Martin Richards

Martin Richards

Martin Richards specialises in working with public sector business clients on crisis preparation, training, crisis plan preparation and assisting clients manage live crisis situations, including kidnap
FEE : £1k – £3, 3k – £5k+
Virtual: £3k-£5k
In-person: £5k-£10k

TOPICS:

Martin Richards

Martin spent 30 years in the UK Metropolitan Police, reaching the rank of Chief Superintendent.  He had command responsibility over a series of high-profile major incidents.

He had command responsibility over a series of high-profile major incidents.  He was head of the leadership academy, and worked on secondment to the Home Office, National Police Powers and Policy Unit and concluded as UK Director of strategic police firearms command training.

Earlier in his career, he was a leader within the firearms unit and was for 14 years an international hostage and crisis negotiator coordinator being deployed to negotiate the release of UK citizens throughout the globe including the war zones of Afghanistan and Iraq.

He was an advisor to UK ambassadors and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on international kidnap management and has received several chief officer commendations including one case in Afghanistan resulting in the release of three hostages for which he received recognition from the UN Sec Gen and the UK Prime Minister.

He regularly assessed students on the UK national hostage and crisis negotiators course and is a graduate of the FBI negotiators programme in Quantico. As a hostage negotiator Martin was also deployed in the UK to manage numerous suicide interventions, armed sieges and to assist persons who were in an immediate crisis.

Book Martin Richards

Since retirement he has worked for two of the World’s largest security and risk consultancies.  He has managed numerous kidnap and crisis incidents for corporate clients and led more than 200 training programmes in over 45 countries. He has designed and implemented a selection of training courses, ranging from e-learning to immersive exercises, covering kidnap management, piracy, siege management, terrorism, hostage survival, kidnap prevention, negotiation in business and family liaison.

He has also in house security experience having joined Bloomberg LP in Hong Kong employed as a regional security director for the company’s operations in Africa, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region. Here he developed and refined travel safety, security and crisis management arrangements.

Martin is the author of ‘Just when you think you are winning’ a humorous look at the world of hostage negotiation and has released a Podcast series titled ‘convincing conversations’ which details the skills of conversations, taught through the lens of two experienced Hostage and Crisis Negotiators.

Featured Topics Include:

1
Decision Making in a Crisis (Half day or principles covered in a shorter presentation)

Learn how to make effective decisions and be able to fully justify them. This course is aimed at those with responsibility and accountability for making key decisions at home or at work.

Who is this presentation for?   Whilst of great benefit to anyone having to make decisions, whether personal or at work; this course is aimed at those having responsibility and accountability for making key decisions during any corporate led incident or crisis.

Suitable for all incident or crisis management roles, team leaders or strategic operators, the course benefits individuals and businesses in gaining key skills leading to more effective decision making.

Business reap the additional benefit of a demonstrable decision making process which stands scrutiny under examination.

Key benefits

Delegates will be better equipped:

To deploy a framework and methodology that can be used to inform critical decisions that need to be made during any corporate crisis management incident

To understand the ‘Decision Making Model’

To react and adapt to decisions affecting their own position

To defend retrospectively any decisions made that come under subsequent scrutiny

2
Team Building Exercise (Half day)

Be A Police Negotiator

Test your conflict resolution skills as a police hostage negotiator during a 'live' role play scenario of an armed police siege. Learn basic active listening skills and how to work as a team to resolve a challenging and stressful situation.

Test your conflict resolution and communication skills

This training is intended to provided delegates with a safe environment in which to test their conflict resolution and communication skills.  Our expert will supply feedback on individual performance and offer assessment against the UK’s National Negotiator Course criteria.

Delegates will all participate and try out the skills of a Hostage Negotiator during an armed police siege scenario. The session includes live telephone role play for participants to experience what it is like to perform this pivotal role during any such an incident.

Our team will first teach the basic active listening skills necessary to deal with an armed person who is barricaded inside a premises and refusing to surrender to the police.  All delegates will then be briefed by the police incident commander and individually deployed as a police negotiator into the scenario.

As the incident progresses the instructor will ensure each delegate hands over the lead role to another at particular junctures. It will be important therefore for everyone to follow the dialogue that is unfolding, before the lead role is undertaken.

3
Be a Master of Communication (Presentation or workshop)

This course will equip attendees with rapport building and persuasion skills to assist in everyday

business or private negotiations. In the session we will discuss how negotiating in hostage and

life-threatening crisis scenarios can be transferable to everyday situations

Applicable to everyone, young or old, in private life or at work; this course fundamentally enables better and more effective communication, avoiding conflict and detrimental judgement, and maximising the chances of an equitable outcome.

Key beneficiaries include those involved in managing relationships, mediation or negotiation or holding leadership positions where difficult conversations and giving honest constructive feedback is a core function.

Corporate leaders benefit from a workforce that can better communicate and contribute, thus lessening internal conflict or potential disputes leading to legal challenge

Delegates will be better equipped:

To risk assess, plan and hold challenging conversations

To recognise the difference between ‘sympathy’ and ‘empathy’ and use them effectively

To refrain from ‘problem solving’ too early, earning the right to influence through empathy, trust and rapport

To recognise the appropriate times to exercise influence and persuasion

4
Leading Through a Crisis. (Principles only covered as a presentation or interactive half day or one day session)

A session to prepare those responsible for leading the response to a crisis incident, where there is a serious risk to people, assets, information and reputation.

Designed for those strategic leaders that have the responsibility for crisis management during a corporate led event.

Primarily for crisis management team members and others that might perform this role.

Delegates will be better equipped:

To help lead their company through a fast-moving crisis incident

To recognise how the competing strategies of stakeholders can affect decision making

To identify  any gaps in their own corporate structure with regards to the prevention, identification, escalation and plans for managing the risks of life threatening incidents

To inform their company learning and continuous improvement in security risk management

5
After Dinner Speaking (Duration flexible)

A selection of anecdotes/true stories from the initial training of a hostage negotiator to international deployments. A range of incidents including suicide interventions, barricaded criminals and overseas kidnappings.

All incidents recalled include the actual dialogue used with some tricks of the trade and the actions taken behind the scenes.

Unique police humour and a large dose of sarcasm pepper the dialogue, resulting in some light hearted humour during some very stressful and shocking incidents

6
Humorous and Riveting Stories of a Hostage Negotiator

Prepare to be captivated as you delve into the gripping world of a real-life hostage negotiator. Embark on a thrilling journey from the initial training to international deployments, as you witness a range of heart-pounding incidents, including suicide interventions, daring rescues from barricaded criminals, and high-stakes overseas kidnappings.

With a generous sprinkling of unique police humour and witty sarcasm, you'll find yourself laughing amidst the tension of these shocking situations. This captivating talk not only offers entertaining anecdotes but also provides invaluable insights into the art and skill of negotiation.

Unlike anything you've seen in movies, this presentation sheds light on the real heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes. From the set-up and theory to the nail-biting thinking and creativity required, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the bravery and quick thinking needed in these life-or-death scenarios.

Join the speaker for an unforgettable experience as we unravel high-profile cases that made headlines in the UK. Learn the tricks of the trade and witness firsthand how sometimes, things don't go according to plan, forcing negotiators to think on their feet and take a leap of faith. This talk is sure to leave you inspired, entertained, and amazed.

7
Empower Yourself: Awareness and Resilience for Personal Safety

In a world where crime can strike unexpectedly, it's crucial to be prepared and resilient. Join us for a life-changing talk that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to assess, mitigate, and safeguard yourself against potential threats.

Our expert speaker will share best practices in personal safety, including effective anti-surveillance techniques both on foot and in vehicles. Unlock the power of intuition as we delve into how instincts work and the benefits of trusting them to avoid dangerous situations.

Understanding the effects of emotional trauma is vital for coping with the aftermath of violence, and our speaker will guide you in recognizing symptoms and dealing with them effectively. Discover the psychology behind how criminals select their victims and learn communication skills to defuse tense situations and enhance your safety.

By the end of this empowering talk, you'll feel more confident and prepared, equipped with valuable coping skills and strategies that can help you navigate life's challenges.

8
A Pirate's Tale: Modern-Day Piracy Unveiled

Set sail on a thrilling voyage through the history of modern-day piracy, from the treacherous waters of Somalia to the Gulf of Guinea. Our expert will take you on a gripping journey, revealing the dark underbelly of piracy and shedding light on the reality of maritime abduction.

Explore the cunning tactics used by pirates to select their targets and learn about the harrowing conditions endured by victims during captivity. Through excerpts from debriefs, gain unique insights into the world of ransom negotiations and the financial demands faced by those involved.

Prepare to be captivated by this eye-opening talk that unveils the secrets of piracy and brings awareness to this very real and ongoing global issue

9
Mastering the Art of Conflict Resolution and Persuasion

Whether in business or personal life, effective communication and negotiation skills are paramount to success. In this engaging talk, you'll discover how hostage negotiators' techniques can be applied to everyday situations, enabling you to build rapport and influence positive outcomes.

Learn the secrets of different conversation styles and master the art of maintaining a dialogue. Develop active listening and empathy, essential ingredients for building lasting connections with others.

Our speaker will share persuasion techniques and common mistakes to avoid, empowering you to navigate challenging conversations with finesse and assertiveness. Trust-building and risk assessment will be explored, providing you with invaluable tools to maximize your chances of achieving equitable results.

Prepare to become a skilled communicator and negotiator, ready to tackle any conflict with confidence and grace.

10
The Art of Decision Making: Empowering Your Choices

Life is full of decisions, big and small, that shape our destinies. Join us for an enlightening talk that will empower you to make better choices and overcome the barriers that hinder effective decision-making.

Discover the psychology behind decision making and explore the influences that impact our choices, be it personal, organizational, or external. Through real-life scenarios, our speaker will guide you through the process of thought, justification, and rationale behind significant decisions.

Acquire a decision-making framework and methodology that will serve as your guiding compass in all future choices. With this invaluable tool, you'll be able to justify decisions with a sound rationale and confidently navigate life's crossroads.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of decision making and equip yourself with the skills to make informed, empowered choices.

1
Decision Making in a Crisis (Half day or principles covered in a shorter presentation)

Learn how to make effective decisions and be able to fully justify them. This course is aimed at those with responsibility and accountability for making key decisions at home or at work.

Who is this presentation for?   Whilst of great benefit to anyone having to make decisions, whether personal or at work; this course is aimed at those having responsibility and accountability for making key decisions during any corporate led incident or crisis.

Suitable for all incident or crisis management roles, team leaders or strategic operators, the course benefits individuals and businesses in gaining key skills leading to more effective decision making.

Business reap the additional benefit of a demonstrable decision making process which stands scrutiny under examination.

Key benefits

Delegates will be better equipped:

To deploy a framework and methodology that can be used to inform critical decisions that need to be made during any corporate crisis management incident

To understand the ‘Decision Making Model’

To react and adapt to decisions affecting their own position

To defend retrospectively any decisions made that come under subsequent scrutiny

2
Team Building Exercise (Half day)

Be A Police Negotiator

Test your conflict resolution skills as a police hostage negotiator during a 'live' role play scenario of an armed police siege. Learn basic active listening skills and how to work as a team to resolve a challenging and stressful situation.

Test your conflict resolution and communication skills

This training is intended to provided delegates with a safe environment in which to test their conflict resolution and communication skills.  Our expert will supply feedback on individual performance and offer assessment against the UK’s National Negotiator Course criteria.

Delegates will all participate and try out the skills of a Hostage Negotiator during an armed police siege scenario. The session includes live telephone role play for participants to experience what it is like to perform this pivotal role during any such an incident.

Our team will first teach the basic active listening skills necessary to deal with an armed person who is barricaded inside a premises and refusing to surrender to the police.  All delegates will then be briefed by the police incident commander and individually deployed as a police negotiator into the scenario.

As the incident progresses the instructor will ensure each delegate hands over the lead role to another at particular junctures. It will be important therefore for everyone to follow the dialogue that is unfolding, before the lead role is undertaken.

3
Be a Master of Communication (Presentation or workshop)

This course will equip attendees with rapport building and persuasion skills to assist in everyday

business or private negotiations. In the session we will discuss how negotiating in hostage and

life-threatening crisis scenarios can be transferable to everyday situations

Applicable to everyone, young or old, in private life or at work; this course fundamentally enables better and more effective communication, avoiding conflict and detrimental judgement, and maximising the chances of an equitable outcome.

Key beneficiaries include those involved in managing relationships, mediation or negotiation or holding leadership positions where difficult conversations and giving honest constructive feedback is a core function.

Corporate leaders benefit from a workforce that can better communicate and contribute, thus lessening internal conflict or potential disputes leading to legal challenge

Delegates will be better equipped:

To risk assess, plan and hold challenging conversations

To recognise the difference between ‘sympathy’ and ‘empathy’ and use them effectively

To refrain from ‘problem solving’ too early, earning the right to influence through empathy, trust and rapport

To recognise the appropriate times to exercise influence and persuasion

4
Leading Through a Crisis. (Principles only covered as a presentation or interactive half day or one day session)

A session to prepare those responsible for leading the response to a crisis incident, where there is a serious risk to people, assets, information and reputation.

Designed for those strategic leaders that have the responsibility for crisis management during a corporate led event.

Primarily for crisis management team members and others that might perform this role.

Delegates will be better equipped:

To help lead their company through a fast-moving crisis incident

To recognise how the competing strategies of stakeholders can affect decision making

To identify  any gaps in their own corporate structure with regards to the prevention, identification, escalation and plans for managing the risks of life threatening incidents

To inform their company learning and continuous improvement in security risk management

5
After Dinner Speaking (Duration flexible)

A selection of anecdotes/true stories from the initial training of a hostage negotiator to international deployments. A range of incidents including suicide interventions, barricaded criminals and overseas kidnappings.

All incidents recalled include the actual dialogue used with some tricks of the trade and the actions taken behind the scenes.

Unique police humour and a large dose of sarcasm pepper the dialogue, resulting in some light hearted humour during some very stressful and shocking incidents

6
Humorous and Riveting Stories of a Hostage Negotiator

Prepare to be captivated as you delve into the gripping world of a real-life hostage negotiator. Embark on a thrilling journey from the initial training to international deployments, as you witness a range of heart-pounding incidents, including suicide interventions, daring rescues from barricaded criminals, and high-stakes overseas kidnappings.

With a generous sprinkling of unique police humour and witty sarcasm, you'll find yourself laughing amidst the tension of these shocking situations. This captivating talk not only offers entertaining anecdotes but also provides invaluable insights into the art and skill of negotiation.

Unlike anything you've seen in movies, this presentation sheds light on the real heroes who work tirelessly behind the scenes. From the set-up and theory to the nail-biting thinking and creativity required, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for the bravery and quick thinking needed in these life-or-death scenarios.

Join the speaker for an unforgettable experience as we unravel high-profile cases that made headlines in the UK. Learn the tricks of the trade and witness firsthand how sometimes, things don't go according to plan, forcing negotiators to think on their feet and take a leap of faith. This talk is sure to leave you inspired, entertained, and amazed.

7
Empower Yourself: Awareness and Resilience for Personal Safety

In a world where crime can strike unexpectedly, it's crucial to be prepared and resilient. Join us for a life-changing talk that will equip you with the knowledge and tools to assess, mitigate, and safeguard yourself against potential threats.

Our expert speaker will share best practices in personal safety, including effective anti-surveillance techniques both on foot and in vehicles. Unlock the power of intuition as we delve into how instincts work and the benefits of trusting them to avoid dangerous situations.

Understanding the effects of emotional trauma is vital for coping with the aftermath of violence, and our speaker will guide you in recognizing symptoms and dealing with them effectively. Discover the psychology behind how criminals select their victims and learn communication skills to defuse tense situations and enhance your safety.

By the end of this empowering talk, you'll feel more confident and prepared, equipped with valuable coping skills and strategies that can help you navigate life's challenges.

8
A Pirate's Tale: Modern-Day Piracy Unveiled

Set sail on a thrilling voyage through the history of modern-day piracy, from the treacherous waters of Somalia to the Gulf of Guinea. Our expert will take you on a gripping journey, revealing the dark underbelly of piracy and shedding light on the reality of maritime abduction.

Explore the cunning tactics used by pirates to select their targets and learn about the harrowing conditions endured by victims during captivity. Through excerpts from debriefs, gain unique insights into the world of ransom negotiations and the financial demands faced by those involved.

Prepare to be captivated by this eye-opening talk that unveils the secrets of piracy and brings awareness to this very real and ongoing global issue

9
Mastering the Art of Conflict Resolution and Persuasion

Whether in business or personal life, effective communication and negotiation skills are paramount to success. In this engaging talk, you'll discover how hostage negotiators' techniques can be applied to everyday situations, enabling you to build rapport and influence positive outcomes.

Learn the secrets of different conversation styles and master the art of maintaining a dialogue. Develop active listening and empathy, essential ingredients for building lasting connections with others.

Our speaker will share persuasion techniques and common mistakes to avoid, empowering you to navigate challenging conversations with finesse and assertiveness. Trust-building and risk assessment will be explored, providing you with invaluable tools to maximize your chances of achieving equitable results.

Prepare to become a skilled communicator and negotiator, ready to tackle any conflict with confidence and grace.

10
The Art of Decision Making: Empowering Your Choices

Life is full of decisions, big and small, that shape our destinies. Join us for an enlightening talk that will empower you to make better choices and overcome the barriers that hinder effective decision-making.

Discover the psychology behind decision making and explore the influences that impact our choices, be it personal, organizational, or external. Through real-life scenarios, our speaker will guide you through the process of thought, justification, and rationale behind significant decisions.

Acquire a decision-making framework and methodology that will serve as your guiding compass in all future choices. With this invaluable tool, you'll be able to justify decisions with a sound rationale and confidently navigate life's crossroads.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of decision making and equip yourself with the skills to make informed, empowered choices.

Individual-Speakers-Quote

Martin has world-class experience of kidnap and crisis negotiation. I worked alongside him in Iraqi cases and domestic operations. He builds trust and confidence with his clients using a naturally empathetic authentic style'."

Individual-Speakers-Quote

Martin is one of those rare people who you meet and you feel lucky to know. He is extremely skilled in conflict resolution and teaching empathy and has been instrumental in the development of our Empathy Programme."

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