Handcuff & Soft-Cuff Instructor Programme
Take the next step in your professional development with our Handcuff & Soft-Cuff Instructor Programme. This two-day programme equips experienced practitioners to confidently train colleagues in the safe and effective use of rigid handcuffs and soft-cuffs.


2-Day Instructor Training | 16 CPD Credits | Accredited & Practical
Learn to deliver high-quality, compliant training, embed positive behaviour support and enhance safety across your organisation. CPD-accredited for 16 hours, this course combines practical instruction, legal guidance and instructor skills to prepare you to deliver professional, safe and defensible training sessions.
Course Overview
Our expert team will guide delegates through the legal, clinical and practical aspects of restraint equipment, covering both rigid handcuffs and soft-cuffs. The course develops confidence in teaching colleagues, applying principles of positive behaviour support and ensuring safety and compliance during restraint situations.
By completing this course, delegates will be able to deliver high-quality training sessions, maintain best practice standards and contribute to safer workplaces.
Day 1: Principles & Equipment
Day 2: Instructor Skills & Practical Delivery
Our Approach to Developing Search Instructors
At UK Patient Care, we recognise that mental health services require a balanced approach to safety, one that supports recovery while managing risk effectively. Our instructor programmes are tailored to reflect organisational policies, service user needs and clinical environments, without compromising on safety or legal compliance.
The programme places strong emphasis on:
Trauma-informed practice
Body language and behavioural awareness
Safe positioning and awareness
Reducing risk to service users, staff and others
While the programme is ideally suited to those with existing training or instructional experience, it can also be adapted for emerging trainers. Additional instructor-development content can include:
The training cycle
Writing SMARTER aims and learning outcomes
Designing effective lesson plans
Selecting appropriate training methods
Assessing learner competence
Evaluating training effectiveness
Delivery and Assessment
The programme is delivered using a student-centred, interactive approach, modelling the training standards expected of Restraint Equipment Instructors within their own organisations. Delegates are provided with structured resources to support the delivery of internal search training programmes.
Assessment is supportive, transparent and non-threatening. Delegates are required to deliver a short micro-teach session, observed by both the trainer and peers. Constructive feedback is provided at the conclusion of the session and where appropriate, delegates are given the opportunity to refine and re-deliver their training to ensure confidence and competence prior to authorisation.

Contact Us
For more information or to make a booking
Online Handcuff Training Videos
If you’re looking to enhance your handcuffing skills, our online handcuffing videos are the perfect resource for you.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider purchasing our videos:
1. Expert instruction: Our videos are led by experienced professionals with years of experience. You can be confident that you’re learning from the best and gaining valuable insights and techniques that will help you in real-life situations.
2. Convenience: With our online videos, you can access them anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go, you can easily watch our videos and practice your techniques at your own pace.
3. Continuous learning: Our videos cover a range of handcuffing techniques, allowing you to continually improve and expand your skills. You can watch the videos as many times as you need to fully grasp the concepts and practice the techniques until you feel confident in your abilities.
Here is one of the videos explaining how to move the handcuffs from the rear stack position to the front stack position.

How Long is the Course?
This course runs over two full days, providing 16 CPD credits for professional development.

Certification & Refresher Training
Upon successful completion, participants receive a CPD-accredited certificate valid for one year. Annual refresher training is recommended to maintain competence and ensure continued alignment with best practice and legislation.

Course Locations
Our Restraint Equipment Instructor Course is delivered at locations across the UK and can be tailored to meet the needs of your organisation.
FAQ’s
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for experienced practitioners in healthcare, mental health and secure settings who are responsible for instructing colleagues in the safe use of restraint equipment, including rigid handcuffs and soft-cuffs.
Do I need prior training to attend?
Delegates should have prior experience in restraint practice or have completed an accredited restraint training course before attending this instructor programme.
What restraint equipment is covered?
The course covers both rigid handcuffs and soft-cuffs, including safe application, removal and scenario-based training techniques.
Is the training CPD accredited?
The course is accredited by the CPD Group and carries 16 CPD credits, recognising professional development in restraint equipment instruction.
Can I train colleagues in my organisation after completing this course?
Yes, successful delegates will have the knowledge, practical skills and instructor techniques to train colleagues in the safe use of handcuffs, soft-cuffs and restraint equipment.
How does this course support safe practice in mental health settings?
The course combines legal, clinical and operational guidance with practical scenarios to ensure delegates understand risk assessment, de-escalation and proportionate restraint, helping reduce incidents of restrictive practice in mental health environments.
How long is the course?
The course runs over two full days (16 hours), combining theory, practical skills and instructor techniques.
Will I receive a certificate?
All participants will receive a CPD-accredited certificate on successful completion, demonstrating their competence in instructing others in restraint equipment.
Can the course be delivered on-site at my organisation?
Yes, we offer tailored on-site delivery for healthcare, mental health and security providers across the UK, ensuring the training is relevant to your environment and equipment.
Do you provide ongoing support after the course?
Delegates receive instructor resources, lesson plans and access to our online learning platform for access to videos of all techniques taught.
What types of scenarios are included in practical sessions?
Practical exercises include de-escalation, safe application and removal of handcuffs and soft-cuffs and realistic, role-played restraint situations suitable for healthcare and mental health settings.


Why choose UK Patient Care?
National Coverage
We offer comprehensive coverage across the UK and will travel to you.
Highly Experienced Trainers
Our team is made up of industry experts with high levels of relevant experience. They understand the challenges you face and are passionate about making a difference.
Tailored Training
We work closely with our customers to develop training that is unique to their needs and challenges.
Online Resources
We will give you access to online resources and videos after the course to reinforce your learning experience.



