Do we have to use the techniques we are trained in?

Hi. This is Andy Maddocks from Intelligensa.
Do we have to use the physical intervention techniques we are being trained in or will we be in trouble if we use a different technique? This is a question we’re often asked in various sectors when delivering training, and this could be schools, the care sector and it could be the security industry.
Well the short answer is no. As long as you can justify that the force used was reasonable. And that is, was it necessary in the first place to use force and was it proportionate to what you were trying to prevent.
Nowhere in the law does it specify which techniques should or shouldn’t be used.
However, as far as physical intervention is concerned, there is various guidance, which is advice from the Department for Education or it could be from the Department of Health, etc. that advises against using certain techniques because of the risks that they present.
Staff should use the techniques they have been trained in, as part of a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks and the techniques themselves should also be risk assessed. Questions are likely to be asked why staff used different techniques, but ultimately as long as you can show that the force used was necessary in the first place and it was proportionate, then it will be reasonable. If staff have not used the techniques they were trained in, then the employer should also consider refresher training, and whether the initial training was fit for purpose, were the techniques too complicated, etc. were the staff working in pairs, when reviewing the risk assessment. So, there you are. I hope that helps. And if you need any further guidance or advice from ourselves then contact us www.intelligensa.co.uk. Many thanks.

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