Level 05 – Advanced Specialist Skills

Handcuffing & Soft Restraints Training

A specialist module for authorised teams who may need to use restrictive equipment as part of a controlled, lawful, and proportionate response.

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Duration 4 Hours
Delivery Methods
  • In person
  • Standpoint
  • Affiliate Trainer Programme
Assessments
  • OBSERVATION
  • PARTICIPATION
  • SUPERVISED PRACTICAL DEMONSTRATION
A law enforcement officer in a high-visibility vest applying handcuffs to a person's wrists outdoors

•01COURSE OVERVIEW

Practical, legally grounded training for staff authorised to use handcuffs or soft restraints – delivered in context, not isolation.

Participants learn risk assessment, communication and de-escalation strategies that minimise the need for equipment, and the principles of safe application, monitoring, and removal. The emphasis is on dignity, safety, and accountability, with clear boundaries on when not to use equipment.

This module is designed for staff who are authorised – or being considered for authorisation – to use handcuffs or soft restraints as part of their operational role. It is not a general conflict management module.

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• 02 THE IMPACT

How this training helps your organisation

  • Ensures restrictive equipment is used only when necessary and lawful
  • Reduces risk of injury and medical complications
  • Improves defensibility through clear decision-making and documentation
  • Strengthens team coordination and role clarity under pressure
  • Supports compliance with organisational policy and audit requirements
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Officer using a key to unlock handcuffs on a person's wrists, with a supervisor in a high-visibility vest nearby

•03.RISKS ADDRESSED

Used incorrectly, handcuffs or soft restraints can cause injury, psychological harm, and serious legal consequences for your organisation.

Checklist icon Apply devices incorrectly – causing injury, distress, or medical emergency
Checklist icon Fail to meet the legal and policy requirements that justify and govern use
Checklist icon Use restraints in situations where they are not proportionate or authorised
Checklist icon Create records that do not reflect what happened – exposing the organisation to scrutiny
Checklist icon Experience poor team coordination that increases risk during application or removal

The good news is that this is entirely preventable. That’s what this training is for.

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• 04 LEARNING OUTCOMES

Here’s what your staff will be able to do differently:

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Explain the legal, ethical, and organisational frameworks governing the use of handcuffs and soft restraints.
• 04 LEARNING OUTCOMES

Here’s what your staff will be able to do differently:

  1. 01 Explain the legal, ethical, and organisational frameworks governing the use of handcuffs and soft restraints.
  2. 02 Identify the risks associated with restrictive equipment, including medical, positional, and situational factors.
  3. 03 Apply structured communication and de-escalation strategies to reduce the likelihood of needing restrictive equipment.
  4. 04 Conduct dynamic risk assessments to determine whether the use of restraints is necessary, proportionate, and defensible.
  5. 05 Contribute to safe, coordinated team responses that prioritise dignity, safety, and least restrictive practice.
  6. 06 Work effectively with colleagues and partner agencies during restraint and handover situations.
  7. 07 Demonstrate the principles of safe application, monitoring, and removal of handcuffs and soft restraints in line with training and policy.
  8. 08 Recognise signs of distress, medical compromise, or elevated risk during restraint and take appropriate action.
  9. 09 Maintain professional composure, clear communication, and ethical decision-making throughout incidents.
  10. 10 Manage and reduce risk.
  11. 11 Follow organisational procedures for reporting, review, and safeguarding following any use of restrictive equipment.
  12. 12 Reflect on their own practice and identify opportunities for continuous improvement in the safe use of restrictive equipment.
  13. 13 Typical refresher intervals for this course are 12 months, depending on operational risk and organisational requirements.
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Aerial shot of an industrial complex
More Case Studies
05 CASE STUDY

Data Centre – Security Teams

Stand2 supports security teams responsible for safeguarding mission-critical data centre environments, where uptime, continuity, and asset protection are of  national and commercial significance. We work with organisations seeking the highest quality training available for their teams operating in controlled spaces  with strict access protocols, where incidents must be managed quickly,  proportionately, and lawfully. 

Training is centred on least restrictive practice, safe application principles, and  robust documentation. As a result, teams report clearer decision-making,  improved coordination, and enhanced defensibility when the use of restrictive  equipment is authorised.

Application of first cuff
• 06 Course Delivery & Assessment

Hands-on, legally grounded training – delivered to the authorisation and policy framework your organisation already operates within.

Delivery

This module is delivered in person and combines legal and policy grounding with hands-on practical training. All instruction is delivered by Stand2 trainers who are operationally experienced in the use of restraint equipment and authorised to train to the relevant national standards. Training is tailored to the specific devices your organisation uses and the authorisation framework under which they are permitted.

Assessment

Learning is assessed through practical demonstration, scenario-based application, and verbal questioning. Assessment covers both the correct technical application of devices and the legal and policy knowledge that must underpin every use.

Certification

Every participant who successfully completes the module is formally certified by Stand2, receiving a uniquely numbered certificate that confirms they have met the assessed standards for the devices covered. Each delegate is entered onto the Stand2 Training Register, which we maintain on your behalf – giving your organisation a clear, auditable record of who is currently trained and certified to use which devices.

Training environment

All practical training is conducted in a controlled environment with close supervision throughout. Physical and psychological safety are prioritised at every stage, with clear briefing, consent, and opt-out options in place.

•07.Frequently asked questions

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Call us or drop us a message.

Contact Us Talk to us on 01952 928134
Do you train with specific devices or is it generic?
Stand2 trains with the specific devices your organisation uses and has authorised. We do not deliver generic handcuffing or restraint training – every module is tailored to the equipment your staff are authorised to carry and the operational context in which they work.
What legal framework does the training cover?
The training covers the legal basis for use of force and restraint under relevant UK legislation, including the Human Rights Act 1998, the Mental Health Act 1983 (and its Code of Practice), and sector-specific guidance where applicable. Staff will understand not just how to use devices correctly, but when use is lawful, proportionate, and justifiable.
Who is this training designed for?
This training is for staff who are authorised – or being considered for authorisation – to use handcuffs or soft restraints as part of their operational role. This includes custody staff, security personnel, mental health and learning disability teams, and other specialist roles. It is not suitable as a general conflict management module.
Can the training be integrated with our existing Level 3 programme?
Yes. Handcuffing and Soft Restraints training can be integrated into the annual Level 3 refresher cycle or delivered as a standalone specialist module, depending on your organisation’s requirements and authorisation structure.
What happens if a member of staff fails the assessment?
Any staff member who does not meet the required standard will not be certified. Stand2 will provide clear written feedback to the organisation and can arrange remedial training where appropriate. Uncertified staff should not use the relevant devices until they have successfully completed reassessment.
How often does this training need to be refreshed?
Annual refresher training is the standard recommended by Stand2 and aligned with best practice across most sectors. Organisations should also ensure refresher training is triggered following any significant incident, policy change, or change in authorised equipment.
How do you maintain a safe training environment for practical elements?
All practical elements are delivered in a controlled environment with close supervision throughout. Physical and psychological safety are prioritised at every stage, with clear briefing, consent, and opt-out options in place. No participant is placed in a position that causes unnecessary discomfort or risk.
Does Stand2 training come with a certificate?
Yes. Every participant who successfully completes the module is formally certified by Stand2 and issued with a uniquely numbered completion certificate. Each delegate is also entered onto the Stand2 Training Register, which we maintain on your behalf – providing your organisation with a clear, auditable record of who is trained and currently certified.
•08.Start the conversation

If your authorised teams carry restrictive equipment and need safe, lawful, and defensible practice, we can help.

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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.
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Great session on conflict resolution. Session was informative and helpful for managing situations of conflict. Would highly recommend.
Jack Stone
Jack Stone
Brilliant course! Instructors (Steve and Dave) friendly and knowledgeable, made everyone feel really comfortable. Wonderful overall experience and know have a better knowledge of conflict resolution techniques.
Daisy Whitworth
Daisy Whitworth
Good training, helpful for increasing awareness of threats and process for justifying and processing conflict resolution.
Noah Clark
Noah Clark
Great experience practical elements really helped consolidate my knowledge.
Kerry Pittaway
Kerry Pittaway
The instructors were very knowledgeable, approachable and supportive. Great and informative session, thank you!
Luke Findley
Luke Findley
liana ellis
liana ellis
Excellent delivery, really informative & engaging, cannot fault the whole package. Thank you
Chris Millward
Chris Millward
Great training and was delivered to a high standard. Paul was very friendly and made me feel at ease
Megan Wildin
Megan Wildin
Very useful in practical life, specifically in my workplace.
Raaee Mewahang
Raaee Mewahang
Tommy Fry
Tommy Fry