Hipp!!Bones Personal Safety and Dealing with Aggression Policy
Hipp!!Bones will not tolerate violent or aggressive behaviour towards its staff, volunteers or members, and will ensure that the safety of our staff, volunteers and members is prioritised when reviewing existing working practices. It is recognised that our work brings us into contact with children, young people or vulnerable adults some of whom may display aggressive behaviours.
Definition of Aggressive Behaviour
Aggressive behaviour is behaviour that causes physical or emotional harm to others or threatens to. It can range from verbal abuse to the destruction of the victim’s or organisation’s property.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) definition of work-related violence is ‘Any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances relating to their work. This can include verbal abuse or threats as well as physical attacks’.
Aggressive behaviour may present itself as anyone or combination of the following examples;
- Offensive or abusive language, verbal abuse and swearing
- Unwanted or abusive remarks
- Negative or malicious stereotypical comments
- Invasion of personal space
- Brandishing of weapons or objects
- Threats
- Stalking
- Intimidation
- Non-cooperative and unreasonable behaviour
- Repeated disregard to established rules
Aggressive behaviour is often associated with direct interaction but could equally include telephone conversations or be received in writing via email, letters, social media or even graffiti. Aggressive behaviour, like emotional abuse could be targeted, personal, covert and potentially not immediately obvious to other bystanders.
Principles and Practice
The following principles apply to all of our work:
- We only deliver services that are within our existing staff’s skill set, experience and/or ability.
- We risk assess individuals, groups or situations where there is an indication that aggressive behaviours may exist.
- We ensure all staff and volunteers have appropriate channels to highlight concerns and that these concerns are reviewed by the Hipp!!Bones Management Committee.
- We ensure all participants, including children, young people, and vulnerable adults are aware of our expectations and understand the sanctions of failing to meet them.
Staff and Volunteer behaviour
All staff and volunteers must ensure that their own behaviour, conduct and interaction with participants is not deliberately provocative.
Dealing with Aggression
When dealing with aggression, staff and volunteers should consider the safety of themselves and others ahead of the need to try and control the aggressor. When an adult is being aggressive, distancing them from the premises or situation should be the first priority. Sending an individual away may prevent further escalation. In most cases providing time and space for an individual to calm down will be far more productive than direct interventions. Resolution is not always possible or may be more likely and appropriate at a later date.
Staff and volunteers who are faced with an aggressor should consider if they are the best person to deal with the situation. In many cases, passing someone on to a more senior colleague can help to alleviate potential conflict. Alternatively, passing the aggressor onto someone who has an established relationship with them, may more readily gain the individuals trust and defuse the situation? Care must be taken not to put anyone at additional risk.
Staff and volunteers should not aim to deal with a potentially aggressive person in private or alone, however we should be mindful to limit exposure to children and young people. Any interactions which are deemed necessary in private should be done so with the full knowledge of colleagues who must be on hand to provide support if necessary. Where possible, public spaces where interactions can be witnessed and assistance sought are favourable.
Physical Violence or Threats
Every incidence of physical violence by an adult should be reported to the police and detailed records made for health and safety reporting and investigations.
Verbal threats which suggest potential future violence or intimidation whether in the workplace or the community should be reported to the police. Likewise, damage to or loss of personal possessions or property should also be reported.
In the case of children, young people and vulnerable adults Hipp!!Bones staff will use Therapeutic Thinking de-escalation strategies to respond to behaviours that challenge, to promote and protect positive relationships, and will only use restraint as a last resort where harm to an individual, a group or the environment is evident. All aggressive acts should be reported to the Youth Support Worker in Charge who will review the circumstances and severity of the aggression and will decide on the best course of action. Consideration should be given to the participant’s age, specific needs, level of understanding, or sensory responses which might bring pain or discomfort. Reflect, repair and restorative approaches are used to support positive relationships and teach pro-social behaviours.
As a guide, the age of criminal responsibility in England is 12 years. In all cases the incident should be recorded and reviewed. A safeguarding referral may be required.
Medical Attention
Any staff member or volunteer who has been subjected to a violent act should be referred to a medical practitioner.
Support and Counselling
Following all incidents of violence, staff and volunteers involved should be debriefed by the Youth Support Worker in Charge. This is intended to:
- Support and comfort those involved
- Learn from the experience
- Develop any changes to existing practises or guidelines.
- Decide if any further action is required.
Referral to a counselling service may be appropriate.
Withdrawal of Services
All episodes of aggression should result in a suspension of services to the individual. The Youth Support Worker in Charge will consult with the Hipp!!Bones Management Committee to decide whether there is good reason to terminate or reinstate a service. A clear action plan including risk management factors should be agreed in all cases of reinstatement.
Special consideration should be given to any impact that service withdrawal may have on a member. If for example a parent/carer/ legal guardian has been the aggressor, is it possible to continue to offer the service to the young person? This may be possible in cases where another suitable adult can facilitate the child’s attendance. In some cases, the immediate withdrawal of a service may put the young person at additional risk. In these cases, normal safeguarding reporting protocols should be followed.