CALM Training Services Ltd Elmbank Mill, The Charrier Menstrie, Clackmannanshire Scotland, FK11 7BU Tel: 01259 763681 Fax: 01259 763699 Email: info@calmtraining.co.uk

CALM - Crisis, Aggression, Limitation and Management

Training Programmes

Research suggests that training in violence management and physical intervention may sometimes, not only achieve few tangible results, but some programmes may actually increase injury rates. This risk is heightened where training is not supported by adequate organisational strategies. CALM programmes are rigorously audited to confirm their safety and effectiveness, an ability which will be a significant factor in the determination of liability in the event of injury and litigation. Programmes have also been the subject of rigorous independent published evaluation. (e.g. see Lindsay & Hosie 2000 ; Perkins & Leadbetter 2002; Child Welfare League of America 2004))

CALM training modules are context specific, customised to the needs of individual services and based on the best practice and underpinning research conclusions for the individual service.

The use of physical interventions in response to high-risk behaviours has traditionally been a controversial issue. CALM programmes can include a range of non aversive physical restraint and escape techniques, delivered within a strict quality assurance framework to best practice standards.

The CALM philosophy rejects the popular notion that individual staff competence is the sole determinant of safe practice. We have attempted to learn the lessons from research which suggest that safe practice requires a coherent agency approach. All CALM programmes are based on a "systems" or " whole organisation" approach, aimed at ensuring effective action at all organisational levels. Programmes enable practitioners and managers to consider and address the actions required:-

BEFORE - DURING - AFTER an incident.

Programmes will assist participants to consider the interrelationship between: -

THOUGHT - FEELING - ACTION in their responses to presenting aggression.

 

Accreditation

CALM Training is accredited under the British Institute for Learning Disability (BILD) Physical Intervention accreditation scheme developed on behalf of The Department of Education and Employment and the Department of Health and adheres to the BILD Code of Practice.

CALM Module 1 theory courses are recognised as underpinning knowledge for the relevant SVQ/NVQ modules at level 2 & 3.

We are currently applying for BTEC accreditation and hope to be able to offer  CALM  / BTEC courses in the near future. 

 

Training Delivery strategies

CALM consists of two modules:

Module 1 theory in the management of critical incidents / challenging behaviour

Module 2. Physical intervention

 

Direct Delivery - CALM Modules 1 and 2 can be delivered  within agencies by CALM Training staff.

Mixed Delivery - CALM Module 1 CALM Theory delivered by CALM Training staff; module 2 CALM physical intervention delivered by Agency in house CALM instructor.   (CALM instructors course)

In house Delivery - CALM Module 1 CALM Theory delivered by Agency in house CALM Associate Trainer (CALM Associate Trainers scheme); module 2 CALM physical intervention delivered by Agency in house CALM  instructor.

 

Cascade Training

The structure of CALM cascade training modules is based on our experience of training over a 15 year period, and perspectives drawn from the international literature on adult learning and training evaluation.

Whilst training in house staff to deliver training developed and accredited by an external body, can, at times, be an effective training delivery strategy, it is also recognized as imposing a range of problems, principally around staff release and maintaining quality assurance standards. However applying a cascade model to aggression management training poses particular problems. (See  - The CALM Paradigm)

 

A Flexible Approach

By separation of its two modules (theory & physical) CALM offers a flexible approach which allows user agencies to match the delivery model to their abilities and needs. We will also support and advise user agencies on required skill set and ongoing support

The Associates programme accredits in house staff to deliver the CALM theory module in house, and involves a comprehensive programme of teaching, guided reading, training and assessment which includes the principles of adult learning and the crucial organisational dynamics which shape violence rates in human services. We believe that this approach effectively equips trainers to base training on an accurate understanding of the key issues, as identified by the current literature. This holistic approach should then, in turn assure positive training outcomes and cost savings.

The shorter Instructor programmes accredit staff to deliver the physical modules (Escape, Restraint, Small Holds etc). Although rigorous they operate at a less demanding level and consequently allow agencies to utilize a range of staff to deliver CALM programmes, underpinned by BILD accreditation. 

User agencies can therefore choose from internal (in house staff) or externally (from CALM Training) delivered modules or a mixed model of training delivery. Where cascade delivery is the preferred option selected staff can be accredited to deliver either or both modules (as discussed above).