Violence against South East Coast Ambulance Service staff more than doubled in five years

South East Coast Ambulance Service has strengthened measures to protect its staff following a review into violence and aggression experienced by frontline workers.

Reported incidents across SECAmb more than doubled from 752 in 2019 to a high of 1,529 in 2024, before falling to 1,421 during 2025.

The review was undertaken by the ambulance service’s Shadow Board, a group of employees established last year to provide staff insight and constructive challenge to the Trust Board.

It was asked to carry out a detailed examination of violence and aggression experienced by SECAmb employees and made a series of recommendations in February.

A report written by SECAmb Security Manager Dave Monk was presented at a Trust Board meeting on 6 August, outlining the action subsequently taken by the service.

Measures include closer partnership working with police and mental health services, greater integration between SECAmb teams responsible for managing risks, improved access to body-worn cameras and strengthened staff training.

The recommendations are intended to accelerate safety improvements and further reduce incidents of violence and aggression. An update will be presented to the Shadow Board in six months to provide assurance that the measures are continuing to reduce risks to employees.

Chief Paramedic Officer Jaqui Lindridge presented the report on behalf of Interim Chief Nurse Jo Turner, who was unable to attend.

She said: “I’m confident that the work of the Shadow Board is helping us make real progress in improving the safety of our teams.

“We recognise that there is more to do but its insight and recommendations are helping us strengthen our approach to tackling this issue and speed up improvements across a number of areas, including risk identification, staff support, training and partnership working.

“We remain committed to ensuring all colleagues feel safe, supported and confident that any incident will be taken seriously and acted upon.”

SECAmb Group Chair Colin Dennis welcomed the work during his first Trust Board meeting in the role.

He said: “In attending my first Trust Board meeting as Group Chair, I welcome the focus Shadow Board colleagues have brought to improving the safety of our teams and the link they provide the board to all staff.

“It’s clear their fresh look at this important issue, alongside constructive challenge of current arrangements, has led to improvements in how we tackle violence and aggression. The Shadow Board demonstrates the value of involving colleagues, who can bring their lived experience, to deliver change and help shape our service.”

Shadow Board member and paramedic Philip Taylor said: “We were pleased to have had the opportunity to gather insight from colleagues and to support the Trust Board in this important work. We look forward to seeing the actions develop and the positive difference they make. By bringing frontline insight to the Trust Board we hope to create lasting improvements for both our colleagues and patients.”

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