Edexcel’s BTEC Level 2 Award in Disengagement and Non-Restrictive Physical Intervention Skills and the BTEC Level 2 Award in Disengagement and Physical Intervention Skills have been accredited by Ofqual
The BTEC Awards are intended for anyone who may need to use physical intervention skills in the workplace. Thus, they’ll be suitable for those operational in the protective and security industries and the NHS, as well as those working with children and vulnerable adults in residential and school environments.
Supported by the Employment National Training Organisation (ENTO), Skills for Health and Skills for Security, the qualifications were developed with the input of experts from a wide range of disciplines. They will provide those commissioning agencies whose risk assessment has identified the delivery of formal training as a priority and primary risk control measure with an externally-verified qualification.
Maintaining staff safety
Commenting on the news, Edexcel’s Sallyann Baldry said: “The purpose behind the design of the awards is that physical intervention is and should be a last resort. Skills in conflict management, de-escalation and disengagement are of foremost importance. However, we know that incidences of violence at work and involving those people dealing with members of the public are on the increase.”
Baldry continued: “Many employers recognise that they need to do more to help their staff stay safe. These qualifications provide a national benchmark to ensure that the training they undertake meets a national standard and draws on Best Practice at all times.”
Phil Hardy of SecuriCare International Limited (and current chairman of the Institute of Conflict Management) provided much of the technical expertise to support Edexcel in the development of the qualifications. Hardy told info4security: “The BTEC Level 2 Awards are a very welcome addition to the qualifications now being offered to help prevent and manage challenging and violent behaviour. For a long time, SecuriCare has been an advocate of raising the standards in conflict management and physical intervention training. We recognise that there’s a distinct need for this type of training in certain industries, and it’s vital that it is delivered to a high standard and adopts Best Practice. We’re delighted to be one of the first organisations offering this qualification.”
What the courses involve
The BTEC Level 2 Award in Disengagement and Non-Restrictive Physical Intervention Skills has been designed with maximum flexibility in mind, providing either a specific focus for those working with children and vulnerable adults or those operational in the protective and security industries. It covers the legal position in regards to the use of force, and legislation relevant to the type of group. There’s 20 hours of learning, while trainees also gain practical skills in how to use physical techniques which minimise the risk of injury or harm either to themselves or others.
The BTEC Level 2 Award in Disengagement and Physical Intervention Skills is a longer award, involving 30 hours’ instruction. This includes an extra unit in restrictive methods of physical intervention. It would be used where employees face greater physical challenges and the higher levels of risk associated with alcohol, drugs, weapons and emotional distress. It’s particularly relevant for door supervisors, security officers, court security officers, close protection personnel and certain members of staff in the NHS.
Welcoming the news, Bill Fox – head of Maybo – added: “Training in safer approaches to physical intervention is essential for staff that face a significant risk of assault in their work, and for those members of the team who may need to restrain individuals. Many workers can benefit, ranging from those providing emergency care such as ambulance and hospital staff to providers of care and education services who can face challenging behaviours. This qualification is an important step in improving staff skills and reducing the risks posed to staff, customers, patients and service users alike.”
All you need to know about… Edexcel
Edexcel is the UK’s largest Awarding Body offering academic and vocational qualifications and testing to schools, colleges, employers and other places of learning in the UK and internationally.
In 2007, the organisation delivered 9.6 million examination scripts in over 85 countries, with 4.5 million marked onscreen using the groundbreaking e-Pen technology. General qualifications taken internationally include GCSEs, AS and A Levels, IGCSEs and O Levels.
Edexcel’s vocational qualifications include NVQ and BTEC from entry level through to Higher National Diplomas. The company’s entire vocational portfolio has enjoyed over one million registrations across 45 countries.
Edexcel’s BTEC security qualifications
