SMT backs Conflict Professional Conference and Awards 2006

While the Health and Safety Executive defines violence in the workplace as "any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work", the definition proposed by the European Commission is now accepted as being more inclusive (and, at the same time, more in tune with modern thinking).

That definition - proposed in 1997 by an expert Working Group - is: "Incidents in which persons are abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work involving an explicit or implicit challenge to their safety, well-being or health."

According to recent studies - including the British Retail Consortium's Retail Crime Survey (‘Counting the cost', SMT, December 2005, pp22-24) - violence in the workplace is steadily increasing. To help members of staff in the security and healthcare sectors (among others) tackle conflict scenarios with some degree of skill, the Security Industry Authority has made conflict management an essential part of the training needed to gain a licence. In addition, there are now over 5,000 conflict management trainers deployed across the UK.

Of late, specialist training and consultancy concern Maybo has been instrumental in establishing Conflict Professional (aka ConflictPro), a new independent organisation led by Mark Jenner designed to provide a fulcrum for all players in the conflict management industry. It will act as a ‘Centre of Excellence' for the development of trainers, coaches, workplace practitioners, security, risk and Health and Safety professionals engaged in the prevention and management of conflict and violence.

Importantly, ConflictPro will also provide a learning structure for trainers, coaches and practitioners, enabling them to maintain a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) portfolio. A central feature will be an online Register of Conflict Professionals.

One of the first activities for ConflictPro has been the establishment of an annual conference on work-related violence. This two-day event will take place on 8-9 June at Baylis House, Slough, and will enable trainers, risk and security managers and Health and Safety practitioners working in sectors such as transport and retail to learn about the very latest developments in behavioural management, the medical implications of physical intervention, conflict management training and a host of other issues.

The Conference: Day One

On Day One, following the KeyNote Address there will be two ‘Masterclass' sessions. The first, which runs from 3.30 pm-4.20 pm, concentrates on use of force guidance and legislation, insurance liabilities, the practical use of Neuro Linguistic Programming in resolving conflict, trainer accreditation and development and an overview of current research (and the key issues) pertaining to restraint.

The second ‘Masterclass' session on 8 June takes place from 4.25 pm until 5.15 pm. In this session, a host of learned guest speakers will concentrate on issues pertaining to working with young people, preparing for practical conflict skills training, dealing with the media, the emergence of conflict management qualifications for security professionals and physical intervention strategies.

Conflict Professional Awards

As the level of expertise in conflict management grows, it has become increasingly important to recognise Best Practice and role models in the field - employees who, through their outstanding managerial actions, have made a tangible contribution to reducing violence in their workplace. With this in mind, ConflictPro has introduced the Conflict Professional National Awards for Outstanding Conflict Management Practice, which will be presented at a special dinner on the evening of 8 June.

Initially, the Awards will be focused on five sectors: licensed retail and hospitality, security, justice (the wider police family), health and social care and local Government. The Security Business Award is backed by Skills for Security and Security Management Today, while the Health and Social Care Award enjoys the support of the Ambulance Service Association.

Each category is to be assessed by a major sector body and sector employer. The Judges provided by ConflictPro will be looking for a thorough understanding of the complexities of work-related violence, as well as the practical implementation of policies for front-line employees. Awards entries must be submitted on or before 30 April (although those relating to the licensed retail and hospitality arena should be received on or before 14 April). Log on at: www.conflictproconference.com

The Conference: Day Two

9 June kicks off with the third ‘Masterclass' (which runs between 10.00 am and 10.50 am). This outlines how to protect your organisation by referral to work-related violence case law.

Trainer needs will be assessed, so too the correlation between drug abuse and violent behaviour. A discourse takes place on ‘challenging behaviour': working with people who have learning disabilities. Training in the licensed retail and hospitality sectors is covered.

The fourth and final ‘Masterclass' outlines learning styles, creativity in reducing potential ‘violence flashpoints', the Health and Safety Executive's perspective on the psychology of work-related violence and employer guidance on physical intervention.

Prior to luncheon there is also a special Plenary Session concentrating on the future for CPD for conflict management professionals (see ‘CPD: realistic or not?', pp26-29).