Day 1: Foundations of PMVA
Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the legal frameworks surrounding violence and aggression in healthcare, including key legislation such as the Mental Health Act 1983, the Human Rights Act 1998, and safeguarding laws. The training covers CQC regulations and NICE guidelines, emphasising the importance of these standards in maintaining safety and quality of care. Attendees will explore the principles of a rights-based approach, learning how to apply these principles in practice to enhance patient care and safety.

Day 2: Recognising and Assessing Risk
This session focuses on the critical skills needed to identify early warning signs of aggression and conduct effective risk assessments. Participants will develop the ability to implement de-escalation techniques to prevent situations from escalating, thus ensuring a safe environment and minimising potential harm. This day addresses the moral and legal duties of healthcare professionals, emphasising the importance of proactive risk management in compliance with NHS safeguarding guidelines.

Day 3: Communication and Conflict Resolution
Effective communication is essential in managing conflict and aggression. Participants will master verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to resolve conflicts and build rapport with patients. Workshops will focus on therapeutic communication and negotiation techniques, empowering staff to handle difficult situations with confidence and empathy. These skills support the emotional well-being of patients and enhance staff resilience and competence in high-pressure situations.

Day 4: Physical Intervention Skills
Participants will engage in practical sessions to learn safe and effective physical intervention techniques. This training is crucial for situations where physical restraint is necessary to ensure safety, and it emphasises the importance of using these techniques legally and ethically. The training adheres to BILD standards and incorporates guidance from the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the Care Act 2014 to ensure interventions respect patient dignity and minimise harm.

Day 5: Post-Incident Support and Trauma-Informed Care
The final day covers post-incident support and trauma-informed care, which are vital for recovery and learning. Participants will learn how to provide support after an incident, including debriefing and psychological first aid. The course explores the principles of trauma-informed care, helping staff integrate these principles into their practice to support patients' recovery and well-being.

"The PMVA training course was a game-changer for our team at King's College Hospital. Before attending, we often struggled with managing aggression effectively. The course provided us with the skills and confidence we needed to handle these situations safely and professionally. The hands-on practice and real-life scenarios were invaluable, and the trainers were incredibly knowledgeable and supportive. We've seen a noticeable reduction in incidents, and our staff feels much more prepared and secure in their roles."

Jane Swindell, Head of Safety at King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

"As a Director of Nursing at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, ensuring the safety of both our patients and staff is a top priority. The PMVA training course exceeded our expectations in every way. The comprehensive coverage of legal and ethical responsibilities, combined with practical skills training, has empowered our team to manage aggression with confidence and care. Our compliance with BILD and CQC standards has never been stronger, and the feedback from our staff has been overwhelmingly positive. This course is a must for any healthcare organization committed to excellence."

Mark Smith, Director of Nursing at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust

"I was initially sceptical about attending yet another training session, but the PMVA course proved to be incredibly insightful and practical. The trainers provided a perfect blend of theory and practice, and I particularly appreciated the focus on trauma-informed care. The course has helped me understand the legal frameworks and my responsibilities better, and I feel much more confident in my ability to de-escalate potentially volatile situations. The certification has also added value to my professional credentials, and I would highly recommend this course to all healthcare professionals."

Sarah Patel, Mental Health Nurse at Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust