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Using the Able Target System (ATS) Model
Gain the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to understand, prevent and safely respond to behaviours that challenge with this PMVA (Prevention and Management of Violence and Aggression) training course. Designed for health, social care, education and support services across the UK, this programme equips learners with the skills to reduce risk, improve outcomes for individuals, and create safer environments for everyone involved.
Ideal for organisations supporting autistic individuals, people with learning disabilities, individuals living with dementia, and those with complex behavioural needs, this course focuses on understanding why behaviours occur, recognising early warning signs, and using proactive strategies to prevent situations from escalating.
This highly practical and person-centred course adopts the Able Target System (ATS) model, a preventative approach that places understanding, communication and proactive support at the heart of behaviour management. Using the ATS framework, learners develop the skills to identify the causes of behaviour, recognise escalation patterns and implement positive interventions before situations develop into crises.
Participants will also learn how to maintain their own safety through practical breakaway and disengagement techniques when required, while promoting dignity, reducing restrictive practices and improving outcomes for the individuals they support.
The training places a strong emphasis on prevention, recognising that behaviours are often a form of communication. By understanding the reasons behind behaviour and developing effective support strategies, organisations can reduce incidents, improve quality of life and create safer, more positive environments for the individuals they support.
What this course offers
Delivered over one day, this engaging and practical training course provides learners with the knowledge and skills needed to understand behaviours that challenge and respond effectively in a safe, respectful and person-centred manner.
The course explores the factors that influence behaviour, helping learners understand why individuals may become distressed, anxious, frustrated or overwhelmed, and how preventative approaches can significantly reduce incidents of violence and aggression.
Participants will develop practical skills in recognising behavioural cues, understanding escalation patterns, implementing proactive support strategies and using de-escalation techniques. Delivered using the Able Target System (ATS) model, the programme is built around understanding the person behind the behaviour, promoting positive outcomes through communication, empathy and proactive planning.
In addition to preventative approaches, learners will explore personal safety principles and the legal and ethical considerations associated with responding to challenging situations. The course includes practical instruction on keeping safe, maintaining distance, using exits effectively, and disengaging safely from common grabs and holds when necessary.
This training focuses on breakaway and disengagement techniques only and does not cover restraint training, escorting techniques, moving individuals from one location to another, or other restrictive physical interventions. The emphasis remains firmly on prevention, reduction of risk and the promotion of safe, non-restrictive approaches wherever possible.
Through realistic scenarios, group discussion and practical activities, learners leave with the confidence and skills to support individuals more effectively whilst maintaining safety for everyone involved.
Why this training matters
Behaviour is communication. Many behaviours that challenge arise because individuals are trying to express unmet needs, communicate distress, cope with anxiety, process sensory information or respond to environmental factors in ways that may not always be immediately understood by others.
Without appropriate understanding and support, behaviours can escalate, impacting the wellbeing of the individual, staff, carers and those around them. Taking a preventative and proactive approach helps organisations identify risks earlier, strengthen relationships, and reduce the likelihood of incidents developing into crisis situations.
The Able Target System (ATS) model supports staff to move beyond reactive responses and instead focuses on identifying the underlying reasons behind behaviour, strengthening preventative practice and creating opportunities for positive behavioural outcomes.
By combining behaviour support principles, de-escalation techniques and personal safety skills, this training helps create safer environments while promoting dignity, respect and positive outcomes for those receiving support.
Safe Working & Breakaway Skills
Where situations cannot be prevented entirely, staff may need to take proportionate action to maintain their own safety. This course introduces learners to the principles of personal safety within health, social care and educational environments.
Learners will explore:
Understanding escalation levels and dynamic risk assessment
Recognising when personal safety may be compromised
Maintaining safe distances, positioning and access to exits
Keeping-safe stances and protective responses
The concept of reasonable and proportionate force
Restrictive versus non-restrictive interventions
The rationale behind breakaway and disengagement techniques
Understanding organisational policies and procedural requirements
Legal and professional responsibilities when responding to incidents
Safe breakaway techniques for common grabs and holds
By focusing on prevention first and physical responses only as a last resort, learners gain the confidence to make informed decisions that balance safety, dignity and professional responsibility.
Course Benefits
Develop a greater understanding of behaviours that challenge
Learn how to prevent incidents before they escalate
Gain practical de-escalation and conflict reduction skills
Improve communication and relationship-building techniques
Understand positive behaviour support principles
Build confidence when supporting individuals in distress
Learn safe personal safety and breakaway techniques
Understand the legal, ethical and professional considerations of intervention
Reduce the risk of workplace violence and aggression
Promote dignity, wellbeing and positive outcomes for those you support
Improve safety and confidence across your organisation
Certification and Progression
On successful completion, learners will receive an RRN (Restraint Reduction Network) Accredited PMVA Certificate, issued through the Able Target System (ATS) framework and administered by us as an approved training provider.
As this training supports safe working practices within environments where behaviours that challenge may be encountered, annual refresher training is strongly recommended and expected to maintain competence, confidence and best practice. Regular updates help ensure learners remain familiar with current legislation, organisational responsibilities, behaviour support approaches and personal safety techniques.
This course can support progression into wider areas of practice including:
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
Autism Awareness Training
Learning Disability Awareness
Trauma-Informed Practice
Conflict Resolution
Restrictive Practice Reduction
Advanced Behaviour Support Programmes
PMVA Instructor Development Pathways
Other organisations may call this...
Depending on the sector, provider or workplace, similar training may be referred to by different names. You may have come across terms such as:
PMVA Training, ATS Training (Able Target System Training), Challenging Behaviour Training, Behaviour Management Training, Behaviour Support Training, Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) Training, De-escalation Training, Conflict Management Training, Violence Reduction Training, Personal Safety Training, Breakaway Training, Managing Aggressive Behaviour Training, Learning Disability Behaviour Support Training, Autism Behaviour Support Training, Dementia Behaviour Training, SEND Behaviour Training, Restrictive Practice Awareness Training, Safer Working with Behaviour That Challenges.
While terminology may differ, the core aim remains the same: understanding behaviour, reducing risk, promoting positive outcomes and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved.
