Reshaping how we think about staff safety

Written by Jason Keeley, Managing Director, IKON Training

Health, safety, and security aren’t just about hard hats and hazard signs; they’re about people. At IKON Training, our mission is simple: reduce workplace violence by building safer spaces where teams feel confident, supported, and respected.

That’s why The Health & Safety and The Security Event 2025 at the NEC Birmingham wasn’t just a date in the diary; it was a chance to reconnect with the heart of our work. It’s not the tech or the trends that stick with me, but the conversations, the real stories, and the shared drive for change.

Showing up for safety

As the UK’s fastest-growing health and safety and security event, this year’s show brought together a powerful mix of voices from security leaders and NHS representatives to training providers and frontline staff. I was there to listen, learn, and contribute to conversations that matter.

For me, being present means staying close to the people and organisations who are actively shaping safer, more respectful work environments. Whether in retail, healthcare, education or public service, I want to understand the real challenges teams are facing and how our conflict resolution training can make a tangible difference.

What I heard and why it matters

Culture over compliance

The strongest theme was a shift from policy to people. Session after session, the message was clear: rules don’t prevent harm, relationships do.

Psychological safety, behavioural leadership, and clear, calm communication were all spotlighted as key ingredients of a genuinely safe workplace. I’ve championed this for years because violence in the workplace often escalates not due to the absence of rules but the absence of confidence, support, and clarity.

Empowerment through training

Meaningful training isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about confidence. Some of the most exciting developments at this year’s event weren’t products; they were immersive, human-led learning experiences.

From scenario-based learning to trauma-informed training programmes, the best approaches equip people with the mindset and skills to respond safely, not react instinctively. At IKON, we know that confidence changes behaviour. Our sessions are built to give people the tools — and the self-belief — to handle difficult situations calmly and clearly.

Technology with purpose

Yes, the tech on display was impressive. But what stood out was the why behind it. Virtual reality, AI alerts, wearable lone worker devices, all designed to enhance, not replace, human judgement and interaction.

Technology should support safety. However, tools are only as good as the values behind them, and the staff safety training empowers people to use them well. I’m proud to work with partners who share this mindset, like Revolve Labs, helping us create meaningful, memorable training experiences far beyond the session.

The cost of silence

One of the more sobering topics raised at the event was the lack of consistent reporting on violence against NHS staff since 2017. Without accurate national data, addressing the problem at scale is challenging, and the human and financial costs are staggering.

The latest figures suggest workplace violence costs the NHS £1.36 billion per year, in lost time, absenteeism, and recruitment. We cannot afford to be reactive. The call for better violence and aggression training, leadership and reporting isn’t just about process’s about people.

Looking forward: Where safety meets culture

Across every conversation, one truth rang loud and clear: the future of safety lies in culture.

Organisations are moving beyond box-ticking to ask deeper questions: how do we prevent harm, not just respond to it? How do we build safe, confident, and equipped teams before a situation escalates?

At IKON, I’m proud to support that shift. Our workplace violence training helps people respond with confidence, care and clarity, but more than that, it helps shape workplace cultures rooted in mutual respect. From frontline staff to senior leadership, it’s about creating environments where people feel seen, supported and safe.

Let’s keep the conversation going

The Health & Safety Event 2025 was a reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared mission.

If your organisation is rethinking how it supports teams facing conflict, aggression, lone working risks, or staff safety concerns, I’d love to hear from you. At IKON, we aim to create a lasting impact, one conversation, one course, one person at a time.

Thanks to the incredible insights shared by Roger Ringham, Steve Dakin, Megan Williams, Carl Morgan, and Laura Smith, your passion, knowledge, and leadership continue to inspire meaningful change.

Here’s to more safe, confident workplaces.

Written by Jason Keeley, Managing Director, IKON Training

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