During Safer Business Action Week, we were delighted to collaborate with the Business Crime Team at Essex Police on a Conflict Management Workshop. Expertly facilitated by Michael Lee, BCT Police Constable, and Christian Denning, BCT Sergeant, the session explored effective ways to resolve conflict in the workplace.
We were joined at our Colchester base at the Innovation Centre, Knowledge Gateway, by attendees from a wide range of businesses, interested to hear how they can better manage conflict in their own working environments.
Through his own experience working as a Police Constable attending often difficult and confrontational incidents, Michael was well equipped to discuss how to deescalate and resolve situations. Emphasising the importance of effective communication and the barriers which can occur, he explained how only 7% of communication is verbal. As a result, we need to be mindful of how our own non-verbal actions, behaviours, and tone can be interpreted by others, whether they be intentional or unintentional.
This session was not only informative but also open and friendly, encouraging questions and interaction with attendees, whilst offering practical tips to deescalate problems before the arise. Michael also discussed the Criminal Law Act, use of ‘Reasonable Force’ and how attendees can keep themselves safe, highlighting how important it is to report crimes to the police.
We were also joined by Mark Smith, Restorative Justice Coordinator at the Essex Restorative & Mediation Service who enlightened attendees on what the service is and how it can be utilised to benefit victims of crime, conflict, or antisocial behaviour.
Finishing off the session, attendees heard from Les Hawkins, Specials Supported Policing Coordinator for Essex Police. Les gave a brief overview of the Police Specials Scheme and the benefit it has to businesses, the police force, and the wider community. Specials are volunteer Police Officers, with the same powers and authority as their police colleagues however, they are employed by other organisations who allow them unpaid leave to undertake their duties. Christian Denning also noted the benefit it would be for businesses to be involved in the scheme to have trained skilled staff on hand to resolve any conflict that may arise.
The workshop was a fantastic opportunity to introduce the Business Crime Team and the other services that Essex Police provide to support businesses who are victims of crime or want to know how to prevent crimes from occurring. The Business Crime Team is looking to grow their network and connections within the Essex business community, if you would like more information or want to reach out to the team you can find out more here.
You can also meet the team and Les Hawkins at our upcoming Festival of Business on their exhibition stand. Other representatives from Essex Police will also be taking part in our Jobs Fair, if you would like more information on opportunities or a career change. Head to the Festival website to register for your FREE visitor tickets.
Read more of our Latest News stories.
