Improving quality of support and staff culture in a supported living service: a practice example of tier 1 positive behaviour support
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to describe the approach taken to identify areas for development and to enhance positive practice, in line with a preventative tier 1 positive behaviour support (PBS) approach. The work was conducted within a supported living service, where 10 individuals with a learning disability reside.
Design/methodology/approach
The intervention was provided through a dedicated behavioural clinical specialist role over nine months. An initial assessment included measures evaluating PBS, active support and staff culture. Narrative themes were also noted from discussions with staff to deepen the understanding of informal staff culture. Together, this informed a programme of work guided by the setting of both individual and service-wide goals. Input included practice leadership, staff training, review of PBS plans and delivery of case workshops. Assessments were then repeated to evaluate the work completed.
Findings
There were indications of improvements in staff culture and practice following the intervention.
Originality/value
This practice example may be useful for other organisations to consider when thinking about how to use resources effectively to improve people’s quality of life and implement tier 1 of PBS provision.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Dr Lincoln Humphreys (La Trobe University) for his support through this project in relation to the use of the Group Home Culture Scale and all the individuals living at the service and staff supporting them.
Citation
Hardiman, R.L. and Harding, C. (2025), "Improving quality of support and staff culture in a supported living service: a practice example of tier 1 positive behaviour support", Tizard Learning Disability Review, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/TLDR-01-2024-0002
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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