Jane Farrell, Head of Security, Sodexo UK & Ireland

Why restraint reduction matters – and why we chose to act

In health and care environments, safety is about far more than policies and procedures. It’s about patients, service users and colleagues and how we respond when situations become difficult or highly charged.

Across public facing services, incidents involving violence and aggression are unfortunately increasing. In healthcare, it’s often people who are unwell, distressed or frightened who display challenging behaviours.

When that happens, organisations face a critical responsibility: keeping everyone safe without causing harm; reducing risk while protecting dignity, and ensuring colleagues feel confident and supported under pressure.

This sits at the heart of why a person-centred approach to restrictive practice matters.

Restraint should never be the default

Restrictive practices must always be a last resort. When they are used too quickly or without the right training and mindset, the risks increase for everyone involved.

True safety is rooted in prevention. It means recognising early signs of escalation, responding calmly and proportionately, and using de-escalation wherever possible. When physical intervention cannot be avoided, it must be carried out safely, ethically and with skill.

Restraint reduction is about doing the right thing in the most challenging moments. That belief is why Sodexo UK & Ireland’s Health & Care business chose to strengthen our approach by becoming a member of the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN).