Dr Richard Dune

09-02-2024

Managing violence and aggression in health and social care

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The critical importance of managing violence and aggression in health and social care settings

Staff encounter many challenges daily in the dynamic health and social care environment. Among these, managing violence and aggression stands out as a significant concern, not only for the safety and well-being of staff but also for ensuring the quality of care provided to service users.

In this blog, Dr Richard Dune delves into the importance of effective strategies to manage violence and aggression, incorporating key facts, legislation, and best practices within the UK context.

Violence and aggression in health and social care

Violence and aggression in health and social care settings can manifest in various forms, from verbal abuse to physical attacks, significantly impacting the mental and physical health of healthcare workers.

The NHS Staff Survey (2022) highlighted that 14.7% of staff experienced physical violence from patients or the public in the past year, a figure that rises alarmingly in sectors like ambulance services (45.8%).

What is violence and aggression?

Violence and aggression encompass a broad spectrum of behaviours. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) defines work-related violence as "any incident in which a person is abused, threatened, or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work."

Legislative framework and best practices

Below are some of the key legislative, regulatory and best practice recommendations for health and social care providers concerning managing workplace aggression and violence:

• Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 - This act requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees, including protective measures against violence and aggression.
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 - Mandates risk assessments for violence and the implementation of measures to mitigate identified risks.
• Care Quality Commission (CQC) guidelines - Emphasise the necessity for health and social care providers to have systems in place to manage patient behaviour that challenges, ensuring safety and quality of care.
• NICE Guidelines (NG10) - Offer comprehensive recommendations on short-term management of violence and aggression, focusing on de-escalation techniques and minimising the use of restraint.

Violence and aggression - Tackling the issue head-on

All stakeholders must work together to tackle workplace violence and aggression in health and social care settings, including:

• Risk assessment and prevention - Identifying environmental and situational triggers in healthcare settings is crucial for preemptive action to reduce the risk of violence and aggression.
• Training and support - Equipping staff with the skills to de-escalate potentially violent situations through communication, understanding, and empathy is fundamental. Ongoing support, including post-incident counselling, ensures the resilience of healthcare workers.
• Collaborative approach - Engaging with law enforcement, mental health professionals, and community services can provide a holistic strategy to address the root causes of aggression.
• Reporting and learning - Encouraging a culture of reporting incidents without fear of blame is essential for learning and improving safety protocols.

Recommendations for health and social care providers

• Adopt a zero-tolerance policy - Implementing a clear policy against violence and aggression, communicated effectively to all service users and staff, sets a firm foundation for a safe working environment.
• Invest in staff training - Regular, comprehensive training programs on managing violence and aggression should be a priority for healthcare providers, ensuring that all staff are prepared to handle challenging situations confidently and carefully.
• Foster a culture of support - Creating a supportive environment where staff feel valued and protected contributes significantly to their ability to manage difficult situations effectively.

Conclusion

The management of violence and aggression in health and social care settings is a complex challenge that requires a multifaceted approach by understanding the scope of the issue, leveraging legislative support, and implementing best practices.

Healthcare providers can create safer environments for staff and service users. Investing in education, support, and preventive measures is a legal and ethical obligation critical to providing high-quality care.

How ComplyPlus™ supports safer management of violence and aggression in health and social care

Violence and aggression are serious risks in health and social care, affecting both staff wellbeing and service user safety. Effectively managing these behaviours is essential to providing safe, high-quality care, especially in environments where challenging situations can arise without warning.

Our online CPD-accredited training plays a vital role in equipping staff with the skills to recognise early signs of aggression, apply de-escalation techniques, and respond in a way that protects everyone involved. But training alone isn’t enough - services also need clear policies, ongoing oversight, and a consistent, organisation-wide approach.

That’s where ComplyPlus™ comes in.

This digital platform helps providers to:

• Streamline access to up-to-date violence and aggression policies
• Monitor staff training completion and understanding
• Strengthen accountability across teams
• Provide real-time visibility into compliance status.

By combining high-quality training with the practical tools in ComplyPlus™, organisations can foster safer environments, meet regulatory requirements, and support a confident and well-prepared workforce.

Visit the CPD Certification Service Accreditation website to learn why providers across the UK trust our training to strengthen their safety culture and manage high-risk behaviours effectively.

Last updated on 14-06-2025

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