PBS Framework
PIPS have invested great into PBS we truly believe in and subscribe to the below statement;
‘A good life is one that is rich and vital, rather than adequate or simply devoid of problems’ State of nation 2022.
To make this happen we have aligned our working practices with the UK PBS Alliance guidance, incorporating the 4 core elements of Values; Promoting Quality of life; Understanding Behaviour and Meeting needs; Making Systems work for the person; into our 10-week Induction Period that includes specific PBS awareness based on these 4 elements. The staff have to complete reflective workbooks to develop their understanding of PBS in practice.
Staff supervision also involves a reflective element where staff have to focus on a specific element of PBS and all managers in PBS have to complete a PBS Competency appraisal based on the related PBS Academy documentation.
We also have regular PBS Champions meetings / workshops and there is a PBS Steering Group who meet to discuss and audit how we can improve our PBS Practice.
At PIPS we have created an internal infrastructure that facilitates a continuous analysis and review of PBS.
VALUES LED
At PIPS we fundamentally believe in and practice PBS because at it’s core it supports human rights and promotes respect, dignity, inclusion and a life without unnecessary restriction and just as with PBS, We do not believe in the use of punishment or any aversive interventions. The PIPS mission statement aligns with PBS as we are motivated to treating people equally, with compassion, understanding and working in partnership with the person and their family to make things better for everyone.
At PIPS, the primary focus of our values is to facilitate good lives, now and into the future, for the people we support who display and/or are at risk of behaviours that challenge and those who support and care for them.
PROMOTING QUALITY OF LIFE
As with PBS, the overall aim of our support is to improve the quality of a person’s life and that of the people around them. We strive to provide the right support at the right time for a person so they can lead a meaningful and interesting life participating in activities and learn new skills.
At PIPS we have created a Quality-of-life pathway that is accessible for everyone we support as a standard process, regardless of the presence of challenging behaviour or not. We strive to create Capable Environments so people can thrive, including learning new & relevant skills which is promoted through the practice of Active Support. All staff receive a full day’s workshop on the core principles of Active Support and bespoke sessions are facilitated as and when needed.
There will always be variation for different people, and it is for this reason that there is no ‘one size fits all’ intervention or outcome in PIPS. ALL Packages of support are bespoke, co-produced and personalised with the aim of celebrating individuality rather than driving conformity to a fixed social norm. Adhering to the principles of Self-determination is at the core of what we do, and we are committed to supporting people with learning disabilities to have control and autonomy throughout their lifetime.
UNDERSTANDING BEHAVIOUR AND MEETING NEEDS
PBS uses different methods to gather information to work out what people’s behaviour means. It improves support and empowers people to use better and less harmful ways to get their needs met. This often involved using a range of different approaches that enhance a person’s life.
Person centred approaches should determine the focus of bespoke assessments and guide the development of behaviour support plans. These should reflect what an individual likes and dislikes, what is important TO and FOR them and aspires to meet their hopes and dreams.
To develop our understanding as to why people become distressed and to develop evidence-based support plans, we aim to contextualise these behaviours within a framework of the biopsychosocial model and an application of Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) as these behaviours are meaningful and serve a function for the person. We also consider the aversive and traumatic experiences the people we support may have faced and aim to provide the necessary support required. At PIPS we have X number of staff who have recognised and accredited qualifications in PBS, enabling us to complete holistic, contextual functional assessments, utilising data collection to inform decisions.
MAKING SYSTEMS WORK FOR THE PERSON
Giving the right support at the right time so people can thrive and fulfil their potential. This may mean changing the way the person is supported. Carers and staff may need training, and service structures and cultures may need to change. Continuous review is important to make sure support carries on working well for the person and those around them.
As with PBS, at PIPS we believe that our support is ‘done with’ and not ‘done to’ people and their support is designed to be person centred, NOT system led! We utilise the principles of Practice Leadership to ensure that ALL staff are encouraged and supported to be competent and consistent with the support they provide.
At PIPS, we recognise that physical interventions may be required in extreme situations to ensure people’s safety but the use of and reliance on physical interventions is minimised in the context of PBS. Staff are trained in the level of MAYBO specific to the person being supported.
At PIPS we are committed to using and developing non-aversive reactive strategies that reduce the escalation, distress and impact of behaviours that challenge within the context of a broader preventative approach.
At PIPS, our Behaviour support plans will typically be multi-component, as a variety of strategies are required to guide staff in providing a range of bespoke, proactive and person centred support plans and may need to include ethical and non-aversive reactive strategies.
We strive to support the wellbeing of our workforce through supervisions, appraisals and signposting to the Well Being College.