Spotting and Managing Aggression in Constituents

 A Free Seminar by Pfizer  

Friday 18^th January 2002 in Nottingham

Contacts with constituents remain an essential part of the democratic process. Yet many MPs and staff have expressed concerns regarding personal safety.

Research conducted by the Centre for Employment Initiatives and Industry and Parliament Trust within the ADAPT project has highlighted a need within constituencies: to control and manage aggression from constituents.

The nature of aggressive behaviour and its prevention and management can, however, be understood. The pharmaceutical company Pfizer have teamed up with the Centre for Employment Initiatives and The Industry and Parliament Trust have produced a programme specific to MPs and their assistants. The programme will focus on spotting aggression and the simple and practical measures which can be taken to assist in preventing, diffusing and managing situations where aggressive behaviour occurs. Pfizer have significant expertise in other similar community initiatives orientated towards anger management. Ultimately, the seminar will address how MPs and staff can minimize the risks of potential aggression from constituents.   

Working from Pfizer’s perspective, Professor Ray Rowden - a registered nurse with thirty years of experience in mental health and other services - and Colin Campbell - an experienced trainer in the field of anger management - will facilitate the seminar. 

The seminar will be participative and will practically address topics such as:

• The psychology of aggressive behaviour 

• Spotting clues in correspondence and telephone conversations

• Creating a safe environment in the constituency office 

• Who can be called upon to help with ‘the serial constituent’ 

• Techniques to prevent and manage an escalation in aggressive behaviour

All participants will also receive a resource pack for use as a training aid after the event.

Date: Friday 18^th January 2002

Time:   9.15 am – 12.15 pm: Pfizer workshop.    12.15 pm – 12.45 pm: Buffet Lunch.

Venue: Nottingham (City Centre), 43b Fitzroy Building, Inland Revenue Building, Castle Meadow.

Places for the seminar are limited and we have already received wide interest from MPs and staff alike.  Importantly, we have pitched the workshop at MPs and their assistants so are thus keen for both to attend.  Please let us know as soon as possible whether you would like to attend and more details will follow.