CH172-Managing Anti Social Behaviour Policy
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Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}
Managing Anti Social Behaviour Policy
1. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline how {{org_field_name}} identifies, manages, and responds to anti-social behaviour (ASB) involving people we support, staff, visitors, or members of the public, to maintain a safe, respectful, and supportive environment. Anti-social behaviour can impact the wellbeing of individuals, staff morale, public confidence, and community relations. This policy ensures that ASB is dealt with in a consistent, fair, and lawful manner, in line with Regulation 13 (Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment), Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), and Regulation 17 (Good Governance) of the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014.
2. Scope
This policy applies to all employees, bank and agency staff, contractors, volunteers, the people we support, their families or representatives, and any visitors to settings where care is delivered by {{org_field_name}}. It applies to incidents that occur within individual service user homes, supported housing, shared communal areas, or in the wider community where our staff or people we support may be affected. The policy also includes procedures for reporting, investigating, and resolving ASB while upholding the dignity, rights, and legal protections of all involved.
3. Related Policies
- CH07 – Person-Centred Care Policy
- CH13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
- CH18 – Risk Management and Assessment Policy
- CH27 – Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy
- CH30 – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy
- CH31 – Disciplinary and Grievance Policy
- CH32 – Handling and Prevention of Bullying and Harassment Policy
- CH42 – Communication and Engagement with Service Users and Families Policy
4. Defining Anti-Social Behaviour
Anti-social behaviour is defined as any conduct that causes, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm, or distress to others. Examples include verbal abuse, intimidation, threats, noise nuisance, hate incidents, property damage, substance misuse, aggression, or persistently disrespectful behaviour. In a home care setting, ASB may occur between people we support in shared accommodation, towards staff in service users’ homes, or towards neighbours and members of the public. It may also include hate-related incidents based on disability, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, or sexuality.
5. Prevention and Early Intervention
{{org_field_name}} is committed to preventing ASB through early identification, person-centred care planning, and proactive engagement. Staff are trained to identify early warning signs such as frustration, changes in mood, substance misuse, or verbal escalation. Regular risk assessments and behavioural support plans are used to anticipate potential triggers and develop coping strategies. Positive behaviour support (PBS) techniques are encouraged, including:
- Using calm, consistent communication
- Recognising and responding to unmet needs
- Promoting social inclusion and meaningful activities
- Encouraging healthy relationships and boundaries
Early involvement of families, advocates, and multi-disciplinary teams helps prevent escalation.
6. Reporting and Recording Incidents
All incidents of suspected or actual ASB must be reported immediately to the Registered Manager {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}} or the Safeguarding Lead {{org_field_safeguarding_lead_name}}. Staff must:
- Record factual details in the individual’s care record and incident log
- Identify who was involved and affected
- Describe the behaviour, time, place, and response taken
- Submit any supporting evidence such as witness statements or complaints
Where ASB poses a safeguarding risk, referrals are made to {{org_field_local_authority_authority_name}}. Serious incidents may require escalation to the police or CQC under Regulation 18 – Notification of Other Incidents.
7. Supporting the Person Involved in ASB
Where the person responsible for ASB is someone we support, {{org_field_name}} ensures that support remains person-centred, proportionate, and non-punitive. This includes:
- Reviewing their care plan and behavioural needs
- Exploring reasons behind the behaviour
- Providing access to mental health or substance misuse services
- Adjusting the care environment or routines where appropriate
- Holding restorative discussions if all parties consent
Staff must avoid blame, uphold dignity, and consider safeguarding concerns. Reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 are made where behaviours are linked to disability or mental health conditions.
8. Protecting Staff and Others from Harm
{{org_field_name}} takes a zero-tolerance approach to abuse or threats against staff. If a staff member is subject to ASB, we will:
- Offer immediate support, debrief, and time away if needed
- Investigate and record the incident
- Consider reassignment or limiting lone working where risk is ongoing
- Liaise with police or legal services where appropriate
Staff have a right to work in a safe environment, and all risks are managed as part of our Health and Safety and Lone Working Policies.
9. Multi-Agency and Community Working
We work closely with housing providers, community safety teams, local authorities, safeguarding boards, and the police to address ASB collaboratively. Multi-agency meetings may be convened to develop a shared action plan. We contribute to tenancy management reviews, mediation sessions, and support plans to sustain community placements. Our partnerships are key to resolving entrenched or high-risk cases.
10. Addressing ASB by Staff, Contractors, or Visitors
Where ASB is committed by a staff member, volunteer, or contractor, it will be addressed under the CH31 – Disciplinary and Grievance Policy or CH32 – Handling and Prevention of Bullying and Harassment Policy. Visitors or family members exhibiting ASB will be warned formally and may be restricted from visiting or reported to relevant authorities if behaviour does not improve. Records are maintained of all incidents, actions taken, and communication with involved parties.
11. Equality, Confidentiality, and Legal Compliance
All responses to ASB are carried out fairly and in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Human Rights Act 1998, and GDPR. Information is shared on a need-to-know basis in line with our Confidentiality and Data Protection Policy. We balance the rights of all parties, avoid discriminatory action, and aim to resolve situations in the least restrictive and most inclusive way possible.
12. Staff Training and Awareness
All staff receive training on:
- Recognising and de-escalating challenging behaviour
- Recording and reporting ASB
- Safeguarding and whistleblowing procedures
- Working with people who have complex behavioural needs
Training is refreshed annually and linked to reflective supervision, where staff can discuss experiences and gain guidance on handling conflict safely and professionally.
13. Efficient Management at {{org_field_name}}
We manage ASB efficiently through:
- Behaviour risk assessments reviewed monthly or after incidents
- Clear incident reporting systems and escalation pathways
- Regular staff supervision and team briefings
- Open communication with families and professionals
- Quality audits that monitor the frequency, response, and learning from ASB incidents
These procedures ensure we are proactive, responsive, and compliant with CQC expectations.
14. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there is a serious incident, legislative change, or CQC guidance update. The Registered Manager {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}} is responsible for ensuring the policy is implemented, communicated, and embedded into practice throughout {{org_field_name}}.
Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
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