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{{org_field_name}}

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

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Positive Behaviour Support and Managing Aggression Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to outline the approach of {{org_field_name}} in supporting individuals who display behaviours of concern, including aggression. Our aim is to promote Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), ensuring that residents receive care that is person-centred, proactive, and focused on improving quality of life. This policy aligns with the Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016, the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014, and best practice guidance issued by CIW.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff, including care workers, nurses, management, and external professionals involved in providing care and support at {{org_field_name}}. It covers:

• Prevention and de-escalation of aggression and distress.
• Implementing Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) strategies.
• Safe and ethical management of incidents involving challenging behaviour.
• Staff training and competency development.

3. Principles of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

{{org_field_name}} is committed to the following principles of PBS:

• Person-Centred Approach: Understanding the individual’s needs, preferences, and communication style.
• Proactive Strategies: Identifying triggers and implementing interventions to prevent challenging behaviours before they occur.
• Skill Development: Supporting individuals to develop alternative coping mechanisms and positive social behaviours.
• Least Restrictive Interventions: Ensuring that any intervention used is the least restrictive and always in the individual’s best interest.
• Safeguarding and Respect: Ensuring dignity and human rights are maintained at all times.

4. Risk Assessment and Behaviour Support Planning

• Comprehensive Behaviour Assessments:
  • Each resident with behaviours of concern will have an individual behaviour assessment carried out.
  • Assessments will consider triggers, medical history, environmental factors, and communication difficulties.
• Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs):
  • Each resident requiring PBS interventions will have a personalised BSP developed with input from the individual, family, and multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Plans will outline strategies to prevent incidents, de-escalation techniques, and post-incident support.
• Regular Reviews:
  • BSPs will be reviewed at least every six months or sooner if the resident’s needs change.

5. Preventative and Proactive Strategies

• Creating a Positive Environment:
  • Ensuring residents have structured routines, engaging activities, and access to meaningful relationships.
  • Addressing potential environmental triggers such as noise levels, temperature, and lighting.
• Effective Communication:
  • Using alternative communication methods, including Makaton, picture exchange communication systems (PECS), and sensory supports.
• Promoting Well-being:
  • Encouraging social interactions, exercise, and therapeutic activities to reduce stress and anxiety.

6. De-Escalation Techniques

When an individual becomes agitated, staff must use de-escalation strategies to prevent escalation.

• Early Intervention:
  • Recognising signs of distress and using verbal reassurance, redirection, and engagement techniques.
• Calm and Non-Threatening Approach:
  • Using a calm voice, maintaining a neutral facial expression, and adopting a non-threatening posture.
• Providing Space and Choices:
  • Allowing the individual to step away from stressful situations and offering choices to regain a sense of control.

7. Safe Intervention and Incident Management

• Use of Restrictive Practices:
  • Physical intervention is only used as a last resort when there is an immediate risk to the individual or others.
  • Any intervention must be proportionate, documented, and reviewed.
• Incident Reporting:
  • All incidents of aggression or restraint must be recorded immediately in an incident log.
  • Reports will be reviewed to identify patterns and inform future prevention strategies.

8. Post-Incident Support and Learning

• Debriefing for Residents:
  • After an incident, residents will be supported to discuss what happened and explore alternative coping strategies.
• Debriefing for Staff:
  • Staff involved in incidents will have access to debriefing and emotional support.
• Reflective Practice:
  • The care team will review incidents to assess what worked well and what could be improved.

9. Staff Training and Development

• Mandatory PBS Training:
  • All staff receive annual training on PBS, conflict resolution, and de-escalation techniques.
• Physical Intervention Training:
  • Staff are trained in safe intervention techniques where necessary and only by accredited trainers.
• Supervision and Competency Assessments:
  • Regular supervision and assessments ensure staff maintain high standards in behaviour management.

10. Compliance and Monitoring

• Regular Audits:
  • Behaviour support plans and incident records are audited to ensure best practice is followed.
• CIW Compliance:
  • Compliance with CIW regulations is maintained through regular inspections and policy updates.
• Continuous Improvement:
  • Feedback from residents, staff, and families is used to improve behaviour management strategies.

11. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with:

• CHW13 – Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy
• CHW29 – Whistleblowing (Speaking Up) Policy
• CHW36 – Managing Service User Finances Policy
• CHW42 – Communication and Engagement with Service Users and Families Policy

12. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, regulatory requirements, or organisational needs. Any updates will be communicated to all staff through training sessions and policy briefings.

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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}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.