Conflict management trainers since Maybo have teamed up with City & Guilds to offer a level two accredited Vocational Related Qualification (VRQ) in conflict management. From the April print magazine.
HMS Belfast was the launch venue in March. Maybo reported its poll of 409 delegates on the company’s conflict management training from November 2004 to February 2005. Some 80 per cent had experienced verbal abuse and 33 per cent suffered assaults at work. The sectors covered included ambulance, health and social care, leisure, local authority, retail, security, public transport and voluntary. In security the most likely perpetrator of physical assault is a 20-something male who is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, teenagers and under-13s presented a significant problem, the trainers add. Staff working in health and social care were shown to be most at risk, especially ambulance staff and those working in mental health and learning disability. Bill Fox, chairman of Maybo, said: "These high levels of work related violence demonstrate what an important health and safety issue this is. It will also reinforce the need for conflict management training.” Conflict management specialist at City & Guilds, Rob Roseveare said: "Conflict management has become a vital skill in many sectors including healthcare, security, local authority and passenger transport, as this poll shows. We are delighted that businesses and organisations can now offer, for the first time, conflict management as an accredited qualification for employees. Employers are now realising the value of conflict management, not only in human terms, but also in financial terms, when six figure court claims are increasing."
