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  • Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) is embedded in all our services. PBS is a multi-faceted framework for understanding and supporting people who display behaviours of concern. By understanding the context in which these behaviours occur we can implement proactive, evidence-based strategies to enhance all areas of an individual’s life. The PBS approach has a strong values base, keeping the person at the centre and promoting valued social roles for people in society.

All staff in our PBS Services are trained in PBS and Active Support approaches to ensure they are embedded in day to day life. Many of our current PBS support workers are trained in Makaton and have experience of supporting people who are non-verbal or who use VOCA systems. Our Senior PBS Support Workers are allocated to individuals and become the lead person in the care and support, ensuring up-to-date paperwork is in place, and providing seamless communication to family and professionals. Our support teams are also used to engaging with external professionals, and welcome input from them. We understand that some people will need additional aids, due to physical disabilities, and we have built up good relationships with Occupational Therapists who have supported our teams to make environments more user friendly. 

As a member of the British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD), Aspens believes that to improve the quality of life, independence and autonomy of the people we support, Positive Behaviour Support must be a cornerstone of our ethos and values.

Meraud Davis
BCBA Regional Area Manager for PBS and Specialist Services

"Since working for Aspens I have developed a small but excellent team of PBS Specialists and PBS Practitioners who support the organisation with all of their behaviour support needs, whether that is skills building, improving quality of life, or supporting when things aren’t going as well as they should.  We always work from an evidence-based approach, and can get very excited by a well-presented graph!  We have a PBS strategy which we are embedding across the organisation and we continue to be proud of what we achieve.

In more recent years, we have developed a growing number of PBS Supported Living services, designed to meet the needs of people with complex needs. This is an exciting new area of growth for the organisation and is being supported by the highly skilled and dedicated PBS Operational Team.  We understand the importance of providing safe homes in the community for those who need high levels of support or who are at risk of hospital placements, and we have successfully demonstrated that we are able to develop these services under a PBS framework.

We have exciting plans for the future, including developing our training offer and providing consultancy to other organisations – we are always happy to hear from colleagues, so get in contact if you think we could work well together or would like our support."

Kim Harris
Trainee Positive Behaviour Specialist

"In my role, I develop and implement strategies to support individuals with challenging behaviours, focusing on improving their quality of life and reducing restrictive practices through a person-centered approach.

I carry out functional behaviour assessments to determine the function of their behaviours, and use evidence-based approaches to support positive development. I work collaboratively with supporting staff, MDTs, families and other professionals. Teaching new skills through task analysis is one of my favourite areas.

I also deliver PBS and Active Support training.

Since starting my PBS journey, I have had some of my greatest achievements and they continue to be reminders of why I love my job and PBS."

Scott Sutton
PBS Practitioner 

"As a PBS Practitioner, I am responsible for supporting the design and implementation of function-based interventions for the people we support.

I provide quality training and coaching within the service, working with the PBS Lead support workers and also support them with completing their PBS courses.

My main goal is to improve quality of life through skills teaching and being engaged in meaningful activities. It’s also about understanding that behaviours of concern are a form of communication, they are trying to tell us that their needs are not being met and it’s up to us to find out how to support them better.

PBS is evidence-based, so I am able to see the progress being made in real time and can tell if a strategy I put in place is working or not working for the person we support.

The most rewarding part of the job is definitely the smile on a person we support’s face when they accomplish a new skill for the first time, like making a cup of tea."

Jim Laidler
PBS Practitioner

"As a PBS Practitioner, I rely on thorough and objective data collection to gain a deep understanding of behaviour, enabling the implementation of tailored interventions that effectively teach new skills and reduce behaviours of concern.

My longstanding interest in psychology stems from a belief that truly understanding people is essential in every aspect of life. By developing a comprehensive understanding of each individual we support, we can provide the most appropriate support and empower them to lead happy, fulfilling lives.

I am a strong advocate for the PBS framework, as I believe it offers a powerful and compassionate approach to enhancing quality of life through meaningful, person-centred support."

Max Davis
PBS Practitioner

“As a PBS Practitioner, my role involves building rapport with the people we support and their staff to develop and implement strategies that support and promote quality of life. I strongly believe that by implementing person-centred approaches and creating opportunities for skills-teaching, all the individuals we support can live their lives as valued members of their community.”

Lauren Dolbear
PBS Registered Service Manager

Teigan Stanhope
PBS Deputy Service Manager

"I am a dedicated PBS Deputy Manager with a strong background in supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism and complex behaviours in supported living environments.

I work closely with PBS specialists, helping implement person-centred PBS plans, promoting independence and improving quality of life for the people we support.

I like to ensure I am leading and mentoring a strong staff team that thrives on positivity and an inclusive culture. We are committed to upholding an individual’s values while continuously developing the care we provide.

I love watching and being part of individuals blossoming and thriving from the support of their PBS supporting team."

Connor Glasscoe
PBS Deputy Service Manager

"As Deputy Service Manager for Fern House and Burton Cottages since March 2025, I oversee the day-to-day operations of our services, ensuring high-quality support to the people we support.

Since joining Aspens in March 2024, I've developed a collaborative approach with the PBS team to drive positive outcomes for the people we support.

A recent highlight was working closely with our PBS practitioners to design and implement interventions that enabled one of our residents to enjoy a trip to the Isle of Wight. My aim is empowering my team to deliver person-centred support while creating a positive and inclusive environment for both staff and the people we support."

James Ajayi
Senior PBS Worker

"My role is incredibly fulfilling. I support individuals in all aspects of their lives, including participating in activities and outings, promoting health and wellbeing and helping them maintain family connections.

I collaborate closely with a PBS Practitioner to develop strategies that unlock each person’s potential and enhance their quality of life. Indoor activities often focus on developing practical skills, such as making the bed, engaging in sensory play, or gardening.

Outdoor activities are personalised to reflect each person's interests and designed to help them safely participate in community life, like going swimming.

What I love most about my job is knowing I’m making a positive difference in someone's life. It’s incredibly rewarding to see challenging behaviours reduce and to witness individuals leading more meaningful, enriched lives."

Sena Yildirim
Senior PBS Support Worker

"Being a Senior Positive Behaviour Support Worker means more than just providing care, it’s about creating meaningful opportunities for people to thrive.

I take pride in understanding each individual’s unique needs, motivations, and goals, and shaping support that reflects who they truly are.

Whether it's guiding someone through a challenging moment or celebrating a personal achievement, every day offers a chance to foster growth, connection and joy. I also enjoy mentoring team members and contributing to a positive, person-centred culture where everyone is working towards the same vision of a better life."

         

        

David Adeyanju
Senior PBS Support Worker

Working as a PBS Senior Support Worker has allowed me to make a positive difference in helping individuals manage their behaviours and enhance their quality of life. By collaborating with the specialist team, I am able to share ideas, gain better knowledge, and improve overall support. This field of work makes me happy because it has given me a platform to make a difference, build meaningful relationships, work as a team, and engage in continuous learning.

Chamu Magaya
Senior PBS Worker

"As a Senior Positive Behaviour Support Worker, my role is to lead by example and make sure the people we support receive the right care that’s person-centred, respectful and helps them live more independently.

I support my team by making sure care plans are understood and followed, and I guide them through challenges while modelling best practice as a support worker. 

What I enjoy most is seeing the positive impact on the people we support, watching them grow in confidence, overcome challenges and enjoy a better quality of life through the support we give."

          

         

Olamide Osungbade
Senior PBS Support Worker

Being a Senior PBS Support Worker is a fulfilling profession. I feel like it allows me to make a positive difference in people's lives by assisting them in developing skills and achieving their goals, with the support of the specialist team. Witnessing the progress and growth of the individual I work with makes me happy.

Published: 24th January, 2020

Updated: 4th March, 2026

Author: Deleted User

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Registered office:
Cornford Lane
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+44 (0) 1892 822 168
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about our services should be sent to:
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Charity number: 1171446. Company number: 10342980

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