UK PBSA

A society where:

• People at risk of presenting behaviours of concern and being subject restrictive practices – and their families and carers – are supported to live well and have good quality of life
• Those providing support are well trained and effectively led to meet the needs of people supported in health, community and school settings.
• Organisations and services know what is required to provide good support and this is directly informed by people with lived experience.
• Best practice and solutions are shared widely, and those providing support influence research, training and policy agendas through Communities of Practice.

The PBSA is an umbrella organisation for 15-20 PBS Communities of Practice. Communities are focussed on specific professions, sectors or geographic areas. Members include families and carers, self-advocacy groups, care providers, government, and research organisations. Our work is guided by a Steering Group. We also have links to the Home and Community PBS Network, PBS Europe, PBS Academy, and the Challenging Behaviour Foundation.

• Listen to views of members and use feedback to influence decisions
• Provide opportunities to connect and share information
• Support the development of high-quality resources
• Include experiences, ideas and concerns of communities in national discussions
• Offer support and encouragement in individual organisation’s journeys in PBS
• Raise awareness of PBS throughout our sector and professional networks

PBSA Communities exist as autonomous networks, linked through the Alliance. The Communities are represented on the Steering Group. Communities of Practice bring together professionals, people with lived experience, families and carers, and provide a supportive space to share ideas, resources and experiences. They work together to problem-solve, develop knowledge, and discuss how this translates to practice. Our Communities connect, sharing knowledge and awareness of PBS throughout their regional or professional networks. They provide opportunities for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and resources for their members. Our current communities include:

• The All-Wales Community of Practice for Behaviours of Concern
• Avon and Wiltshire Positive Behaviour Support Network
• PBS Community of Practice for Scotland
• North Wales PBS Network
• Southwark PBS Community of Practice
• Kent and Medway Positive Behaviour Support Community of Practice
• PBS Special Interest Group
• CAPBS Community of Practice Leaders
• RC Speech & Language Therapists with an interest in PBS
• The North East & Cumbria Positive Behavioural Support Community of Practice
• PBSA Community of Practice for Education Settings
• East Midlands PBS Community
• Enfield PBS Community of Practice

We have recently surveyed the members of our communities to help us understand how they are using PBS in their practice and what the Alliance can do to help improve their experiences. You can view a full breakdown of the results of this survey here. Find a PBSA Community of Practice If you would like your community to become part of the UK PBS Alliance, you can fill out the registration form here. We welcome all communities and networks who share the purpose and vision of the UK PBSA.