale training implementation across diverse settings
Do develop sustainable training standards, quality assurance frameworks, and implementation strategies

Programme Components:

Regulatory Mapping and Integration: Comprehensive analysis of existing legislation, guidance, and standards
Stakeholder Engagement Process: Multi-level consultation with practitioners, administrators, and policy makers
Cultural Adaptation Framework: Systematic approach to localizing content while maintaining evidence base
Quality Assurance Development: Creating monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement systems

National Implementation Programme: Large-Scale Cascading Roll-Out

Duration: 18-36 months (depending on sector size)

Target Audience: Master trainers, regional coordinators, quality assurance teams

Focus: Systematic deployment across entire sectors or nations

Implementation Strategy:

Our cascading model ensures consistent quality while allowing for regional adaptation. We train master trainers who then develop regional trainer cohorts, creating a sustainable infrastructure for ongoing programme delivery.

International Examples:

UK College of Policing: 43 police forces across three regional cohorts,
Trinidad and Tobago: Multi-agency approach covering education, healthcare, and public safety
Slovenia National Programme: Integration with existing professional development frameworks
UAE National Recovery Centre: Specialized adaptation for addiction treatment and mental health settings

Roll-Out Components:

Master Trainer Certification: Intensive development programmes for national-level trainers
Regional Hub Development: Establishing training centers with local leadership
Quality Assurance Networks: Peer review and continuous improvement systems
Technology Integration: Digital platforms for consistency, tracking, and support

Programme Impact and Evidence

UK College of Policing Implementation:

Scale: 43 police forces, 50+ master trainers, thousands of operational officers
Methodology Recognition: Official adoption as national standard for Personal and Public Safety Training
Academic Validation: Ongoing research partnership with Loughborough University

International Development Results:

Multi-Sector Integration: Successful adaptation across healthcare, education, and public safety sectors
Cultural Adaptation: Proven framework for maintaining effectiveness while respecting local contexts
Policy Integration: Direct influence on national policy development and professional standards

Quality Assurance Indicators:

Trainer Consistency: 95%+ compliance with core methodology standards
Participant Outcomes: 91% report increased confidence, 9.4/10 average programme rating
Incident Reduction: Documented decreases in use of force incidents and complaints

“The methodology developed through this partnership has transformed how we approach training across our entire force structure. The evidence-based, scenario-driven approach has not only improved officer safety but has enhanced public confidence in our professional standards.” – UK College of Policing Partner

Contact us to explore how national implementation programmes can transform training standards and outcomes across your sector or nation.