Workplace aggression & violence training

The SAFE Engagement Framework™ is Trust Culture's proprietary, evidence-informed approach to recognising risk and responding safely to workplace aggression and violence.

Rather than relying on scripted responses or lengthy discussions about legislation, the framework provides workers with a practical decision-making process they can apply during real interactions. It helps participants recognise early warning signs, make informed decisions, protect their safety and respond confidently when behaviour begins to change.

The framework is built around four practical stages:

• Strategic Situational Awareness – Recognise risk early.
• Active De-escalation Strategies – Respond calmly and confidently.
• Focused Protective Action – Create time, space and options when communication is no longer improving safety.
• Effective Incident Reporting – Support learning, prevention and organisational improvement.

Developed by former NSW Police Inspector and workplace safety consultant Victoria Beresford, the SAFE Engagement Framework™ combines operational experience with contemporary workplace health and safety principles to help organisations build safer, more confident workplaces.

This program is designed for organisations where workers interact with members of the public, clients, customers, patients, residents, visitors or other people who may display challenging or aggressive behaviour.

It is particularly well suited to local government, healthcare, retail, community services, education, hospitality, regulatory services, customer service, transport, libraries and organisations whose workers conduct home or community visits.

Because the SAFE Engagement Framework™ focuses on recognising risk, making informed decisions and responding safely, the training can be tailored to suit a wide range of public-facing roles and operational environments.

Yes. Every organisation is different, so we tailor the training to reflect your work environment, the types of interactions your workers experience, and your existing policies, procedures and reporting processes.

Realistic scenarios, case studies and discussion activities are adapted to your industry, helping participants apply the SAFE Engagement Framework™ to the situations they are most likely to encounter in their own workplace.

Yes. Trust Culture delivers workplace aggression and violence training across all Australian states and territories.

Our programs are available as either onsite workshops or fully facilitated live online sessions. Following extensive refinement, our virtual delivery has been specifically designed to maximise engagement through professionally produced videos, realistic scenarios, guided discussion and practical activities, providing an interactive learning experience rather than a traditional webinar.

Victoria Beresford is based in Melbourne, Victoria, and Scott Brown is based in Sydney, New South Wales. Face-to-face training is available nationwide, while live online delivery provides organisations with a flexible and cost-effective option without compromising participant engagement or learning outcomes.

Training can also be tailored to reflect your organisation's operating environment and relevant state or territory WHS and OHS requirements.

Yes. The training is aligned with relevant Australian WHS and OHS legislation and supports organisations in managing workplace aggression, violence and psychosocial risks.

Rather than overwhelming participants with legal detail, the program focuses on the practical knowledge and decision-making skills workers need to recognise risk, respond safely and meet their responsibilities. Training can be tailored to reflect the legislation and operating context of your state or territory.

Yes. Training can be tailored to reflect your organisation's work environment, workplace risks, internal procedures and reporting processes.

Scenarios, discussion activities and examples are adapted to your industry, helping participants apply the SAFE Engagement Framework™ to situations they are likely to encounter in their own roles. Training can also be aligned with your existing WHS and OHS policies and organisational procedures where appropriate.

Yes. The training is highly interactive, but it does not rely on role-play.

Instead, participants learn through professionally produced scenario videos, facilitated discussion and practical decision-making activities based on realistic workplace situations. This approach encourages meaningful participation while maintaining psychological safety and avoiding the pressure that role-play can create.

Throughout the program, participants analyse scenarios, identify decision points and discuss practical responses they can apply in their own workplace.

Yes. Every participant receives a practical resource that reinforces the SAFE Engagement Framework™ and the key concepts covered during the program. The resource is designed to support ongoing learning and provides practical tools participants can refer to when managing challenging situations in the workplace.

Organisations can also request additional digital resources to support ongoing learning and workplace discussions.

Yes. In addition to training, Trust Culture provides workplace aggression and violence consulting services, including workplace risk assessments, policy and procedure reviews, incident reporting systems, workplace inspections, leadership coaching and tailored safety improvement strategies.

These services help organisations strengthen their overall approach to preventing and managing workplace aggression and violence.

Yes. Trust Culture is continuing to expand the SAFE Engagement Framework™ through refresher programs, online learning and advanced leadership development.

We also deliver workplace aggression keynote presentations that reinforce key messages, build awareness and inspire organisations to take a prevention-focused approach to workplace safety.