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

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

Becoming a Self-Defence Trainer

Are you passionate about personal safety and helping others gain the confidence to avoid potentially threatening situations or protect themselves, if necessary? Becoming a self-defence trainer could be the perfect career path for you. In this article, we’ll explore how to become a self-defence trainer, whether self-teaching is a viable option, the terminology for someone who teaches self-defence, and the … 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

Ambulance Service Ordered to Pay £49,000 in Wrongful Dismissal Case After Staff Member Was Dismissed for Allegedly ‘Assaulting’ a 14 Year-Old Patient Who Had Attacked Him

  A veteran paramedic ambulance worker who was assaulted by a 14 year-old was awarded £49,000 by an industrial tribunal after he was wrongfully dismissed for gross misconduct by his employer for allegedly assaulting a 14 year old who had attacked him. In August 2021 Mr Edwards, a senior paramedic with 18 years service was attending a call. It involved … Read more

Can we use techniques not taught during training?

I recently posted an article on Linked about an article which appeared in the Guardian ‘North Wales Police Officer punching incident’. Well, the post attracted over 6,000 views with lots of very balanced and descriptive comments. Some challenging whilst others supported the video clip showing the officer punching someone whilst on the ground. Her (now His) Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabularies … Read more

What Is The Best Martial Art For Self Defense

“What Is The Best Martial Art For Self Defense?” This is a question that I have heard asked many times. I have also seen this asked in many forums and discussion groups. But is it a misleading one? Studying the martial arts is of course a valuable thing to do. I’ve done it myself for many years. But does being … Read more