Gas Networks Ireland

The Challenge
Gas Networks Ireland (GNI) owns and maintains Ireland’s 14,758 km national gas network, delivering energy safely to over 720,000 homes and businesses every day. Its frontline workforce – including engineers, field operatives, emergency responders and community engagement staff – regularly operate in public-facing environments where protests or public gatherings can occur. Staff sometimes encounter heightened tension or disruption that requires careful, professional management. Standard conflict management training was insufficient to prepare teams for these situations; GNI needed specialist training to equip staff to respond safely and professionally within the law.

Why Stand2 Was Chosen
Stand2 was appointed for its extensive experience training frontline personnel in high-risk utilities and emergency services. GNI required a provider capable of combining behavioural awareness, situational risk assessment, legal frameworks, and protest engagement strategies into a coherent, evidence-based programme that could be deployed at scale. Stand2’s focus on operational realism and practical application made it the ideal partner.

What Training Was Delivered
Stand2 delivered a two-day Protest Management & Safety programme tailored to GNI staff. The course explored protest dynamics, early warning signs of aggression, communication and de-escalation techniques, and the safe management of disruptions. Legal considerations were integrated throughout, ensuring staff understood their responsibilities when engaging with protesters.

Outcomes & Impact
Staff reported significantly increased confidence when managing challenging public interactions, demonstrating clearer decision-making and more consistent communication. The programme strengthened organisational resilience and enhanced operational safety across Ireland’s national gas network. GNI now benefits from a unified, consistent approach to public engagement, supporting employee safety and ensuring professional, lawful responses in all public-facing situations.