About Stand2

We train the people
who can’t afford to get it wrong.

Since 1999, we’ve worked with organisations across the UK – from GP practices and housing teams to ambulance services, rail operators and probation – whatever your environment and whatever your risk level, we’ll make sure your people have the skills, confidence and judgement they need.

 
Stand2 trainer with a paramedic

01.HOW WE BEGAN

Keeping people safe since 1999.

Stand2 was founded by Paul Brennan, drawing on a career spanning nearly two decades with West Mercia Police – as an Officer Safety Trainer, Public Order Trainer and National Tactical Advisor. He saw too much training that looked good in a classroom and failed in the real world, and built Stand2 to close that gap: practical training that genuinely prepares people for the realities of their role.

That standard shaped who delivers it. Every Stand2 trainer is handpicked, and we are highly selective about who represents us – appointing only those with proven operational backgrounds who have worked in the environments your staff work in and faced the challenges your people face. That credibility is non-negotiable.

Twenty-five years on, the organisations with the most at stake – ambulance services, NHS trusts, probation, global brands – trust us with the safety of their people. Most have stayed with us for years; some for decades.

02. OUR MISSION & VALUES

Everyone who faces conflict, aggression or risk at work deserves the skills, confidence and judgement to stay safe, stay in control and return home unharmed at the end of every day.

Speak to an expert

Our Values

01
We care deeply
The safety and wellbeing of the people we train is personal to us. Unlike some providers, we don’t just see our students as numbers. We measure our success by the confidence we can see grow in the room and the feedback we receive. We strive to ensure that those we train are better prepared for whatever their working day demands.
02
We are credible
Our trainers are among the most experienced and respected in the sector. We combine real-world operational experience with professional rigour and continuous development. Our credibility isn’t just claimed, it’s proven through more than a quarter of a century of experience and through consistent delivery, trusted partnerships, and long-standing relationships.
03
We never compromise
We hold ourselves to the highest standards in everything we design and deliver. If it falls short of our high standards, it doesn’t carry our name; it’s as simple as that. It’s why some of the world’s biggest brands and trusted organisations like ambulance services, NHS trusts and probation services keep choosing us, year after year.
150
k+
People Trained
96
%
Client Retention
25
+
Years Experience
|
03A MESSAGE FROM PAUL BRENNAN
Paul Brennan

“I spent nearly two decades in the police – on the frontline, then training officers, and ultimately advising forces nationally on public order and safety. I know what good training looks like, and what it costs when it falls short.

 

When something goes wrong, people fall back on their training. If that training isn’t good enough, someone gets hurt. That’s a standard we’re not willing to compromise on.”

Paul Brennan
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Paul Brennan
04.MEET THE TEAM

Handpicked. Experienced. Trusted to deliver.

Paul
Paul
Managing Director
Paul Brennan
Paul

Paul is the founder and Managing Director of Stand2, bringing over 30 years of operational and instructional experience from both policing and military service. A former National Police Public Order Tactical Advisor and Defensive Tactics Trainer with West Mercia Police, he specialised in conflict management, officer safety, public order tactics, and operational decision-making in high-risk environments.

Earlier in his career, Paul served in the Royal Corps of Signals, working within a specialist communications unit supporting UK Special Forces operations. His combined military and policing background provides deep operational insight into the realities of managing conflict, risk, and safety in demanding environments.

Paul has designed and delivered training across a wide range of sectors, including public services, healthcare, retail, and security, developing programmes focused on conflict management, personal safety, physical intervention, and risk mitigation. As Managing Director, he leads the strategic development of Stand2’s training programmes, course design, and quality standards.

He holds a First-Class Honours degree in Further, Adult and Higher Education, alongside numerous specialist instructor qualifications in officer safety, tactical training, and conflict management. Paul is also a Certified Security Consultant and is widely respected for his expertise in training design, operational safety, and professional development.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Managing Director
Paul
David
David
Training Manager · Health & Safety Lead
Dave B
David

David is a former Royal Marine Commando and experienced training professional with a strong background in leadership development, operational training, and team performance in high-pressure environments. During his military career, he designed and delivered physical, tactical, and leadership training to Royal Marines across the globe, supporting the development and operational readiness of more than 800 personnel each year. His work included training multinational teams, enabling him to adapt his delivery to diverse cultures, environments, and operational demands.

As Training Manager at Stand2, David leads the development, quality assurance, and delivery of training programmes across the organisation. He plays a central role in overseeing trainer performance, coaching and supporting specialist trainers, and ensuring that every programme reflects Stand2’s standards of safety and professionalism. His experience enables him to support both trainers and learners in developing practical skills, confidence, and sound decision-making under pressure.

David regularly delivers training directly to Stand2 clients across sectors including healthcare, public services, education, and corporate environments. Known for his calm leadership style and disciplined approach, he ensures that every course is structured, safe, and impactful.

He holds a Level 3 Award in Education and Training, the NEBOSH General Certificate, and a Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management, alongside advanced first aid and specialist military instructor qualifications. David brings significant operational insight, instructional expertise, and a commitment to high standards, making him a key leader within the Stand2 training team.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Training Manager · Health & Safety Lead
David
Chris C
Chris
Specialist Trainer
Chris C
Chris C

Chris is a highly experienced law enforcement and surveillance trainer, with a career spanning over 30 years in UK policing and international operational support. He has served in specialist roles including firearms operations, close protection, and counter-terrorism, with extensive expertise in both overt and covert surveillance techniques.

Chris has designed and delivered training at national and international levels, working with UK law enforcement, military, and intelligence partners, as well as overseas agencies in locations including Montenegro and Cape Verde. His training is bespoke, practical, and tailored to local legislation and operational culture, while maintaining UK standards and ethical requirements.

During his career in West Midlands and West Mercia Police, Chris served as a Police Sergeant, Inspector, Deputy Chief Firearms Instructor, and Chief Firearms Instructor. He was responsible for the design and delivery of all firearms and surveillance training, integrating operational competencies with personal safety and SPEAR tactics. He also managed national counter-terrorist specialist firearms officer exercises, overseeing joint deployments and multi-agency exercises.

Chris’s qualifications include a Diploma to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS), Level 5 Certificate in Police Management, NEBOSH General Certificate, IOSH Health & Safety, A1 Assessor, PST Trainer, SPEAR Instructor, and Emergency First Aid at Work. His combination of operational experience, instructional expertise, and international training exposure allows him to deliver highly effective, realistic, and evidence-based training.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Specialist Trainer
Chris C
Antonio
Antonio
Specialist Trainer
Antonio
Antonio

Antonio is an experienced conflict management and personal safety trainer with a background in frontline security and close protection. With over a decade of experience in high-risk environments, he teaches professionals how to manage aggression and maintain safety under pressure. Fluent in English and Portuguese, Antonio holds a Level 3 Award in Education and Training and is committed to continuous professional development.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Specialist Trainer
Antonio
Chris T
Chris
Specialist Trainer
Chris T
Chris T

Chris is a Specialist Trainer at Stand2, bringing over 30 years of operational policing experience with a strong focus on firearms operations, surveillance, and tactical training. Serving with West Mercia Police from 1989 to 2019, he progressed from frontline policing into specialist roles and retired at the rank of Sergeant, having worked as a firearms officer, surveillance operator, operational commander, and senior instructor.

At Stand2, Chris delivers high-quality, realistic, and operationally grounded training. His sessions combine extensive practical experience, a structured instructional style, and a clear understanding of how to prepare professionals for challenging, risk-prone environments.

Chris’s expertise spans specialist firearms officer training, armed surveillance, dynamic intervention, close protection, operational leadership, and risk management. He has significant experience designing and delivering instructor-led programmes, overseeing risk-critical training environments, and ensuring training remains compliant with national standards.

He holds PTTLS (Level 3), LANTRA Instructional Techniques, SFIC (Surveillance and Firearms Integration), IOSH Managing Safely, and Level 3 Adult & Paediatric First Aid. Chris is known for his calm, methodical, and scenario-driven approach, helping learners build confidence, practical skills, and strong situational awareness to operate safely and effectively.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Specialist Trainer
Chris T
Jamie
Jamie
Specialist Trainer
Jay
Jamie

Jamie brings real-world experience in risk management and personal safety from his leadership roles in the private sector, where he managed high-pressure situations involving anti-social behaviour and conflict. Since joining Stand2 in 2022, he has delivered training in personal safety, conflict management, and first aid with clarity, confidence, and a strong focus on practicality.

Jamie holds a Level 3 Award in Education and Training, is an RLSS NPLQ Trainer Assessor, and is a qualified First Aid at Work Instructor. He also holds advanced self-defence qualifications. Known for his calm, engaging style, Jamie delivers training that is accessible, relevant, and grounded in real operational experience.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Specialist Trainer
Jamie
Dave
Dave
Specialist Trainer
Dave Steel
Dave

Dave is an experienced trainer delivering accredited training across a wide range of subjects on behalf of Stand2. Dave’s expertise spans First Aid, Mental Health First Aid, Safeguarding, Fire Safety, Manual Handling, Searching, De-escalation, and Breakaway techniques.

Drawing on extensive custodial and operational experience, Dave ensures that all training is realistic, evidence-based, and directly aligned with real-world risk and emergency care practice. His sessions are structured, inclusive, and focused on building learner confidence, competence, and safety.

Dave is also a Community First Responder trained by West Midlands Ambulance Service, providing him with current insight into emergency response processes – strengthening the accuracy and credibility of his training delivery.

Prior to joining Stand2, Dave served in the HM Prison & Probation Service, delivering and assessing over 100 core subjects during initial prison officer training. He spent more than 20 years as a Prison Officer, specialising in personal safety techniques, operational security, and high-risk incident response. He has held national roles including membership of the Tornado incident response team.

Dave holds numerous teaching, assessing, and professional qualifications, including Mental Health First Aid Instructor Level 3, First Aid at Work Instructor, PTLLS Level 3, and certificates in Breakaway, De-escalation, and Use of Force.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Specialist Trainer
Dave
‘Aitch’ (Hayden)
‘Aitch’
Specialist Trainer
Aitch
‘Aitch’ (Hayden)

Aitch is a skilled trainer with over 20 years of frontline experience in conflict resolution, personal safety, and physical intervention. As First Aid, Tactics, and Fitness Manager for Warwickshire and West Mercia Police, he led training for more than 3,000 officers. A former Royal Engineer, he holds CTLLS, PTLLS, and an NVQ Level 3 in Learning and Development. Known for his calm, practical approach, Aitch helps professionals handle high-risk situations with confidence and control.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Specialist Trainer
‘Aitch’ (Hayden)
Richard
Richard
Specialist Trainer
Richard
Richard

Richard brings a diverse operational background spanning covert investigations, surveillance operations, and risk management across both commercial and government environments. With experience working alongside former military, intelligence, and law enforcement teams, he has operated in complex and often hostile situations, gathering evidence and providing testimony in court.

Richard specialises in delivering conflict management, personal safety, and physical intervention training to organisations across security, healthcare, local authorities, and corporate sectors. Known for his practical, adaptable approach, he delivers realistic training that helps staff recognise risk, manage challenging behaviour, and respond safely under pressure.

He holds a Level 3 Award in Education and Training, a Level 3 Risk Assessment Award, and qualifications in door supervision, mental health awareness, and first aid.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Specialist Trainer
Richard
Kaz
Kaz
Specialist Trainer
Kas
Kaz

Kaz brings a varied professional background across military service, emergency response, and public sector investigation. She served in the British Army, working alongside the Royal Military Police and later in Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) environments, developing strong discipline, situational awareness, and the ability to operate calmly under pressure.

Following her military service, Kaz worked with West Mercia Police as a communications operator, 999 call handler, and dispatcher, supporting frontline policing by managing emergency calls and coordinating incident responses. She later worked on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions, conducting investigations and interviews relating to benefit fraud.

Kaz went on to hold investigative and complaints‑handling roles within local government, including positions focused on adult social care complaints and investigations related to Children’s Services. She has extensive experience managing complex complaints processes and dealing professionally with difficult, distressed, or vexatious customers.

At Stand2, Kaz brings valuable insight into public‑facing services, investigative processes, and effective communication in challenging and sensitive situations, supporting high standards of professionalism and accountability.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Specialist Trainer
Kaz
Sam
Sam
Client Relationship Manager
Sam
Sam

Sam is Stand2’s Client Relationship Manager, acting as the primary point of contact for all client enquiries and ongoing engagements. With a strong background in account management and stakeholder liaison, Sam ensures that organisations receive a professional, tailored service from initial enquiry through to course delivery and post-training support.

His role involves understanding client needs, coordinating bespoke training solutions, and maintaining strong long-term relationships across sectors including public services, healthcare, and corporate organisations. Known for excellent communication and a proactive approach, Sam ensures that clients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout every stage of their engagement with Stand2.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Client Relationship Manager
Sam
Laura
Laura
Operations Co-ordinator
Laura
Laura

As the Operations Co-ordinator, Laura plays a key role in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of Stand2. With strong organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail, she manages the administrative processes that support training delivery – from co-ordinating course bookings and logistics to overseeing the needs of trainers and operational planning.

Working closely with both clients and the training team, Laura ensures every course runs efficiently and that organisations receive a professional, responsive service from initial enquiry through to completion. Known for her approachable manner and problem-solving mindset, she provides essential support that underpins the high standards expected of Stand2.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Operations Co-ordinator
Laura
Lewis
Lewis
Marketing Executive
Lewis
Lewis

Lewis is Stand2’s Marketing Executive, responsible for growing the company’s digital presence and ensuring Stand2’s training expertise reaches the right audiences. He develops and delivers content strategies across digital platforms – creating engaging, sector-relevant material that reflects Stand2’s work, values, and impact.

From managing social channels to developing thought leadership content, Lewis plays a key role in connecting Stand2 with current and prospective clients across healthcare, education, housing, transport, and social care. Known for his creativity and strategic approach, he ensures Stand2’s voice is consistent, professional, and visible where it matters most.

Experience

Healthcare
Social Care & Support Living
Education & Learning
Housing, Local Authority & Community Services
Transport Services
Marketing Executive
Lewis
Four colleagues engaged in an animated conversation in a modern office, with one woman smiling and gesturing expressively

05.SAFE & RESPONSIBLE TRAINING

Safe and responsible training isn’t a policy. It’s a principle.

Checklist icon We do not teach pain-based techniques
Checklist icon We do not encourage physical intervention when withdrawal or de-escalation is the safer option
Checklist icon We do not train practices that fall outside organisational policy
Checklist icon We do not promote actions beyond an individual’s professional role
Checklist icon We do not teach methods that fall outside legal or regulatory boundaries
Google Reviews

At Stand2 we go above and beyond to understand and meet your expectations. Here are some of our recent reviews.

As the trusted leader in conflict management, personal safety, and physical intervention training, we aim to elevate standards across the UK and beyond by bringing evidence-based practice, operational credibility, and expert instruction to every sector we serve.
View All Reviews
Excellent. Done a few courses over the years regarding conflict management and this was the best. Relaxed teaching and no one was afraid to make a mistake or ask any questions. Enjoyed this much more than my recent SIA renewal in all honesty.

Really thoughtful and experienced teachers. After the training I felt really confident in conflict resolution and physical intervention. Thank you now I know how to protect myself, the general public and my organisation if a situation comes up.

Very well structured course and effectively taught. Techniques and solutions were very helpful.

Very good! Other security companys should learn this Easy to learn


Fantastic course, gave a really easy to remember process for handling conflict management. Trainers were great, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Really course, tutors were great especially Chris who made it fun and interactive

Really enjoyed the training Dave and Chris are very engaging

Engaging PowerPoint, really good instructors, time to practice techniques

I recently completed training at Stand2 and had a great experience. The course was well organised, engaging and delivered by Chris C, who explained everything clearly using practical, real-life examples. The training has given me greater confidence in managing conflict, assessing risk, and keeping myself and others safe. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to develop these important skills.