Safer workplaces start with action: What the new CPS guidance means for you & your team

Written by James Crown, Training Director

Violence against frontline staff is rising. And finally, the justice system is taking stronger steps to respond. 

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has updated its guidance to prosecutors, urging tougher charges where emergency workers are assaulted. For those in police, ambulance and NHS roles, this is a welcome shift, but the message goes far beyond one sector. 

It tells us something we should all take seriously: 

“Violence and aggression towards people doing their jobs won’t be tolerated.”

This isn’t just a legal change. It’s a moment to reflect, across all sectors, on what we’re doing to support the people who keep services running in challenging situations every day. 

Why the CPS guidance matters 

Until now, many incidents of violence towards emergency workers were prosecuted as common assault, often seen as minor. The updated guidance now asks prosecutors to consider more serious charges like Actual Bodily Harm (ABH) or Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH) when the situation warrants it. 

This isn’t about punishment alone. It’s about recognising the seriousness of these incidents and ensuring staff are taken seriously when they report abuse. 

It’s also about helping victims feel heard. 

“We hope all of this will lead to swifter justice for our people who experience these horrific crimes.” 
— Anna Parry, Managing Director, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives 

The latest data paints a sobering picture:
More than 22,500 violent incidents were reported by ambulance workers in the last year alone. That’s up 15%, the highest number ever recorded. Sadly, these numbers are echoed in schools, hospitals, transport networks, housing services, and retail environments. 

What does this mean for employers? 

The CPS update is a reminder that employers have a real responsibility to protect their people. Not just with procedures and policies, but with a culture that backs them up, and with practical training that equips them to stay safe and feel confident in their roles. 

That’s where organisations like IKON Training come in. 

IKON Training Director James Crown explains: 

“The updated CPS guidance reinforces what we’ve always said: Frontline workers deserve to feel safe, supported and empowered.” 

“Our job is to connect the law with real-life situations, so teams know how to recognise risk, prevent escalation, and manage conflict with confidence. But it’s not just about the individuals. It’s also about supporting leaders to build cultures where staff safety is taken seriously at every level.” 

What you can do next 

Whether you work in emergency services, education, transport, housing, or customer-facing roles, now is a good time to ask: 

• Are your staff confident handling conflict? 

• Do they understand their rights in difficult situations? 

• Are your policies and training aligned with their real-world challenges? 

At IKON, we work with organisations across sectors to deliver trauma-informed, practical training focused on de-escalation, personal safety, and post-incident support. 

We help you meet your duty of care… while building a safer, more confident team. 

Let’s make safety more than a policy 

It’s not enough to react to incidents. We need to get ahead of them. 

If you’re reviewing your training approach in light of this new CPS guidance, or simply want to strengthen how your organisation supports staff safety, we’d love to talk. 

🔗 Explore IKON’s training for safer workplaces.
🔗 Read the CPS guidance.

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