You can download the full Navigo policy here.

1. Purpose of this policy

This policy explains how and when staff at Navigo may use force to keep people safe. Use of force means doing something to a person against their will. It must only be used:

  • As a last resort
  • In a way that is safe, respectful, and legal
  • To protect the person or others from harm

Navigo believes everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, and that care should be person-centred, collaborative, and trauma-informed.

 

2. Who does this policy apply to?

This policy applies to:

  • All staff working in inpatient areas (e.g. Harrison House, Konar Suite, Rharian Fields)

  • Bank and agency staff working on Navigo wards
  • People receiving care, their families and carers

 

3. What is use of force?

Use of force includes any action that restricts a person’s movement or choices.

Type of Force

What it Means

Physical restraint

Holding someone to stop movement (e.g. during injection)

Mechanical restraint

Using equipment to restrict movement (e.g. belts or cuffs)

Chemical restraint

Giving medicine to calm or control behaviour

Seclusion

Keeping someone alone in a room they can’t leave

Segregation

Keeping someone apart from others for a long time

Force must never be used to punish, cause pain, or humiliate.

 

4. Staff responsibilities

Staff must:

  • Use force only when absolutely necessary
  • Try de-escalation first (calming strategies)
  • Use the least restrictive option
  • Explain what is happening and why
  • Monitor the person’s health and wellbeing
  • End the intervention as soon as it is safe to do so

All staff must complete RESPECT training, which teaches safe, rights-based approaches to care.

 

5. Recording and reporting

Every use of force must be recorded using the DATIX system, including:

  • What happened before, during, and after
  • Who was involved
  • Any injuries or distress
  • Protected characteristics (e.g. race, disability, gender)

This helps Navigo monitor patterns, reduce risk, and improve care.

 

6. What is negligible force?

Negligible force means very light touch used for personal care or support, such as:

  • A guiding hand to help someone move safely
  • Support during washing or dressing

Negligible force must:

  • Be part of the person’s care plan
  • Be agreed with the person or done in their best interest
  • Be recorded weekly using a special form
  • Be reviewed regularly

Negligible force is not allowed if:

  • The person resists or is distressed
  • More staff are involved than planned

 

7. Positive behaviour support (PBS) plans

Every inpatient should have a PBS plan that helps staff understand:

  • What the person likes and dislikes
  • What might upset or trigger them
  • How they prefer to communicate
  • What helps them feel calm and safe

PBS plans help prevent situations where force might be needed.

 

8. After an incident

After any use of force:

  • A debrief must happen with staff and the person involved
  • Support is offered to anyone affected
  • Families or carers may be informed (with consent)
  • The incident is reviewed to learn and improve

Navigo encourages open and honest conversations to help everyone feel safe and supported.

 

9. Patient rights

Patients must:

  • Be told about their rights
  • Receive leaflets that are explained clearly
  • Be offered easy-read or alternative formats
  • Be able to ask questions or raise concerns

Staff must follow the Duty of Candour—being open and honest when things go wrong.

 

10. Oversight and monitoring

  • Janine Smith is the Responsible Person for this policy
  • Gemma Sherriff supports monitoring and training
  • All incidents are reviewed by the Patient Safety and Quality Team
  • Data is shared nationally to improve safety and transparency
  • Navigo works with families, carers, and advocates to improve care

 

11. Summary of key rules

✅ Do

❌ Don’t

Use force only when necessary

Use force to punish or control

Try calming strategies first

Ignore distress or resistance

Respect the person’s rights

Use force without training

Record everything clearly

Skip documentation

Offer support after incidents

Blame or shame staff or patients

Learn and improve

Repeat unsafe practices