Essential Preparedness for Practice Managers During Civil Unrest

In times of civil unrest, managers must prepare for disruptions and threats, as they face higher risks of service interruption – often with limited response capacity

In August of this year, the UK experienced widespread riots that swept through towns and cities nationwide. Many businesses and services were impacted, facing physical damage to property, threats to employee safety while traveling, and disruptions to transport due to road closures and blockages.

Although such incidents are relatively rare in the UK, managers should be prepared with measures to safeguard themselves, their staff, customers, and property against anti-social behaviour and potential threats in such situations.

The safety and comfort of staff are crucial. If employees are likely to be impacted by disruptions or unsafe conditions, they may prefer to work from home if possible. For those coming into the office, such as clinical teams and GPs, managers should provide clear communication about alternative travel routes, highlighting any high-risk areas to avoid, and consider options like carpooling instead of using public transport. Managers should be especially mindful of the heightened anxiety among staff members from minority groups, who may feel particularly vulnerable during such times. It’s essential to maintain open communication with all employees, offering support and addressing any concerns they may have.

Securing your premises

Protecting physical property is a major concern during incidents of anti-social behaviour. If there’s a warning of potential disturbances near your practice, it’s wise to review all existing security measures and equipment. Managers should test any security cameras, fire systems, and sprinklers to ensure they are functioning properly. Although these systems are typically tested regularly, it’s important to confirm they are fully operational and to implement any additional necessary measures. Consider enhancing security with extra locks or cameras at key access points, including windows and roof access.

In the event of a break-in during a riot, practice equipment and personal belongings of employees could be at risk. To mitigate this, it is advisable to ask team members not to bring high-value personal items to work. Additionally, remove sensitive or expensive items from the premises whenever possible. It’s also prudent to document and photograph all equipment and maintain a detailed record. Externally, consider relocating items like bins, which could be used to access the roof, away from walls and into a secure area.

Supporting each other

As practices do not have the option to close or relocate during periods of civil unrest, it’s crucial to implement measures that prioritise the safety of patients and staff while minimising disruption to care. Maintaining regular communication is essential, ensuring they are informed about any changes or delays in services. While civil unrest poses significant challenges, practice managers can mitigate risks by implementing robust security measures, maintaining open communication with staff and patients and being proactive in safeguarding both physical property and personal belongings.