This Positive Handling course is designed to equip university and college staff, faculty, and student support teams with the knowledge and skills to safely and effectively manage challenging behaviors through proactive strategies and appropriate physical intervention when necessary. The training emphasizes the importance of prevention, de-escalation, and safe physical intervention techniques, also known as Safe Holds or PMVA, to ensure the safety of all individuals while respecting dignity and human rights.
 
Course Objectives:
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Participants will:​

1. Understand the principles of positive handling and the legal, ethical, and human rights considerations involved

2. Learn to assess situations accurately to determine the least restrictive and safest intervention

3. Develop skills in de-escalation techniques to prevent the need for physical intervention

4. Gain practical knowledge of safe physical intervention methods aligned with best practice standards

5. Recognise the importance of post-incident reproting, support, reflection, and development

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Course Content
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1. Introduction to Positive Handling and Physical Intervention
- Principles of positive handling and behaviour management
- Legal frameworks, policies, and ethical considerations
- Human rights and dignity in intervention

2. Understanding Behavior and Risk Assessment
- Recognising triggers and signs of escalating behavior
- Risk assessment and decision-making in dynamic situations
- Differentiating between challenging behavior and violence

3. De-escalation and Prevention Strategies
- Verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques
- Building rapport and maintaining a calm environment
- Techniques to reduce tension and prevent escalation

4. Physical Intervention Techniques
- Introduction to Physical Intervention, also known as Safe Holds and PMVA techniques
- Principles of safe, proportionate, and lawful physical intervention
- Step-by-step guidance on physical strategies to minimise harm
- Handling emergencies and high-risk situations responsibly

5. Post-Incident Procedures and Support
- Effective documentation and reporting
- Providing support to individuals post-incident
- Reflective practice and learning from incidents
- Promoting debriefing and continuous improvement

6. Promoting a Positive Environment
- Developing proactive strategies to reduce challenging behaviours
- Training staff to foster respectful and supportive relationships
- Creating policies that prioritise safety, dignity, and rights

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Training Methods
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This course incorporates:
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• Interactive Lectures - Acquire the theoretical and legal knowledge required to operate legally, morally and ethically

• Practical Demonstrations - You will be shown the physical skillset required by experienced industry experts

• Physical Skill Practice - Have time to practice the skils learned in a safe environment

• Group Discussions - Explore common rthoguhts and themes around Positive Handling

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Learning Outcomes
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By the end of the course, participants will:
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• Apply de-escalation techniques to minimise the need for physical intervention

• Safely and ethically carry out physical interventions aligned with legal and policy requirements

• Recognise the importance of post-incident reflection and support

• Contribute to a safe, respectful, and supportive environment that prioritises the well-being of all individuals involved

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Certification
​Participants who complete the training will receive a Certificate of Completion in Positive Handling demonstrating their competence in managing challenging behaviors safely, ethically, and effectively, with a focus on dignity and human rights.