Environment and Routine in PBS: Creating the Conditions for People to Thrive

In Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), the environment isnโ€™t just the backdrop โ€” itโ€™s a key part of the intervention.


Many behaviours that challenge are triggered by stress, confusion, sensory overload, or unpredictability. Thatโ€™s why PBS places so much emphasis on getting the environment and routine right. The goal isnโ€™t just to reduce incidents โ€” itโ€™s to create the conditions where people feel calm, safe, and in control.


๐Ÿก Why Environment Matters

  • Lighting, noise, and layout can impact sensory processing and anxiety levels.
  • Personal space and privacy affect dignity and emotional wellbeing.
  • Consistency and predictability in reduce uncertainty and help people feel secure.

Think about how stressful a chaotic, noisy, or unfamiliar space can be โ€” now imagine experiencing that every day with limited ways to express it. PBS encourages us to take a step back and ask: โ€œWhat in this environment could be contributing to the behaviour weโ€™re seeing?โ€


๐Ÿ“† The Power of Routine

Predictable routines donโ€™t mean rigid timetables. Itโ€™s about providing structure and helping people know what to expect. This might involve:

  • Visual schedules or Now-and-Next boards
  • Clear transitions between activities
  • Regular check-ins to offer control and reassurance

When people feel safe in the rhythm of their day, their capacity to engage, connect, and enjoy life increases dramatically.


๐Ÿ“ What to Include in Tenders and Inspections

  • Explain how you adapt environments to meet sensory and emotional needs.
  • Describe how you co-design routines with the individual, rather than for them.
  • Provide examples where environmental adjustments led to better outcomes.

Commissioners want to know that PBS isnโ€™t just theoretical โ€” itโ€™s built into how your service operates day-to-day.


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Chat on WhatsApp or email Mike.Harrison@impact-guru.co.uk

Updated for Procurement Act 2023 โ€ข CQC-aligned โ€ข BASE-aligned (where relevant)


Written by Impact Guru, editorial oversight by Mike Harrison, Founder of Impact Guru Ltd โ€” bringing extensive experience in health and social care tenders, commissioning and strategy.

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