UK Patient Care conducted the inaugural Authorised Search Officer Instructor Programme on August 30, 2024, in partnership with the training team at Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust. Following the completion of the training, all members of the team at Bradford are now certified as Authorised Search Officers (ASOs) and will be sharing this important information with the rest of the trust.
WHAT IS THE COURSE CONTENT?
The course covers:
⁃ Understanding searching through the eyes of a service user
⁃ The definition of a search
⁃ Risks of not searching effectively
⁃ National decision model (NDM)
⁃ Body language/warning signs
⁃ Positioning
⁃ Awareness
⁃ Relevant legislation
⁃ Understanding the difference between policy and law
⁃ Searching a person
⁃ Searching a room
⁃ Searching a package
WHAT RESOURCES DID THE DELEGATES RECEIVE?
All delegates who successfully passed the course received:
-Lesson Plans
-Presentation
-Trainer Manual
-Search Authority Forms
WHO DELIVERED THE COURSE?
The course was delivered by UK Patient Care trainers Andy Heald and Jeremy Dodd, both former Police Officers with extensive search experience. Jeremy, who is a former Police Licensed Search Officer (LSO), leads the search training for UK Patient Care, bringing a wealth of knowledge in conducting offensive and defensive systematic searches of various areas and locations.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING AN AUTHORISED SEARCH OFFICER (ASO) ?
Becoming an Authorised Search Officer (ASO) offers numerous advantages. By obtaining this certification, individuals will acquire the knowledge and techniques necessary to conduct safe and efficient searches of individuals, rooms, and packages, thereby enhancing the safety of service users, staff, and the public in these settings. Additionally, ASOs have the opportunity to participate in our instructor programme, enabling them to impart their search training expertise to others. Our programme is widely regarded as the most comprehensive in the industry and is essential for any trainer seeking to enhance their skills.
HOW LONG IS THE AUTHORISED SEARCH OFFICER (ASO) TRAINING COURSE?
The instructor course is completed over one full day and the standard search course is completed over four hours.
WHAT WAS THE FEEDBACK FOR THE COURSE?
The feedback was excellent with 100% of the delegates describing the course as very good. Below are some of the comments:
“Amazing course delivery by both professional trainers, keep up the amazing work”
“It was helpful to have Theresa’s experience as part of the course. This can help change staff practice and help improve the experience for other service users going forward”
“I found the course really informative, helpful and has left me feeling empowered to cascade this information to others. I’ve learnt a lot of vital information. Theresa’s lived experience was really valuable”
“Very good, very receptive, informative and approachable. no question felt like a stupid question. Thank you to the expert by experience – a good reminder on how our approach is important”
“What a wonderful day, very interesting and insightful. Trainers very knowledgeable and engaging, thanks to Theresa who presented a very powerful and thought provoking session”
Quote from practical training lead Mathew Cook:
“It was a very insightful and educational day for all concerned, a great collaboration between services and a welcome opportunity to invite lived experience from involvement partners”
Bookings are now open for our Authorised Search Officer (ASO) Instructor Programme and Authorised Search Officer training course. Our seasoned trainers are willing to travel to your UK location or provide international training services. Additionally, UK Patient Care provides a range of additional training courses accessible at https://ukpatientcare.co.uk/training-courses/.
