Co-Producing PBS: Why Families and the People You Support Must Be Central
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You can’t do Positive Behaviour Support to someone — it has to be done with them. That’s why co-production is a core principle of PBS. If the person and their family aren’t involved in shaping the support, it’s not PBS — it’s just behaviour management.
👥 What Co-Production in PBS Really Means
Co-production goes beyond asking for feedback. It means involving people from the start in:
- Designing support plans and routines
- Reviewing goals and progress
- Deciding what ‘quality of life’ looks like to them
- Shaping service culture, training and policy
Families, advocates, and circles of support bring insights that professionals often miss. Their voices must be part of the picture.
🏡 Benefits of Family and Individual Involvement
- Fewer misunderstandings and breakdowns
- Support plans that reflect the person’s actual life
- Greater buy-in from the person and their network
- Early warning signs spotted and responded to quicker
Involving people isn’t just respectful — it’s strategic. It leads to better outcomes, fewer restrictive interventions, and more sustainable support.
📣 In Tenders and Inspections
Commissioners and CQC want to see evidence of meaningful co-production. That includes:
- Clear processes for involving individuals and families
- Accessible care planning tools (visual, Easy Read, etc.)
- Examples of how feedback has changed practice
- Joint training or learning events with people you support
It’s not enough to say “we involve families.” Show how, when, and with what impact.
📦 Resources to Strengthen Your Practice
- 🧾 PBS Method Statements (Tender-Ready & CQC-Aligned)
- 📘 Positive Behaviour Support Strategy (5 Pages)
- 📄 Positive Behaviour Support Policy (Fully Editable)
Written by Mike Harrison, Founder of Impact Guru Ltd — specialists in bid writing and strategy for social care providers
Visit impact-guru.co.uk to browse downloadable strategies, method statements, or get in touch about tender support.