A new industry report published this month underscores a significant rise in workplace violence and aggression incidents across UK healthcare and social care sectors. This trend has intensified calls for improved training in Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA), particularly the development of qualified PMVA Trainers within organisations.

Key Findings from the UK PMVA Industry Survey 2024

The report, compiled from data gathered from over 300 healthcare institutions and social care providers, reveals that nearly 65% of respondents experienced an increase in aggressive incidents over the past two years. More notably, there is a reported shortfall in internal PMVA Trainer capacity, with 48% of organisations stating they lack sufficient in-house trainers to meet training demands.

  • Rising Incident Rates: Over 40,000 reported aggression-related events in healthcare in 2023, a 12% increase from the previous year according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
  • Trainer Shortage: Almost half of surveyed employers cite difficulty recruiting or upskilling PMVA Trainers as a key barrier to effective violence prevention.
  • Training Delivery Challenges: Organisations report logistical issues including disrupted face-to-face sessions and limited access to accredited providers.

Implications for Employers

The findings suggest that UK employers in healthcare and social care face increasing pressure to enhance their PMVA training strategies. The shortage of qualified PMVA Trainers can hinder compliance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, both of which require employers to ensure safe working environments.

“Effective PMVA training is critical not only for staff safety but also for regulatory compliance,” said an industry training expert. “Employers must prioritise developing in-house training capabilities to reduce reliance on external courses and improve workforce resilience.”

Given the surge in incidents, organisations are encouraged to invest in accredited PMVA Trainer courses to develop internal expertise. This approach can facilitate tailored training programs, rapid response to emerging risks, and cost efficiencies over time.

Training Options: Meeting the Demand

Providers such as Abertay Training offer accredited PMVA Trainer courses designed to meet this growing need. Their training programme, priced at £595 plus VAT, is delivered via live Zoom sessions or face-to-face across more than 10 UK venues including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Newcastle, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Belfast.

Such flexible delivery options enable organisations to upskill staff without significant disruption. The courses cover key competencies in violence prevention, risk assessment, and effective de-escalation techniques, aligning with sector best practices and legal requirements.

Looking Ahead

With workplace violence on the rise, the demand for qualified PMVA Trainers is likely to grow further throughout 2024. Employers are advised to act promptly in securing training for staff to mitigate risk, improve safety culture, and ensure compliance with UK workplace safety legislation.

For details on PMVA Trainer courses and training locations, organisations can explore available options at Abertay Training’s course page.