Across health, education, and social care organisations commissioned by the NHS, the use of restrictive or physical interventions must be underpinned by BILD‑ACT. If your staff are required to manage challenging behaviour through any form of physical restraint or de-escalation, this certification isn’t just best practice, it’s a regulatory standard.
What is the BILD-Association of Certified Training?
BILD‑ACT is the UK charity authorised by the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) to certify training programmes that include restrictive physical interventions, such as restraint or breakaway training. To meet the RRN Training Standards, training must:
- Be delivered by accredited trainers within approved organisations
- Follow an approved curriculum aligned with RRN principles
- Be regularly reviewed and quality-assured.
It’s important to note only organisations certified under BILD‑ACT can claim compliance toward statutory requirements for care environments dealing with challenging behaviour.
Why BILD‑ACT Certification Matters
Meets Statutory Obligations
Since April 2020, the CQC and NHS have required all staff working in mental health, autism, learning disability or dementia services to receive BILD‑ACT-certified training. Without it, your workforce could fall short of compliance expectations.
Promotes Restrictive Practice Reduction
RRN Training Standards emphasise reducing reliance on the use of physical restraint. BILD‑ACT certified courses equip staff to use de-escalation, positive behaviour support, and reflective practice as a healthier, safer alternative.
Builds an Organisational Culture of Safety, Not Just Skills
Certification isn’t just about technique, it promotes a culture of respect, prevention, and promotes awareness and understanding of underlying causes such as trauma or unmet needs. Training supports a reduction in incidents and long-term improvements for both client and staff.
What to Expect in BILD‑ACT Certified Training
Certified training programmes typically include:
- Exploration of the underlying causes of challenging behaviour
- Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) best practices
- De-escalation techniques and tools for emotional regulation
- Safe breakaway and restraint methods
- Legal, ethical and human rights frameworks
- Reflective post-incident practices to support continual improvement within organisations
Providers are required to refresh certification annually to maintain compliance and updated teaching standards.
How It Benefits Your Team
Reduced Incidents via Prevention
Staff are trained to recognise early warning signs and understand the emotional or environmental triggers behind behaviours that challenge. By focusing on prevention and person-centred responses, they’re equipped to diffuse situations before they escalate.
Greater Staff Confidence
Training that explains the ‘why’ (not just the ‘what’), empowers staff to make confident, ethical decisions under pressure. This leads to stronger team cohesion, reduced stress, and a safer working environment. Confidence breeds competence, and that drives retention.
Better Outcomes for Service Users
When staff consistently take a trauma-informed approach, clients feel more understood, secure, and valued. Consistency builds trust, and trust is the foundation for better relationships, reduced restraint, and improved long-term outcomes.
Compliance You Can Prove
Affiliation and certification provide visible, audit-ready evidence of compliance. It’s recognised proof that your training meets national standards. In CQC inspections, reviews or safeguarding audits, you’ll be able to show that your staff training aligns with legal expectations and current best practice in restraint reduction.
Why BILD‑ACT? At a Glance
| Requirement | Why It Matters | What You Gain |
| Must deliver BILD‑ACT‑certified training | Meets NHS / CQC legislative standards | No risk of inspection failure |
| Reduce use of restrictive practice | Reflects RRN values in real care delivery | Safer, more inclusive environments |
| Accredited trainers + curricula only | Prevents inconsistent or unsafe teaching | Quality assurance and peace of mind |
| Annual refresh and oversight | Ensures practices remains current and ethical | Sustained organisational learning |
Conclusion: What Certification Means for You
A BILD‑ACT certification is more than a logo, it’s a commitment. It signals that your organisation values person‑centred care, and ethical restraint reduction practices. It helps build a culture where challenging behaviour is understood, not punished, and where trust and wellbeing are a priority.
Our BILD‑ACT certified Positive Behaviour Management training empowers care providers to meet these standards while developing team capability, confidence, and continuity in the care they provide. The result? Safer teams, stronger outcomes, and compassionate practice built into everyday life.
