Understanding Behaviour in PBS: It’s Not About What You See — It’s About Why It’s Happening
Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) starts with understanding — not reacting.
Too often, behaviours that challenge are seen as something to stop, reduce, or manage. But PBS reframes the question entirely. It asks: What is this behaviour communicating? What is the person trying to achieve, avoid, or express that they may not be able to put into words?
This shift — from behaviour as ‘problem’ to behaviour as ‘communication’ — is the foundation of PBS. Without it, any support strategy risks missing the point.
🔍 What It Means to Understand Behaviour
- Look for patterns — What happens before and after the behaviour?
- Consider unmet needs — Is the person bored, overwhelmed, in pain, or misunderstood?
- Think holistically — What’s the person’s history, sensory profile, and preferred way of engaging?
Understanding behaviour requires observation, curiosity, and time. But it pays off — because the right support only follows from the right understanding.
🚫 Why Surface-Level Labels Fall Short
Terms like “aggressive,” “non-compliant,” or “disruptive” can be misleading and even harmful. They tell us what happened — but nothing about why. Worse, they can shape negative perceptions that influence how staff interact with a person going forward.
Descriptive, neutral language helps us remain objective, reduce bias, and stay focused on solutions.
📋 How to Show Understanding in Tenders and Inspections
- Explain how you complete functional assessments or ABC charts to analyse behaviour.
- Describe how staff are trained to spot triggers and interpret behaviour supportively.
- Give examples of how deeper understanding led to improved support — not just fewer incidents, but better quality of life.
This is where services can stand out. Commissioners want to see that you don’t just react to behaviour — you seek to understand it.
💡 The Takeaway
Behaviour is not the issue — it’s the clue. When we understand behaviour through a PBS lens, we stop asking “How do we stop this?” and start asking “What does this person need?”
💼 Rapid Support Products (fast turnaround options)
- ⚡ 48-Hour Tender Triage
- 🆘 Bid Rescue Session – 60 minutes
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- 🧩 Tender Answer Blueprint
- 📝 Tender Proofreading & Light Editing
- 🔍 Pre-Tender Readiness Audit
- 📁 Tender Document Review
🚀 Need a Bid Writing Quote?
If you’re exploring support for an upcoming tender or framework, request a quick, no-obligation quote. I’ll review your documents and respond with:
- A clear scope of work
- Estimated days required
- A fixed fee quote
- Any risks, considerations or quick wins
🔁 Prefer Flexible Monthly Support?
If you regularly handle tenders, frameworks or call-offs, a Monthly Bid Support Retainer may be a better fit.
- Guaranteed hours each month (1, 2, 4 or 8 days)
- Discounted day rates vs ad-hoc consultancy
- Use time flexibly across bids, triage, library updates, renewals
- One-month rollover (fair-use rules applied)
- Cancel anytime before next billing date
🚀 Ready to Win Your Next Bid?
Chat on WhatsApp or email Mike.Harrison@impact-guru.co.uk
Updated for Procurement Act 2023 • CQC-aligned • BASE-aligned (where relevant)