Amulet, a specialist provider of intelligence-led security services, is investing in safeguarding training for its dedicated rail teams.
The security firm has developed an accredited safeguarding training programme, which can be tailored to meet the needs of the train operating companies it supports. Its security officers receive training on everything from child exploitation and understanding vulnerable adults, to spotting the signs of sexual harassment, suicide intervention, and anti-social behaviour.
Almost 80 per cent of Amulet’s staff have now received the bespoke training, which is delivering tangible results. Over a 12-month period, security officers prevented 33 suicides and intervened in 139 safeguarding situations for one rail client.
The programme covers a range of topics, including recognising signs of distress, effective communication techniques, spatial awareness, conflict management, the power of ‘hello’, and appropriate actions to take in crisis situations. It has been designed to help Amulet’s team identify and respond to potentially at-risk individuals.
Commercial Relationship Director Hannah Bridgman commented: “We have seen first-hand the crucial role our team members play in terms of safeguarding, saving lives, and promoting wellbeing, especially within the railway industry. It’s why we invest so much in our staff and their training.
“The skills required for safeguarding are so varied, from our officers assisting with directions, through to dealing with vulnerable people, or helping to find missing persons. It requires a certain type of person who is adaptable and empathic, and able to change their approach depending on the situation they face.
“It is tragic when lives are lost through suicide, and we know this is preventable. Our teams know how to engage, use the right language and body language, and understand the impact of their words and actions. This means they can intervene and make people feel seen and heard.
“This isn’t limited to those who are feeling suicidal. We can help those who feel stuck, in trouble, vulnerable, or distressed for other reasons. Training, reporting on incidents, and praising our staff who have supported and helped in these situations is vital to our mission to support those in need.
“Amulet’s approach, which often means we prevent an incident before it happens, helps to save lives, helps passengers to have a safe journey and reduces disruption across our clients’ networks.”
Now, the programme is now receiving external recognition. One Amulet officer, Mohammed Ramzan, recently won an award from the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) in its Outstanding Act category, after his empathetic and proactive approach helped to prevent a suicide attempt.
Hannah concluded: “We are continuing to develop our training with partners and charities such as the Samaritans, Railway Children and RSSB to ensure that we continue to keep the public safe during their journeys.”
