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The SPS have approx. 5000 employees. 17 prisons located across Scotland and circa 8000 people in custody.
The use of force in custodial settings carries inherent risks, not only of physical injury but also of psychological impact for both staff and people in custody. These incidents can be intense, fast‑moving and emotionally charged, leaving staff exposed to stress reactions that may build up over time. Even when procedures are followed correctly, the nature of the work means staff can experience anxiety, doubt or distress afterwards.
Recognising these challenges, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) identified the need to strengthen how it supports staff involved in, or exposed to, use‑of‑force situations. This includes acknowledging the cumulative emotional load that can arise from managing violence, aggression or high‑risk interactions, and understanding that the impact is not limited to major incidents. SPS has taken steps to ensure staff feel equipped, informed and supported in the aftermath of difficult events.
By addressing these risks proactively, SPS aims to improve safety, wellbeing and confidence across its estate. This approach supports better outcomes for staff, promotes more consistent practice, and contributes to a healthier working environment. It also reinforces SPS’s commitment to trauma‑informed principles by ensuring staff have access to timely support, clear guidance and resources that help them process and recover from challenging operational experiences.
To respond to the risks associated with use of force, the SPS designed and delivered a comprehensive, evidence‑based training solution aimed at improving safety, confidence and consistency among staff. Over a 24‑month period, the SPS piloted this training across three different custodial environments – a Young Offenders Institution, a National Women’s Facility and an adult male prison – ensuring the approach was tested in varied operational contexts.
The training introduced updated physical intervention techniques that were safer, more proportionate and more aligned with trauma‑informed practice. Alongside the technical skills, the programme embedded continuous coaching, delivered through violence reduction leads who worked directly with staff on the floors. This helped reinforce good practice, provided on‑the‑spot guidance and created regular opportunities for staff to refresh and develop their skills.
A key outcome of the pilot was the creation of a more reflective learning culture, where staff were supported to think about their decision‑making, the emotional impact of incidents and opportunities to reduce harm. This combination of structured training, ongoing coaching and reflective practice has strengthened SPS’s overall approach to safety and staff wellbeing, setting the foundation for consistent, organisation‑wide improvement.
Evaluation of the pilot showed clear improvements in how staff understood, applied and reviewed the use of force. The combination of updated physical intervention techniques, skilled mentoring from violence reduction leads, and regular reflective discussions helped staff make safer, more informed decisions during high‑risk situations. Staff reported greater confidence, better consistency in applying techniques, and an increased ability to recognise when de‑escalation was possible, reducing unnecessary physical contact.
These changes contributed to safer custodial environments and created a strong platform for future training across the SPS. The pilot demonstrated that embedding coaching and reflective practice into everyday work leads to measurable reductions in harm and supports a more professional, trauma‑aware approach to incident management. The learning from the pilot now provides a solid evidence base for shaping future training strategies, ensuring SPS continues to strengthen safety, staff capability and overall practice in secure settings.
The programme was co-designed and delivered through close collaboration between frontline staff, violence reduction leads, and training specialists. This inclusive approach ensured the training was practical, responsive to real-world challenges, and continuously refined through feedback and shared learning.