2-Day BTEC Level 2 Disengagement & Non-Restrictive Physical Intervention for Vulnerable People
Focuses on non-restrictive methods to manage challenging behaviour while preserving the rights and wellbeing of vulnerable individuals.
Disengagement & Non-Restrictive Physical Intervention for Vulnerable People Course
Course Overview
This 2-day course is designed to equip staff who work with vulnerable individuals—including those with learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions, or complex needs—with safe, ethical, and non-restrictive strategies for managing challenging or high-risk behaviour.
Focusing on disengagement skills, non-restrictive physical responses, and de-escalation, the course helps staff to protect themselves and others from harm while maintaining a person-centred, trauma-informed approach. Emphasis is placed on the use of proportionate, least restrictive, and legally defensible interventions that prioritise the dignity and wellbeing of the person.
The training aligns with key legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Mental Capacity Act 2005, Human Rights Act 1998, and relevant safeguarding frameworks.
Who is this course for?
- Support Workers in Learning Disability or Mental Health Services
- Residential and Community Care Staff
- Education and Special Educational Needs (SEN) Staff
- Youth Workers and Outreach Teams
- Secure Transport Staff and Key Workers
- Personal Assistants and Carers supporting vulnerable individuals
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
Day 1 – Understanding Risk & De-escalation
- Understanding Behaviour & Triggers
- Identify common causes of challenging behaviour in vulnerable individuals.
- Recognise early warning signs and patterns of escalation.
- Understand the role of unmet needs, trauma, and communication barriers.
- Legal and Ethical Responsibilities
- Understand relevant legal frameworks:
- Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
- Human Rights Act 1998
- Mental Capacity Act 2005
- Equality Act 2010
- Apply the principles of least restrictive practice, necessity, and proportionality.
- Explore the legal and ethical boundaries of physical intervention.
- Understand relevant legal frameworks:
- De-escalation Techniques
- Use verbal and non-verbal communication strategies to de-escalate situations.
- Adapt de-escalation strategies to different communication needs (e.g. non-verbal, sensory-sensitive individuals).
- Manage your own emotions and behaviour during conflict.
- Dynamic Risk Assessment
- Understand and apply dynamic and planned risk assessment models.
- Make defensible decisions under pressure.
- Understand personal space and proximity awareness.
Day 2 – Practical Disengagement & Non-Restrictive Techniques
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Disengagement Skills
- Practise safe and low-impact disengagement techniques for:
- Wrist grabs
- Clothing grabs
- Hair pulls
- Bites and scratches
- Being blocked or cornered
- Ensure techniques minimise harm and are suitable for vulnerable individuals.
- Practise safe and low-impact disengagement techniques for:
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Non-Restrictive Physical Interventions
- Learn non-restrictive techniques to guide or redirect movement safely.
- Understand when and how to use these techniques lawfully and ethically.
- Avoid high-risk or restrictive interventions (e.g. prone holds, mechanical restraints).
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Post-Incident Practice
- Record and report incidents accurately and in line with organisational and legal requirements.
- Support individuals after incidents through debrief and recovery-based approaches.
- Reflect on practice and identify areas for improvement or support.
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Promoting a Culture of Safety
- Encourage a team-based approach to safety and intervention.
- Embed positive behaviour support (PBS) and trauma-informed care principles.
- Reduce reliance on physical interventions through proactive care planning.
Assessment & Certification
- Practical Skills Observation
- Written Knowledge Check
- Certificate valid for 12–24 months (based on organisational policy)
2 Days
Theory & practical
Group work, role-play, and case studies
Flexible
Enquiry Form
Ready to Book?
Protect your staff with the 1-Day Breakaway & Self-Defence Course and give them the confidence to safely handle conflict in high-risk situations.
Delivered on-site or online by experienced trainers, this practical programme ensures compliance, reduces risk, and builds a safer workplace.
Take the next step today — enquire now to secure your training date.