Many employers carry their ‘Investors In People’ badge on their letterheads, few demonstrate duty of care outside the workplace. We have responded to this by developing sessions around personal safety which allow staff to keep safe whether travelling, shopping or socialising.

Jane McKenna, our Security Training Specialist, has responded to fears voiced by female staff by working with police around the UK to produce a bespoke training programme. The objective is not to increase fear but rather to give practical advice to enable female staff to feel more secure and introduce preventative behaviours to avoid being in such a situation.

The sessions are a joint project between the Metropolitan Police and, Skills for Security . Police involvement lends a realistic and accurate picture of local crime and has proved extremely effective in giving practical advice keeping the sessions up to date.

The sessions focus on the following areas:

• Crime figures - perception versus reality
• Lone working
• Handbag ‘laundry’
• Travelling safely by car
• Breaking down on the motorway- what are the rules?
• Travelling safely on public transport
• Walking alone
• Home security
• Socialising safely
• Alcohol/drug awareness
• Conflict management
• Road rage