The Bild Association of Certified Training (BILD ACT) Management Team has reinforced guidance on undertaking training relating to restrictive interventions during the Coronavirus pandemic. 

In agreement with the guidance published by the NHS and CQC, BILD ACT states that: 

·    All new staff must have completed all elements of certified training before they are able to use any restraint techniques

·    Staff can receive some of the theory elements of certified training through virtual methods but wherever required, training in physical techniques should still be delivered face to face with appropriate infection control measures in place, such as use of PPE

·    The preventative/theory non-physical elements described in standard 3.1 of refresher training can be provided virtually if necessary, in line with previous guidance issued

·    Currently, under standard 1.6.1 refresher training must take place as a minimum annually, however, due to the pandemic, reasonable adjustments have been put in place until 1st January 2022 which means services are under extreme pressure may extend refresher training to up to 18 months

·    Only in exceptional circumstances may refresher training be extended beyond this, up to a maximum of 24 months. This is only appropriate:
     -   During the peak of the pandemic whilst alert level 5 and NHS services are under extreme pressure and high risk of being overwhelmed
     -   Service providers must balance the risks regarding infection control during the pandemic with the risks of poor practice if staff do not receive the training they need. Therefore, an appropriate risk assessment and mitigation must be in place to ensure competency and safety. This must be at an individual service level rather than blanket organisational level
     -   Service providers must only extend refreshers for staff considered to be low risk and ensure there are alternative measures in place to ensure competency and safety

·    From 1st January 2022 refresher training will revert back to an annual requirement (12 months). Providers must ensure any backlog is resolved by this date

The guidance published by the CQC states: “It is the provider’s responsibility to ensure that their staff have received training as required in restrictive interventions and that the member of staff have been assessed as safe and competent to do so.

We understand the need to balance risk and specifically the requirement to reduce face to face contact due to COVID-19, however, a risk assessment should be undertaken within your area(s) and necessary steps taken to provide a COVID-19 safe environment to enable the continued training of staff.”

BILDACT: January newsletter