Positive Behaviour Support Policy

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the approach to Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) within our Supported Living service {{org_field_name}}. PBS is a person-centred, evidence-based approach to supporting individuals, with a focus on improving quality of life and reducing behaviours that challenge. This policy aims to meet the standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and addresses how PBS can alleviate emotional distress or frustration that may lead to challenging behaviours.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff members, including full-time, part-time, and temporary staff, volunteers, and any professionals providing services on behalf of {{org_field_name}}. It is relevant for anyone involved in supporting people with autism, learning disabilities, challenging behaviour, physical needs, and/or sensory impairments in a supported living setting.

3. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to promoting Positive Behaviour Support as a foundation for our care services. PBS is designed to understand the reasons behind behaviours and to support individuals by developing strategies that enhance their quality of life and reduce the need for challenging behaviour. We believe that all behaviour is a form of communication, and PBS helps us to interpret, respect, and respond to this communication in a way that promotes emotional well-being and personal autonomy.

4. Definitions

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS): A person-centred framework that combines behavioural science with an emphasis on improving quality of life and reducing challenging behaviour through proactive strategies.

Challenging Behaviour: Behaviours that are seen as socially unacceptable, that may cause harm or disruption, or that prevent individuals from engaging fully in life.

Behavioural Support Plan (BSP): A personalised plan developed using PBS principles to support an individual in managing challenging behaviours.

5. Key Principles of PBS

The following principles guide our use of Positive Behaviour Support within {{org_field_name}}:

Person-Centred Care: Every individual is treated with respect, and their rights, dignity, and preferences are at the forefront of all interventions.

Commitment to Human Rights: We are committed to upholding the rights of individuals as outlined in the Human Rights Act 1998, ensuring that all individuals are treated with fairness, respect, equality, dignity, and autonomy. Our practices align with the fundamental human rights monitored by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), including the right to privacy, the right to liberty, and the right to be free from degrading treatment.

Proactive and Preventative Approaches: We aim to understand the underlying causes of challenging behaviours and implement strategies to prevent them from occurring.

Focus on Quality of Life: PBS seeks to improve an individual’s quality of life by enhancing social, emotional, and physical well-being and supporting their goals and aspirations.

Least Restrictive Practices: Emphasis is placed on using the least restrictive methods, ensuring that any intervention is in the person’s best interests and respects their autonomy. Restrictive practices are only used as a last resort, following careful assessment and with appropriate oversight.

Data-Informed Practices: Regular collection and analysis of data inform decision-making and help to tailor interventions to each individual’s specific needs and preferences.

6. Responsibilities

Registered Manager ({{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}): Responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy, ensuring staff training in PBS, and monitoring adherence to PBS principles.

Team Leaders/Supervisors: Ensure that staff follow PBS plans, provide ongoing supervision and guidance, and review incidents and interventions.

Support Workers and Direct Care Staff: Follow the PBS plans, use proactive strategies, report incidents, and participate in PBS-related training.

PBS Specialist or Behavioural Support Lead: Collaborate with care teams to create, implement, and review Behavioural Support Plans (BSPs) for individuals requiring PBS.

7. Procedure

7.1 Assessment and Individualised Planning

Initial Assessment: Our approach to Positive Behaviour Support includes a thorough assessment and planning process to understand each individual’s needs, triggers, and preferences. To gain deeper insights into the reasons behind challenging behaviours, we conduct functional assessments, sensory profiles, and an analysis of individual triggers. This comprehensive assessment process aligns with best practices and meets the CQC’s expectation for a clear focus on understanding challenging behaviours and implementing proactive strategies to prevent them.

Use of Validated Tools and Frameworks:
Where appropriate, we incorporate validated tools or frameworks, such as the STAR (Setting, Trigger, Action, Result) framework, to analyse behaviours and identify underlying causes more effectively. These tools help us systematically examine the context around challenging behaviours and develop targeted, evidence-based interventions. The use of such frameworks strengthens our compliance with CQC standards and enhances the quality and effectiveness of our Behavioural Support Plans.

Development of Behavioural Support Plans (BSPs):

Each service user will have a BSP tailored to their needs, preferences, and goals.

The BSP will include strategies for preventing and responding to challenging behaviours, based on identified triggers and personal preferences.

Ensure the BSP is created collaboratively, involving the service user (where possible), family members, and multidisciplinary professionals.

7.2 Proactive and Preventative Interventions

Enhancing Communication:

Identify and support alternative forms of communication (e.g., visual aids, sign language) to help individuals express themselves without resorting to challenging behaviours.

Environmental Adjustments:

Modify the environment to reduce sensory triggers that may lead to frustration or distress.

Make sure the living space is safe, comfortable, and supportive of the individual’s sensory needs.

Skill Development and Engagement:

Support individuals in developing coping skills, daily living skills, and social skills.

Engage service users in meaningful activities that align with their interests and abilities to promote engagement and reduce boredom or frustration.

7.3 Responding to Challenging Behaviour

Calm and Consistent Responses:

Respond to challenging behaviour in a calm, non-reactive manner to avoid escalating the situation.

Use de-escalation techniques that are specific to each individual’s Behavioural Support Plan (BSP).

Use of Distraction and Redirection:

Redirect individuals to alternative activities or interests if signs of distress or frustration appear.

Post-Incident Reflection and Shared Learning:

After any incident involving challenging behaviour, staff will participate in a post-incident review to reflect on the event, identify triggers, and evaluate the effectiveness of the response.

Team Learning and Continuous Improvement: Significant learnings or insights gained from post-incident reflections will be shared within the team to foster continuous improvement, raise awareness, and build a collective understanding of effective strategies. This approach supports a proactive culture of learning, helps prevent future incidents, and ensures that all team members benefit from shared knowledge and insights.

7.4 Alleviating Emotional Distress and Frustration

Identifying Early Warning Signs:

Use a consistent approach to identify and respond to early signs of distress, ensuring staff are trained to recognise these cues.

Emotional Support and Validation:

Provide empathetic support during moments of distress. Validate the individual’s feelings and acknowledge their emotions without judgment.

Regular Well-being Check-ins:

Schedule regular check-ins with individuals to understand any unmet needs, sources of frustration, or areas where they feel unsupported.

8. Documentation and Record-Keeping

All incidents of challenging behaviour, interventions, and outcomes must be recorded promptly and accurately in our Accident and Incident, and Behaviour form.

BSPs should be reviewed at least quarterly or following any significant change in behaviour.

Progress towards reducing challenging behaviours and enhancing quality of life should be documented as part of each individual’s care plan review.

9. Monitoring and Review

The Registered Manager is responsible for monitoring compliance with this policy, including the effectiveness of PBS interventions.

Regular audits will be conducted to assess adherence to PBS plans, incident reporting, and staff training requirements.

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if there are changes to CQC regulations, best practices in PBS, or organisational needs.

10. Related Policies

Safeguarding Policy

Incident Reporting and Management Policy

Communication Policy

Staff Training and Development Policy

11. Training and Development

All staff are required to complete PBS training upon joining {{org_field_name}}, with regular refresher training provided.

Training will cover understanding challenging behaviours, PBS principles, de-escalation techniques, and effective communication strategies.

Specific training on sensory processing, autism, and managing physical needs may be provided based on the needs of the individuals supported. Training on Data Collection and Documentation Standards:
To support data-informed practices, staff will also receive specific training on data collection and documentation standards related to PBS. This training will cover how to accurately record incidents, behavioural observations, and intervention outcomes in a way that is consistent, detailed, and useful for ongoing analysis. Ensuring staff are skilled in data collection will enhance the effectiveness of our PBS strategies by providing reliable information for assessing behavioural patterns, adjusting interventions, and supporting individualised care. This approach aligns with CQC standards for data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement.

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}}

S212. Positive Behaviour Support