SL66-Positive Behaviour Support and Managing Aggression Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Positive Behaviour Support and Managing Aggression Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide clear guidance on promoting positive behaviour and managing aggression within {{org_field_name}}’s Supported Living Service. It aims to ensure that service users receive care and support in a manner that promotes dignity, respect, safety, and person-centred care while safeguarding the rights of all individuals.

This policy is rooted in the principles of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), which prioritises understanding the underlying causes of behaviour rather than reacting to incidents. Our approach ensures that interventions are evidence-based, proactive, and designed to enhance the quality of life for service users, while minimising the need for restrictive practices.

This policy is aligned with CQC Regulation 9 (Person-Centred Care), Regulation 10 (Dignity and Respect), and Regulation 13 (Safeguarding Service Users from Abuse and Improper Treatment). It reflects the requirements of the Health and Social Care Act 2008, the Care Act 2014, and the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all staff employed by {{org_field_name}}, including agency workers, contractors, and volunteers who interact with service users. It covers the promotion of positive behaviour, understanding the causes of challenging behaviour, the prevention and de-escalation of aggression, and the safe and ethical management of incidents when they arise.

It also applies to all service users who receive care and support within our service, ensuring that any interventions are tailored to their individual needs and preferences, as outlined in their care and support plans.

3. Our Approach to Positive Behaviour Support

3.1 Promoting Positive Behaviour At {{org_field_name}}, we adopt a strengths-based, person-centred approach to promote positive behaviour. This involves understanding each individual’s needs, preferences, and communication styles to create supportive environments that reduce triggers for challenging behaviour.

We believe that all behaviour serves a purpose and is often a form of communication. Therefore, our approach focuses on identifying the root causes, whether they relate to unmet needs, environmental factors, or emotional distress. Staff are trained to use proactive strategies, such as clear communication, structured routines, and promoting choice and control, to create a positive and predictable environment.

3.2 Person-Centred Care Plans Every service user has a detailed, person-centred care plan that includes a Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) plan. This plan is developed in collaboration with the individual, their family, and relevant professionals. It includes:

A comprehensive behaviour assessment, identifying triggers and antecedents.
Personalised strategies to promote positive behaviour and prevent incidents.
De-escalation techniques that respect the individual’s dignity and preferences.
Clear guidance on how staff should respond if behaviours escalate.

The care plan is regularly reviewed, ensuring it remains relevant and responsive to changing needs. Staff receive training in PBS to ensure they can implement strategies effectively and sensitively.

3.3 Proactive Prevention Our service places strong emphasis on prevention. This includes ensuring that service users’ physical, emotional, and social needs are met, reducing the likelihood of challenging behaviour. Staff are trained to identify early warning signs and respond promptly to prevent escalation. This includes:

Monitoring for signs of distress, discomfort, or anxiety.
Providing meaningful activities and promoting social inclusion.
Ensuring effective communication, including the use of visual aids or alternative communication methods when needed.
Creating a calm, predictable environment with clear routines.

4. Managing Aggression and Challenging Behaviour

4.1 De-escalation Techniques When an individual displays aggressive behaviour, staff are trained to respond calmly, maintaining a non-threatening posture and using de-escalation techniques. These include:

Speaking calmly and clearly, using non-confrontational language.
Providing space and allowing the person time to calm down.
Redirecting attention to positive activities or interests.
Offering choices to give the individual a sense of control.

Our approach prioritises de-escalation to avoid the need for restrictive practices. Staff are trained to understand the importance of empathy and reassurance in calming situations.

4.2 Minimising the Use of Restrictive Practices Restrictive practices, such as physical restraint, are only ever used as a last resort when there is an immediate risk of harm to the individual or others. Any use of restrictive practices must be:

Proportionate to the risk presented.
The least restrictive option available.
Used for the shortest time possible.
In line with the individual’s PBS plan and agreed by all stakeholders.

Staff are trained in non-restrictive crisis intervention techniques, ensuring that any intervention upholds the dignity and rights of the individual. Any use of restrictive practices is documented, reported, and reviewed to identify learning opportunities and reduce future occurrences.

4.3 Post-Incident Support Following any incident of aggression, {{org_field_name}} ensures a thorough debriefing process for both the service user and staff involved. This includes:

Checking the wellbeing of all individuals involved.
Discussing what happened and identifying triggers.
Reviewing the individual’s PBS plan and care plan to update strategies.
Providing emotional support and reflective practice for staff.

Service users are supported to express their feelings and needs in a safe, supportive environment. This helps build trust and promotes resilience.

5. Safeguarding and Reporting

All incidents involving aggression or challenging behaviour are treated as potential safeguarding concerns. Staff are required to report incidents promptly through our incident reporting system. This ensures that appropriate actions are taken, including:

Conducting a risk assessment and updating care plans.
Notifying family members or advocates where appropriate.
Reporting to external agencies, including the CQC, if required under Regulation 18.

Safeguarding procedures are followed in line with Regulation 13, ensuring that service users are protected from abuse and improper treatment. Any concerns are investigated promptly and thoroughly.

6. Staff Training and Support

To implement this policy effectively, all staff receive comprehensive training in Positive Behaviour Support, de-escalation techniques, and safeguarding. Training is delivered during induction and refreshed regularly to ensure competence. Staff are also trained in understanding the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the importance of consent when implementing behaviour management strategies.

Supervision and reflective practice sessions are provided to support staff in managing challenging situations and promoting continuous improvement.

7. Promoting Dignity and Human Rights

Throughout our approach to positive behaviour support and managing aggression, {{org_field_name}} upholds the principles of dignity, respect, and human rights. Our practices are underpinned by the Equality Act 2010 and CQC Regulation 10, ensuring that all individuals are treated fairly and without discrimination.

We adopt a least restrictive, rights-based approach, ensuring that interventions are proportionate and respectful. Where restrictive practices are considered, the decision-making process is transparent, documented, and regularly reviewed.

8. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to continuous improvement in promoting positive behaviour and reducing incidents of aggression. We achieve this through:

Regular audits of incident reports to identify trends and areas for improvement.
Feedback from service users, families, and staff.
Collaborative working with external professionals, including PBS practitioners and safeguarding teams.
Ongoing staff training and reflective practice.

Lessons learned from incidents are shared across the organisation, ensuring that practice evolves in line with best evidence and CQC expectations.

9. Related Policies

This policy should be read in conjunction with the following policies:

Safeguarding Adults from Abuse and Improper Treatment Policy (SL13)
Person-Centred Care Policy (SL07)
Dignity and Respect Policy (SL08)
Mental Capacity and Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Policy (SL39)
Risk Management and Assessment Policy (SL18)
Staff Supervision, Training, and Development Policy (SL27)

10. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if there are changes in legislation, CQC requirements, or operational needs. Feedback from staff, service users, and stakeholders will inform future revisions to ensure the policy remains effective and reflective of best practice.

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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