Level 03 | FOR HIGHER RISK SETTINGS

Physical Intervention Training Courses

Level 3 of the Stand2 training framework is physical intervention training, for staff who may need to intervene physically to prevent harm to themselves or others.

Staff learn safe, medically reviewed techniques, used only as a last resort after prevention, communication and de-escalation, within a clear legal and ethical framework.

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•01Training Overview

Level 3 is built around safe physical intervention, for workplaces where staff may need to act to prevent harm.

Level 3 is for roles where there’s a foreseeable risk of physical harm and staff may need to do more than protect themselves and get away. These physical intervention courses teach a medically reviewed set of techniques, including safe holding and guiding, that are proportionate, least restrictive and designed to protect the dignity and safety of everyone involved.

Every technique sits within a clear hierarchy of response. Staff learn to prioritise prevention, communication, de-escalation and safe withdrawal, and to use physical intervention only when it’s necessary to prevent harm. They leave able to make defensible decisions under pressure and act safely when it matters.

This page gives an overview of Level 3 and the three courses within it, so you can choose the right one for your team. If staff need to protect themselves and withdraw but aren’t expected to intervene, Level 2 Conflict Management is likely to be the better fit. For elevated-risk environments that need restraints, marker spray or specialist scenarios, see Level 5 Advanced Specialist Skills.

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150

People Trained

Client Retention

Years Experience

• 02. WHO THIS IS FOR

For staff whose role may require them to intervene physically, to keep themselves and others safe.

THIS INCLUDES

Healthcare Staff – Respond safely when patients, visitors or families present a risk of harm
Ambulance Services – Manage unpredictable incidents safely while delivering clinical care
Education Staff – Manage higher-risk behavioural incidents in schools, colleges and specialist settings
Security & Facilities Teams – Respond proportionately to aggression and safety-related incidents
Public Transport Staff – Maintain safety during incidents involving violent or disruptive behaviour
Probation & Criminal Justice Staff – Respond safely and proportionately to physical aggression while maintaining professional boundaries

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• 03 OUR PHYSICAL INTERVENTION COURSES

Stand2 offers three Level 3 physical intervention courses, each designed around a different working environment.

Each course is tailored to your organisation following a Training Needs Analysis. Choose the one that matches where your staff work and the situations they may face.

LEVEL 03

Positive Handling Training for Schools

DURATION | 1 OR 2 DAYS

OUTCOMES

Safer physical intervention practice Improved team coordination skills Legally defensible decision-making

LEVEL 03

Advanced Conflict Management & Physical Intervention Training

DURATION | 2 DAYS

OUTCOMES

Safer physical intervention practice Improved team coordination skills Legally defensible decision-making

A paramedic learns how to deal with a throat grab during her conflict resolution training session delivered by Stand2

LEVEL 03

Advanced Conflict Management & Clinical Holding Training

DURATION | 8 HOURS

OUTCOMES

Safer clinical holding techniques Improved multidisciplinary teamwork Reduced risk during interventions

A Walsall Academy staff member in an orange hi-vis vest demonstrates a first aid technique on a man while another man looks on in a classroom

•04OUR APPROACH TO TRAINING

Our physical intervention training combines practical physical skills, structured decision-making and guided reflection with realistic scenario-based learning.

Every technique is independently medically reviewed and taught within clear legal, ethical and organisational boundaries. We don’t teach pain-based techniques. Every intervention is designed around least-restrictive practice.

Every course is tailored following a Training Needs Analysis, so the techniques and scenarios reflect your environment, your workforce and the risks your teams face day to day.

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Two men holding hands and dancing together in an ornate ballroom with gilded paintings and pink chairs

•05YOUR RISKS ADDRESSED

Our physical intervention training helps staff respond safely, legally and proportionately when physical aggression is a foreseeable part of the role, including:

Injury to staff, service users and members of the public

Unsafe or inconsistent physical intervention practice

Inappropriate or disproportionate use of force

Legal, medical and reputational risk arising from restrictive practice

Poor team coordination during critical incidents

Escalation caused by poor communication or unclear boundaries

Staff anxiety and lost confidence after high-risk incidents

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•06Frequently Asked Questions

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch and we will answer any questions you may have!

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Talk to us on 01952 928134

What is physical intervention training?

Physical intervention training teaches staff how to intervene physically, safely and lawfully, when it’s necessary to prevent harm. At Stand2, it always sits within a hierarchy of response: prevention, communication and de-escalation come first, and physical intervention is used only as a last resort.

How do I know if Level 3 is right for our staff?

Level 3 is right where there’s a foreseeable risk of physical harm and staff may need to intervene to protect themselves or others. If staff only need to protect themselves and withdraw safely, Level 2 Conflict Management is more suitable.

Which physical intervention course should we choose?

Choose Clinical Holding Training for healthcare and ambulance teams, Positive Handling Training for schools and education settings, and Advanced Conflict Management & Physical Intervention Training for most other environments. If you’re unsure, speak to an expert and we’ll recommend the right course.

How does Level 3 differ from Level 2?

Level 2 teaches personal safety: protecting yourself, breaking away and withdrawing safely. Level 3 is for roles where staff may need to intervene physically to prevent harm, using medically reviewed holding and guiding techniques.

Do staff need Level 2 before attending?

No. Level 3 includes all the essential foundations, including communication, de-escalation, situational awareness, personal safety and risk assessment, before introducing any physical intervention skills.

Does Level 3 teach pain-based techniques?

No. We don’t teach or endorse pain-based, harmful or non-defensible techniques. Every intervention is designed around least-restrictive practice and the safe management of risk.

How do you make sure the techniques are safe?

All techniques are independently medically reviewed and designed to be least restrictive and non-harmful. The focus is always on the safety, dignity and wellbeing of everyone involved.

How do you ensure physical intervention remains a last resort?

Physical intervention is always taught within a clear hierarchy of response. Staff are trained to prioritise prevention, communication, de-escalation and safe withdrawal, and to consider physical intervention only when it’s necessary to prevent harm.

Will the training be tailored to our organisation?

Yes. A Training Needs Analysis makes sure every technique and scenario matches your policies, risk profile and operational expectations.

How do you keep staff safe during practical training?

All practical activities are supervised by experienced trainers and delivered within clear safety boundaries. Participation is supported through informed consent, clear guidance and opt-out options where needed.

Is the training aligned with legislation and sector guidance?

Yes. Content aligns with legal requirements, safeguarding expectations and recognised best practice across regulated sectors.

What if our environment carries a higher level of risk?

Level 3 gives staff safe, proportionate skills for foreseeable risk. For elevated-risk environments, Level 5 Advanced Specialist Skills adds modules such as handcuffing and soft restraints, defence marker spray and scenario-based training.

•07Case Studies

Transport for West Midlands

Forestry England

Gas Networks Ireland

Canary Wharf

NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board

•08START YOUR TRAINING TODAY

Let’s find the right training for your organisation.

Tell us a little about your organisation and we’ll make sure we recommend the right training for your environment, your risk level, and your teams. There’s no obligation – just a straightforward conversation with someone who understands your sector.

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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

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

Good training, helpful for increasing awareness of threats and process for justifying and processing conflict resolution.

Noah Clark

Great experience practical elements really helped consolidate my knowledge.

Kerry Pittaway

The instructors were very knowledgeable, approachable and supportive. Great and informative session, thank you!

Luke Findley

liana ellis

Excellent delivery, really informative & engaging, cannot fault the whole package. Thank you

Chris Millward

Great training and was delivered to a high standard. Paul was very friendly and made me feel at ease

Megan Wildin

Very useful in practical life, specifically in my workplace.

Raaee Mewahang

Tommy Fry

Level 03 | FOR HIGHER RISK SETTINGS