Speaker · Trainer · Expert Witness
Advancing Safety.
Reducing Restraint.
Protecting People.
Doug Melia is an international specialist in the use of force, conflict management and reducing restrictive practices. Book him to speak at your event, train your team or advise on your case.
- Director, Safer Handling
- Registered Expert Witness
- Board Member, ICM
Trusted across frontline sectors
- Education
- Health & Care
- Police & Custody
- Aviation
- Maritime
- Secure Transport
Your Safety Partner
Complex behaviour.
Safer answers.
You face complex challenges managing disruptive behaviour in frontline services. Doug gives you expert, legally compliant strategies that protect your staff and the people in your care, curbing the need for excessive force, large medication doses and forced isolation.
Proven Experience
Over 27 years directing Safer Handling, working with frontline teams every day.
Expert Witness
Holds the Cardiff University Bond Solon Expert Witness Certificate.
Global Reach
Trains teams internationally across education, healthcare and maritime sectors.
Innovative Tools
Integrates the Soft Restraint Kit to minimise positional asphyxia and injury.
Ways to Work with Doug
Book the expert.
Not just the business.
Whether you need a keynote that shifts thinking, training that changes practice or an authoritative voice in a legal case, Doug works with you directly.
Keynote Speaking
Raw, practical insight for conferences, sector events and staff development days.
- Restraint reduction
- De-escalation under pressure
- Myths about use of force law
Training & Coaching
Accredited, risk-assessed training and one-to-one coaching for leaders and trainers.
- Positive handling awards
- Violence & aggression audits
- Train the trainer
Expert Witness
Authoritative, independent support for litigation, investigations and insurers.
- Court-ready reports
- Training system audits
- Incident investigation
For Event Organisers
Your audience.
Ready to rethink restraint.
No jargon. No theory for theory’s sake. Real stories and practical truths from nearly three decades on the frontline.
- Keynotes that challenge the status quo.
- Workshops your team can use tomorrow.
- Tailored to your sector, anywhere in the world.
Presenter of They Lie!
For Organisations
Give your team the
safest approach.
Legally compliant, properly risk-assessed training and advice that protects staff and the people they care for.
- Reduce restrictive practices and injuries.
- Audit your policies, training and incidents.
- Protect dignity, rights and reputation.
The Businesses Behind the Expertise
Proven in the field.
Every single day.
Doug’s speaking and coaching is backed by two specialist training companies used by schools, hospitals, airlines and cruise lines.
Education, Children’s Services & Care
Safer Handling
Specialist, legally compliant training and consultancy for teams working with vulnerable groups.
- Accredited positive handling and physical intervention awards
- Violence and aggression audits and legal briefings
- The Soft Restraint Kit: a humane alternative to mechanical restraint
Air, Road, Rail & Sea
Passenger Safe
Bespoke packages for managing disruptive behaviour in transit, from air ambulances to cruise ships.
- Transport security for airlines, air ambulances and cruise lines
- Reduces operational risk and reputational damage
- Soft Restraint Cuff, Belt and Safe Holding System training
Books & Media
Myths busted.
Truths told.
Watch Doug in action and get a feel for how he speaks before you book.
The They Lie! series
Doug breaks down the myths around use of force law and what actually works in a crisis.
Written by Doug
That’s Not Safer Handling…
A practical guide to spotting poor practice. Recognise when physical interventions cross the line, challenge unsafe routines and start the conversations that reduce restraint.
“The training delivered by Doug and his team today was superb, the best positive handling training I have attended.”
Now booking
Bring Doug to
your next event.
Conferences, staff days, sector events and in-house workshops. Tell Doug about your audience and he will tailor the session to them.