Impact of CPI Training 

• Reduction in Physical Holds: Turning Point Scotland has seen a decrease in individuals requiring restraint, reflecting a shift towards earlier, verbal de-escalation. 

• Shared Language and Consistent Practice Across Scotland: CPI training has given teams across 40+ services a common language for preventing and de-escalating crises. This consistency strengthens continuity of care, reduces organisational risk and positioned the organisation ahead of forthcoming Scottish legislation through early alignment with Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) standards. 

• Alignment with Trauma-Informed Practice: CPI’s trauma-informed model complements the organisations’ PBS service and psychologically informed frameworks, reinforcing staff understanding of behaviour as communication.

“It gives managers confidence knowing that when people go on shift, they’re using the same safe, consistent approach, whether they’re supporting someone in crisis or helping them settle into a new home.” 

Shona Straiton

Training & Development Manager

Situation 

Turning Point Scotland supports adults with a wide spectrum of needs, including learning disabilities, homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use and Huntington’s Disease. 

The diversity of services brought significant challenges: differing risks, staff skill levels and service environments. Before CPI, various models were used across different settings, creating inconsistency in practice and confidence. 

Around 2013, Turning Point Scotland made the strategic decision to unify under CPI’s model. The goal was to establish a consistent, structured and evidence-based approach across all services, ensuring that every staff member, regardless of role or region, had access to the same de-escalation principles and values. 

This transition also helped the organisation align early with emerging Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) standards, positioning Turning Point Scotland ahead of forthcoming Scottish legislation. 

Implementation 

Turning Point Scotland currently maintains a robust internal training structure supported by 14 CPI Certified Instructors. These instructors deliver regular courses tailored to local needs, with frequency ranging from monthly sessions in larger services to annual refreshers in smaller ones.  

They have a coordinated approach, allowing flexibility for services while maintaining the organisational consistency required to deliver safe, trauma-informed support. 

Training is coordinated through a central calendar managed by the Learning & Development team, ensuring quality assurance, consistent materials and seamless record keeping. 

The majority of new staff complete Verbal Intervention™ during induction, with Safety Intervention™ delivered based on service risk assessments. Training is delivered through multiple courses each month across the organisation, including in local regions.

“We have centralised everything, from course tracking to stock control, to make sure training stays consistent and accessible, no matter where in Scotland our staff are.” 

Shona Straiton 

Training & Development Manager 

Outcomes 

The results of CPI training across Turning Point Scotland have been both measurable and cultural. 

• A reduction in the number of people requiring physical interventions 

• A stronger preventative culture, where verbal and environmental strategies are used long before behaviour escalates. 

• Increased staff confidence across all roles, from residential to outreach and crisis services. 

Staff now have the skills to approach each person calmly, understanding that all behaviour is communication. 

The shared CPI framework has also simplified RRN accreditation, allowing Turning Point Scotland to demonstrate compliance and reduce administrative workload. 

“CPI had already done the hard work of aligning to RRN, it made our accreditation so much easier. We felt fully supported throughout the process.” 
 

Sandra Green 

Training & Development Officer and CPI Lead Trainer

Future Perspectives 

Turning Point Scotland’s collaboration with CPI continues to evolve. 

The organisation is currently working with CPI consultants to map training levels across different service types, ensuring each team receives the most relevant programme. 

Looking ahead, Turning Point Scotland plans to: 

• Expand internal capacity by training additional Certified Instructors. 

• Continue reducing restrictive practices in line with national policy. 

• Integrate CPI training more deeply with trauma and psychologically informed practice across all services. 

“When we face new challenges, we know CPI will help us find the safest, most person-centred solution. It’s a genuine partnership built on trust and shared values.” 

Shona Straiton 

 Training & Development Manager