Report – Responding to Behaviours of Concern in Irish Schools
Behaviours of concern are no longer isolated incidents in Irish schools. For many educators, exposure to verbal and physical aggression, supporting children in acute distress, and responding to crisis situations has become a recurring — and often under-acknowledged — part of the job. Responding to Behaviours of Concern and Crises in Irish Schools – Learning […]
Report – Managing Behaviours of Concern and Workplace Risk in UK Schools
For many educators, exposure to verbal and physical aggression, supporting children in acute distress, and responding to crisis situations has become a recurring — and often under-acknowledged — part of the job. This thematic review, “Managing Behaviours of Concern and Workplace Risk in UK Schools,” draws on training-needs data from 373 schools, representing over 8,000 […]
When young people carry knives: 3 things staff need to know
Knife crime has featured prominently in the news at the start of 2025. Three teenage boys were charged with the murders of Kelyan Bokassa (14) and Harvey Willgoose (15) in separate incidents in London and Sheffield. Axel Rudakabana was sentenced to 52 years in prison following his murderous knife attack at a Southport dance class […]
Transformative Training: Ljubljana Psychiatric Clinic Staff Reflect on Invaluable 5-Day Dynamis Course
In psychiatric care, with its many diverse and complicated challenges, continuous professional development is not just beneficial—it’s essential. This truth was recently underscored at the University Psychiatric Clinic of Ljubljana, Slovenia, where a group of experienced nursing staff participated in an intensive 5-day training course in conflict, personal safety and physical intervention skills. The programme, […]
Dynamis Training: Partnering for Positive Change in Trinidad and Tobago’s Mental Health Care
In June 2024, Dynamis Training travelled to the Caribbean to serve as trusted adviser and coach to the Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago. Our mission: to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing emotional or psychological disturbances when they interact with public service staff. The collaboration represented a step towards improving approaches to mental health […]
Managing conflict in healthcare settings: A guide for health professionals
Conflict is an unfortunate reality that healthcare professionals must navigate daily. Whether you’re running a busy GP practice, managing a clinic, overseeing a pharmacy, or working in primary care, the ability to handle challenging situations effectively is crucial. This post delves into key strategies for managing conflict and ensuring the safety of both staff and […]
The ‘classroom model’ in conflict management and physical restraint is problematic
A traditional ‘classroom model’, which has been a cornerstone of education for centuries, emphasises learning and performing skills in a neutral setting. In fields like conflict management and physical restraint training, this model may not be the most effective for your people. Here we evaluate some strengths and weaknesses of the classroom model before contrasting […]
One NHS Trust’s experience of using the scenario-driven approach to transform PMVA training
A group of NHS Highland trainers have been applying Dynamis’ scenario-driven approach to their PMVA training since 2022 and have experienced some startling results, with one cohort reporting a 72% uplift in confidence about safely breaking away from violent contact. The NHS Highland team reported their experiences at an update to the GSA membership’s annual […]
Breaking away from old-school personal safety skills
What is PMVA training? PMVA stands for ‘Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression’. In the fast-paced and often challenging environment of the National Health Service (NHS), one of the major priorities is ensuring the safety and well-being of both staff and patients. An essential component of this safety net is managing the potential for […]
Retail staff under pressure
Shoplifting is a persistent and growing problem for UK retailers. According to the British Retail Consortium’s annual retail crime survey, shoplifting incidents account for the most significant proportion of crimes against retailers. It’s essential for retail staff to handle suspected theft appropriately to protect the business, ensure their safety, and avoid potential legal issues such […]