On the 19th October 2005 the NHS Security Management Service (NHS SMS) launched a national training syllabus for mental health and learning disability services in non-physical interventions in relation to the prevention and management of violence.

The syllabus contains 10 key learning aims and provides trainers with the resources necessary to ensure the aims are achieved. The resources include a tutors' manual, course slides and a participants' work book. The syllabus does not set out to alter current good practice but aims to establish a minimum standard.  The learning aims identified are an essential foundation for any subsequent physical intervention training.