Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression (PMVA) training is a vital programme for ensuring safety in workplaces where conflicts and aggressive behaviour may arise. This course is particularly important in healthcare, social care, and other environments where staff might face challenging situations. In this blog, we’ll take you through what PMVA training includes, the journey of a first-time participant, and answer common questions to help you understand why it’s an essential addition to any safety-focused workplace.

What Does PMVA Training Include?

PMVA training provides participants with a range of skills, from verbal de-escalation techniques to physical intervention strategies. These skills are designed to help manage and reduce aggressive behaviour before it escalates into a serious incident. The training covers everything from understanding body language to applying safe physical techniques for restraint when necessary. Participants will also learn non-aggressive conflict management, hands-on approaches to conflict resolution, and effective communication techniques to help diffuse potentially dangerous situations. Each section is delivered in a way that best suits the needs of the trainees, whether they are frontline workers or those in other high-risk roles.

How is the Training Delivered?

The training combines verbal instruction, group discussions and hands-on physical training. Trainees benefit from interactive participation, where they can practise techniques in real-world scenarios, gaining confidence in their ability to handle situations effectively. One of our trainees shared how the mix of practical exercises and supportive guidance from our trainers helped them feel fully prepared to use their new skills in their workplace.

Our PMVA training courses are available in various formats to fit different needs. The training can be delivered as a 1, 2, or 3-4 day programme, depending on the depth of training required. For example, individuals working in high-risk environments can opt for an extended version that places more emphasis on breakaway and restraint practice. All courses are led by members of the National Federation for Personal Safety (NFPS), ensuring high-quality and accredited training.

Do I Need Previous Experience?

No prior experience is required to join the PMVA course. The training is tailored to suit both beginners and those with some background in conflict resolution. Our skilled trainers, like Charlie and Jake, are known for their supportive and engaging approach. Trainees frequently mention how their personalised feedback and encouragement help make the learning process both effective and enjoyable and ensures that everyone is comfortable and able to progress at their own pace. 

Participants are expected to have a reasonable level of fitness, and a fitness questionnaire is completed prior to the course to ensure everyone can safely participate in the physical elements of the training.

A Trainee's Journey: Alex's Story

Hi, I’m Alex, and I want to share a bit about my experience with PMVA training.

On Day 1, we started with the basics—covering health and safety, legislation, and the legal aspects of managing aggressive behaviour. We also went through conflict management and conflict de-escalation techniques. I was a bit nervous at first, but the trainers made everything easy to understand, and I could see how these skills were going to be useful in real situations.

By Day 2, we moved on to the breakaway training. This involved a lot of practical, physical exercises where we learned how to safely break away from an aggressive individual. We also started with the basics of restraint training. It was pretty hands-on, and I could feel myself getting more confident as the day went on. The trainers were really supportive, and they made sure everyone was comfortable with the techniques.

Day 3 was all about restraint training, and we took a deep dive into different methods. It was intense, but by this point, I felt a lot more capable. We practised a lot, and I appreciated how much focus was placed on doing everything safely—not just for us but for the person we might need to restrain. By the end of the course, I felt empowered and ready to handle challenging situations calmly and effectively. The experience made me realise just how valuable these skills are, not just for work but for life in general.

By the end of the course, I felt empowered. I remember handling the techniques with a lot more confidence than I thought possible. I used both verbal de-escalation and physical techniques, and I was able to stay calm and effective throughout. The whole experience made me realise just how valuable these skills are, not just for work but for life in general.

What Makes PMVA Training Essential for Workplace Safety?

The primary goal of PMVA training is to reduce workplace incidents involving aggression. By equipping staff with the skills to recognise the early signs of potential conflict and de-escalate situations safely, PMVA training helps prevent minor incidents from turning into major crises. This not only ensures the safety of staff but also creates a more secure and supportive environment for everyone involved.

In addition to the core techniques, PMVA training also covers important aspects like understanding applicable laws, health and safety, and human rights, as well as the importance of incident reporting and debriefing for all involved in a restraint. This comprehensive approach ensures participants are not only prepared for physical intervention but also understand the broader legal and ethical context.

Client Reviews: Hear From Those Who’ve Been There

Our clients often share their positive experiences:

• “Awesome Awesome! The training is very beneficial, and the instructors are intelligent guys. Every detail is explained to the fullest without leaving anything out.”

• “I did level 3 PMVA with Charlie and Jake. They are excellent trainers, and they are very patient. I would definitely train with them again.”

• “Super course, very well explained and lots of practical opportunities to develop skills.”

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These testimonials reflect how our training is not only thorough but also supportive, providing participants with both knowledge and practical experience to feel truly confident.

How Often Do I Need to Renew My Certification?

PMVA certification should be renewed periodically to ensure that participants are up-to-date with the latest best practices. Typically, we recommend renewing certification every year to maintain competency and stay current with any new guidelines or techniques that may be introduced. We also offer a 1-day refresher course for those who have already completed PMVA training. This refresher course includes updated training for control and restraint techniques, reminders on when and how holds should be applied, teamwork, and incident reporting.

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PMVA training empowers participants by providing them with practical tools to prevent and manage aggression in the workplace. It’s an investment in both personal safety and the overall well-being of the work environment. If you’re ready to take the next step towards creating a safer workplace, contact BRS today to learn more about our upcoming training sessions.