Start with the role overview, then build confidence with early recognition, de-escalation, radio procedure, dynamic risk assessment, and report writing.
Resource Library
Free healthcare security resources in one place.
Use this page as a starting point for Shift Change Learning guides, articles, topic hubs, and practical learning pathways for healthcare security officers and teams.
Start Here
Choose the route that fits the work.
Different teams need different starting points. These pathways group the current free resources around common healthcare security priorities.
Use the reporting, risk, and communication resources to support briefings, report reviews, and practical coaching conversations.
Bring together early recognition, de-escalation, dynamic risk assessment, reporting, and organisational learning for a stronger prevention picture.
Free Guides
Downloadable resources for practical shift use.
Focused PDF guides for briefings, onboarding, refreshers, and everyday professional development.
Free digital guide
Healthcare Security Incident Report Writing Guide
A practical guide for new healthcare security officers who need to write clear, factual incident reports.
- Write clear, factual reports that protect patients, staff, and you.
- Understand what to include, what to avoid, and how to structure events.
- Built for healthcare security settings, not generic report writing.
Free digital guide
12 De-Escalation Phrases
Practical communication prompts every healthcare security officer should know for difficult situations.
- Keep calm wording close to hand during difficult conversations.
- Use respectful phrases that give options and reduce friction.
- Suitable for briefings, refreshers, and new officer development.
Free digital guide
Professional Radio Procedure & Etiquette
A practical guide to clear, professional radio communication for healthcare security officers and teams.
- Use clear radio procedure for routine calls, incidents, and urgent updates.
- Improve call signs, message structure, radio discipline, and handovers.
- Support professional, concise communication across healthcare security teams.
Free digital guide
Dynamic Risk Assessment Guide
A practical guide to dynamic risk assessment for healthcare security officers making decisions in changing situations.
- Assess changing risks during incidents, patrols, observations, and requests for support.
- Balance safety, communication, control measures, and escalation decisions.
- Support confident decision-making in live healthcare security situations.
Free digital guide
Recognising Violence & Aggression Early
A practical guide to noticing meaningful changes in behaviour, context, and environment before violence or aggression escalates.
- Recognise verbal, behavioural, and environmental signs that risk may be rising.
- Consider change from baseline and context without treating warning signs as predictions.
- Support earlier communication, proportionate action, and timely requests for assistance.
Topic Hubs
Browse by training need.
Topic hubs group related articles and guides around the subjects healthcare security teams deal with most often.
Healthcare Security Report Writing
Practical report writing guidance for healthcare security officers, supervisors, and teams who need clear incident records.
View topicDe-escalation for Healthcare Security
Resources on de-escalation, communication, and calmer conversations in healthcare security settings.
View topicDynamic Risk Assessment for Healthcare Security
Practical dynamic risk assessment resources for healthcare security officers making decisions in changing situations.
View topicRadio Procedure for Healthcare Security Teams
Radio procedure and etiquette resources for clearer healthcare security communication during routine work and incidents.
View topicViolence Reduction in Healthcare Security
Articles and resources on violence reduction, staff safety, communication, training, and organisational support in healthcare settings.
View topicLatest Articles
Recent practical notes.
Short articles on healthcare security duties, staff safety, reporting, communication, technology, and preparedness.
Martha's Rule Isn't Just for Clinicians: Why Healthcare Security Teams Should Care
Why healthcare security teams should understand Martha's Rule, support appropriate signposting, and help prevent communication failures becoming conflict.
Read article
The Small Things Become Big Things: Why Standards Matter in Hospital Security
Small security failures can quietly become normal in hospitals. Learn why consistent standards, reporting, and early action protect people and services.
Read article
Martyn's Law Is Here: What Does It Mean for NHS Security Teams?
Martyn's Law is on the statute book and expected to commence in spring 2027. Here is what NHS security teams should understand and prepare now.
Read articleFree Resources
Looking for the guides first?
The current Shift Change Learning guides are free to download through Gumroad and can be used for briefings, refreshers, onboarding, and individual development.