RRN Restraint Inequalities Toolkit

The new RRN Inequalities Toolkit was commissioned by NHS England in support of its work seeking to reduce the use of restrictive practices.

Research has shown that certain groups of people are more likely to be experience restraint than others. This is called restraint inequality. Restraint inequalities are the preventable, disproportionate and unjust use of force on certain groups of people or populations.

The RRN Inequalities Toolkit aims to support healthcare practitioners to recognise their own unconscious bias and take steps to reduce this.

The Toolkit offers guidance on how to address unconscious bias and subsequent restraint inequalities, to help ensure that everyone receives rights respecting care and treatment.

The new RRN Inequalities Toolkit was commissioned by NHS England in support of its work seeking to reduce the use of restrictive practices.

Research has shown that certain groups of people are more likely to be experience restraint than others. This is called restraint inequality. Restraint inequalities are the preventable, disproportionate and unjust use of force on certain groups of people or populations.

The RRN Inequalities Toolkit aims to support healthcare practitioners to recognise their own unconscious bias and take steps to reduce this. The Toolkit offers guidance on how to address unconscious bias and subsequent restraint inequalities, to help ensure that everyone receives rights respecting care and treatment.

The resources include guidance for healthcare staff and leadership on developing workplace cultures that recognise and address restraint inequalities. 

Deirdre Shakespeare, Founder, Harry’s Law Northern Ireland Restraint & Seclusion in Schools, said:

“The new Restraint Inequalities toolkit captivates the listener as we hear the harmful impact of restrictive practices on children and adults from a lived experience perspective.

This toolkit looks at the practice of self-reflection and choice which can impact the child or adult where restraint is being considered, seeing the person as a human being first and foremost. What makes this toolkit so unique is the inclusion of the voices from those who are most affected by the use of restrictive practices across health, educational and social care settings.”

Sarah Leitch, RRN Development Director said:

“We know that certain groups of people are unjustly more likely to experience restraint than others and we are pleased to work with NHS England in their efforts to address this. The Toolkit was coproduced alongside people with lived experience of restraint inequalities, and we would like to thank everyone for their vital contributions in shaping this. It is essential that we recognise and address these inequalities as we seek to reduce the use of restraint across the board.”

Download the Toolkit Resources now: