PBS- If You Change the Environment, You Change the Behaviour

We often look at behaviour as something within the person. But Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) reminds us: the environment plays a huge role in how someone feels, reacts, and copes.

Behaviour is shaped by context. And that means if we change the context, we often change the behaviour too.


๐Ÿ  What Do We Mean by โ€œEnvironmentโ€?

In PBS, the environment includes:

  • Noise levels and lighting
  • Room layout and escape routes
  • Staff interactions and communication style
  • Predictability of routines and availability of choices

When any of these are misaligned with a personโ€™s needs, distress can build โ€” and behaviours labelled โ€œchallengingโ€ often follow.


๐Ÿ”ง Small Changes, Big Results

One person might be distressed by fluorescent lighting. Another may need visual schedules to reduce anxiety. Someone else might need a quiet space to decompress.

When we adapt the environment instead of trying to control the person, weโ€™re more respectful โ€” and often more effective.


๐Ÿ“ Show This Understanding in Tenders

Commissioners want to see that your service doesnโ€™t just react to incidents โ€” you adapt proactively.

  • Describe how you adjust environments to reduce distress
  • Give real examples of how small changes improved outcomes
  • Explain how staff are trained to observe and respond to environmental triggers

This shows a deep understanding of behaviour โ€” and a strong, rights-based approach.


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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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