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.
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.