Is There a Surge in Sanctions? Our Reflection on Nurses Being Struck Off?
Introduction:
Recent reports suggest that the number of UK nurses being struck off the register by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) has risen sharply. Media headlines and professional commentary have described this as a 'surge' in sanctions (the Telegraph 2024), sparking questions about whether nursing practice is deteriorating, regulation has become harsher, or systemic pressures are manifesting at the individual level.
This is our reflective analysis of these trends. and compare nurses’ experience with that of doctors, to highlight the role of professional power, representation, and procedural design in shaping outcomes. Finally, we consider the implications for safety, trust, and professional culture, in the UK and internationally.
NICE Guideline NG10: Violence and aggression: short-term management in mental health, health and community
Introduction:
Managing violence and aggression in healthcare settings is a critical challenge that demands evidence-based strategies and continuous adaptation to evolving practices and policies. The NICE Guideline NG10, published in 2015, provided a foundational framework for the prevention, recognition, and safe management of violent and aggressive behavior in mental health, health, and community settings. Ten years later, this paper reflects on the relevance of NG10, its implementation, and areas where practice and evidence have advanced beyond the original guidance.
With rising violence against healthcare staff and the increasing importance of trauma-informed care, patient involvement, and technology-driven solutions, this paper explores how NG10 remains a valuable baseline while highlighting the need for updates to align with modern priorities. Whether you are a healthcare professional, policymaker, or researcher, this paper offers critical insights into the progress made, ongoing challenges, and the future direction of violence prevention and management in healthcare.
World Patient Safety Day 2025 - 17 Sept 2025
Introduction
Each year, World Patient Safety Day reminds us of our shared responsibility to protect and care for those who are most vulnerable. In 2025, the focus on Safe Care for Every Newborn and Every Child could not be more vital. It speaks to the heart of why we work in healthcare security and safety: to create environments where every child can be treated, nurtured, and supported without fear of harm.
The IAHSS UK Chapter has produced a briefing document for sharing. The content includes aspects on:
- Safety as the Foundation of Care
- Recent Global Incidents That Must Not Be Forgotten
- The UK Context: Maternity Services Under Review
- Security and Clinical Teams Working Together
- A Shared Responsibility
World Suicide Prevention Day - 10 Sept 2025
Introduction
World Suicide Prevention Day, coordinated by the International Association for Suicide Prevention and supported by the World Health Organisation, is marked annually on 10 September. It is a moment to reflect on the global impact of suicide, to remember those lost, and to recommit ourselves to prevention through awareness, compassion, and action.
In the UK, suicide remains a leading cause of death among people under 35. Health and social care staff are not immune, working in environments of high stress, trauma exposure, and shift disruption significantly increases risk. Security officers, frontline staff, and clinicians may also encounter suicidal crises directly in hospitals, mental health settings, and emergency departments.
The IAHSS UK Chapter has produced a briefing document for sharing.
NHS England Data Security and Protection Toolkit
Introduction
The Data Security and Protection Toolkit is an online self-assessment tool that allows organisations to measure their performance against the National Data Guardian’s 10 data security standards.
All organisations that have access to NHS patient data and systems must use this toolkit to provide assurance that they are practising good data security and that personal information is handled correctly.
This system is subject to ongoing development.
NHS Violence Prevention & Reduction Standard
Introduction
Starting April 2025, all NHS-funded organisations will be required to meet the Violence Prevention and Reduction (VPR) Standard, a national framework designed to tackle abuse, aggression, and violence against NHS staff.
But this isn’t just about meeting a set of requirements. The VPR Standard represents a transformational shift in how we protect our workforce: prioritising proactive prevention, organisational accountability, and meaningful support for those delivering care in high-pressure environments.
With the Care Quality Commission (CQC) preparing to assess compliance, now is the time for Trusts to take stock and act.
- What does effective implementation really look like?
- What evidence will the CQC expect to see?
- And how can Trusts move beyond box-ticking to create lasting, positive change?
The answers lie in building a culture of safety—not just systems of compliance.
NHS Health Education England Core Skills Training Framework
Statutory/Mandatory Subject Guide
Introduction
This document sets out a framework for use by healthcare organisations to help guide and standardise the focus and the delivery of key statutory and mandatory training skills.
The Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF) has become widely recognised as a national minimum standard for statutory/mandatory training in the health sector.
The intention in providing this framework is that healthcare organisations will be able to review their current arrangements for defining and delivering training in relation to the identified subject areas, and through the adoption of the framework align their approaches. Where such alignment is undertaken it should then have benefits for healthcare organisations in ensuring consistent approaches, promote quality and delivery of training which, through the use of learning outcomes, should be more educationally focused and valued.
Source: CSTF-Eng-Subject-Guide-v1.1.pdf
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guideline
NICE Violence and aggression: short-term management in mental health, health and community settings
Introduction
This guideline covers the short-term management of violence and aggression in adults (aged 18 and over), young people (aged 13 to 17) and children (aged 12 and under). It is relevant for mental health, health and community settings. The guideline aims to safeguard both staff and people who use services by helping to prevent violent situations and providing guidance to manage them safely when they occur.
How is the Government implementing a ‘public health approach’ to serious violence?
Introduction
A 'public health approach’ suggests policy makers should search for a ‘cure’ by using scientific evidence to identify what causes violence and find interventions.
On 14 July the Government announced it would introduce new legal duties on public services to work together to prevent and tackle serious violence. This forms part of its new ‘public health approach’ to tackling violent crime.
This Insight will take a closer look at how the Government intends to implement this ‘public health approach’ and explore the challenges to making it work.
Source: How is the Government implementing a ‘public health approach’ to serious violence?