Delivering care when individuals resist support presents a complex ethical and practical challenge. Our RREC (Reducing Restrictive and Escalative Care) training provides employees with the skills and confidence to respond safely, proportionately, and in line with best practice and human rights.

We use a structured, layered approach to ensure employees are trained only in the skills they need. This supports value for money, reduces unnecessary training burden, and aligns with RRN Training Standards.

Our Approach

We recognise that not all employees require the same level of intervention skills. Our training is therefore delivered across three progressive layers, enabling organisations to match training to role, risk, and service need.

Layer 1: Foundations, Prevention & Redirection

This layer focuses on prevention and early intervention. Employees develop a strong understanding of restrictive practice, human rights, and how to reduce the likelihood of escalation.

Content includes:

• Understanding restrictive practice and legal/ethical frameworks
• Human rights considerations
• Levels of resistance
• SMART principles
• Identifying essential vs non-essential care
• Generating cooperation
• Pre-positioning and proactive strategies

This layer is suitable for employees and forms the foundation of safe, person-centred care.

Layer 2: Disengagement Skills

This layer introduces non-restrictive physical skills designed to maintain safety while avoiding escalation.

Content includes:

• Safe disengagement (Grab Release)
• Guiding techniques
• Protective positioning (X-Shield)
• Holding avoidance strategies

This layer is intended for employees who may encounter higher-risk situations but where restrictive interventions are not routinely required.

Layer 3: Clinical Holding

This advanced layer is only delivered where there is a clear and evidenced need. It focuses on safe, proportionate use of restrictive interventions when all other options have been exhausted.

Content includes:

• One and two-person interventions (standing, seated, and bed)
• Team roles and coordination
• Monitoring safety (ABCDEs and Vital Signs)
• Understanding restraint-related risks (including positional asphyxia)
• Essential care during and after intervention

This layer is restricted to employees working in environments where higher-level interventions may be necessary.

A Proportionate and Value-Based Model

Our layered approach ensures:

• Employees are trained only in the skills they require
• Organisations achieve value for money
• Training aligns with RRN standards and least restrictive principles
• A clear pathway for progression where needs change

Most organisations find that the majority of employees require only Layer 1, with additional layers delivered based on risk assessment and service requirements.

We work with organisations to design the most appropriate pathway based on their needs.

By completing RREC training, employees will:

• Deliver care safely and ethically when resistance occurs
• Reduce reliance on restrictive practices
• Improve outcomes for individuals receiving care
• Work confidently within a structured and defensible framework