PBS Training for Teams Who Put People First
Understand how to use positive behaviour support to make a real difference
giveusashout@pbsuk.org | 01234 567890
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TRAINING BROCHURE
This brochure outlines a comprehensive training offer designed to support people, teams, and organisations to strengthen practice and leadership in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS). The programmes described here are built around developing practical capability, supporting reflective practice, and enabling learning that leads to sustained improvements in everyday support.
Training is structured across clear learning levels and pathways, allowing individuals and organisations to engage at a point that matches their role, experience, and responsibilities. Delivery can take place online or in person, and all courses are adapted to the context in which they are delivered, including organisational priorities, workforce composition, and the needs of people receiving support. The emphasis throughout is on learning that can be confidently applied in real-world settings and supported over time.
Core Training Programmes
| Course | Description | Level | Duration / Structure | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PBS Informed | CPD-accredited training based on the 10 key components of PBS and PBS Academy standards. | Informed | 1 day (general) or 2 days (service-specific & practice-based) | Direct support staff; supervisory and managerial roles |
| PBS Equipped (Level 2 Diploma) | Longitudinal, practice-based programme focusing on assessment, PBS planning, evaluation, and practice leadership. Requires a focus person and consent. | Equipped | 4 days delivered over 10 weeks | Supervisory, managerial, and behaviour specialist roles |
| PBS Informed – Train the Trainer | Supports organisations to deliver internal PBS training at Aware and Informed levels, with ongoing quality assurance. | Trainer Pathway | 3 days | Managers, practice leaders and trainers |
| PBS System-Wide Workshops | Supports system review, training needs analysis, and development of PBS-aligned policies, procedures, and capable environments. | System / Strategic | 2 days | Leaders responsible for PBS implementation at scale |
| Level 6 Diploma in Positive Behaviour Support | UK-SBA approved (UKBA Assist level) qualification comprising 500 hours of advanced, practice-based learning over 18 months. | Advanced / Specialist | 5 teaching days, monthly tutorials, sequenced eLearning modules | PBS specialists, clinical leads, senior practitioners |
Core Training Programmes
| Course | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| PBS Family Course | Six-week course supporting families to understand PBS, strengthen relationships, prioritise carer wellbeing, and develop proactive and reactive strategies. Includes access to an experienced PBS practitioner and a final 1:1 review session. |
6 × 2-hour group sessions plus 1 × 1-hour individual session |
Specialist and Complementary Training
| Course | Focus | Levels / Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training – Tier 2 | Legally mandated training for staff working directly with autistic people and people with a learning disability. Co-delivered with experts by experience. | Tier 2 | Duration agreed with organisation |
| PERMA and Quality of Life | Applying positive psychology to enhance wellbeing and flourishing. |
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| Autism Training | Co-produced training supporting meaningful, individualised understanding of autism. |
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| Active Support | Increasing engagement and participation using the four key components of Active Support. |
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| Practice Leadership (Equipped) | Developing leaders who can model, coach, and sustain good practice, with virtual coaching between workshops. | 4 days plus individual coaching |
| Compassionate Debriefing | Supporting psychological safety, learning cultures, and staff wellbeing. | 2 days |
Delivery Options, Group Sizes & Quality Assurance
Delivery Options:
All courses can be delivered face-to-face or online. Training content is adapted to reflect local systems, organisational values, workforce roles, and the needs of people being supported.
Group Sizes:
• Awareness courses (online): suitable for larger groups
• Informed courses: 12–16 participants
• Equipped courses: 8 participants (up to 12 with a 25% supplement due to additional support requirements)
Quality Assurance:
• All trainers have extensive & direct experience working in health and social care services
• Courses are reviewed at least annually and updated in line with developments in the field
• Trainers are observed regularly and provided with performance feedback
• All training is evaluated using participant feedback to support continuous improvement
What We Offer
Who We Support
Supportive partnerships that create real change.
Social Care Teams
Build confidence and reduce distress with everyday PBS tools that support meaningful, person-centred care.
Education Staff
Training for classroom and pastoral staff to build safer, more inclusive learning environments for everyone.
Clinical Roles
Boost confidence in PBS-informed decision-making with tools that bring insight and clarity to your role.
Commissioners
A clearer view of PBS implementation, practice standards, and the building blocks for long-term change.
Family Carers
Practical strategies to understand behaviour, lower stress, and create calmer, more connected home life.
Senior Leaders
Embed positive behavioural support across your service and lead cultural change from values through to practice.
Hear From the People We Support
Real stories, real outcomes, real change.
Training People to Support Rather Than React
Positive behaviour support helps teams see behaviour differently – as communication shaped by someone’s experience and environment. With the right tools and values, teams move from reacting to behaviours to supporting individuals behind them.
Our PBS training is grounded in everyday practice. It helps people:
- Understand behaviour in context
- Use proactive, not reactive, approaches
- Create practical, person-centred positive behaviour support plans
- Build supportive, capable environments
- Support communication and choice
Confident teams create real change. We focus on training that builds skill, strengthens values, and supports long-term improvement in everyday support.
PBS Training That Fits Your Practice
Our training pathway is designed to meet people where they are — whether you are building foundational knowledge or developing advanced specialist expertise. Our courses are mapped to the PBS Competence Framework and combine evidence-based content with practical application.
PBS Informed Course
An introductory course that builds essential knowledge of the 12 key components of Positive Behaviour Support (Gore et al., 2022). This course is ideal for those new to PBS or looking to strengthen their understanding of core principles and values.
Functional Assessment Course
Guided learning focused on conducting functional assessments and developing effective, values-led PBS plans. Participants gain structured tools and practical experience to apply assessment findings in meaningful ways.
PBS Equipped (Level 2 Diploma)
A multi-session, practice-based course that leads to a recognised Level 2 qualification. This programme provides time and space to learn, reflect, and apply PBS within your own setting, strengthening confidence and competence in day-to-day practice.
Level 6 Diploma in Positive Behaviour Support
A nationally recognised Level 6 qualification designed for those leading or embedding PBS within services. This advanced programme develops high-level assessment, formulation, implementation, and systems leadership skills, supporting practitioners to deliver sustained and accountable change.
All courses can be delivered in person or online, depending on what works best for your team or organisation.
How We Deliver PBS Training
Take the First Step Today.
We’re here when you’re ready
No judgment — Practical support — Meaningful change
Why Choose PBS UK?
Designed By Practitioners
Reflective And Adaptive
Shaped By Frontline Insight
Training That Adapts With You
Meet the PBS UK Team
Meet the friendly faces behind every PBS UK plan, assessment and training session.
Paddy Behan
Co-Founder & Director
Tia Martin
Co-Founder & Director
Donald Martin
Company Secretary
Hannah Newcombe
Senior Associate Director
Huw Price
PBS Practicioner
Katie Lyon
Associate Director
Anna Knight
PBS Practitioner
Kate Barker
PBS Practitioner
Sandra Bryan
PBS Practicioner
Susie Jenni
PBS Practitioner
Poonam Khunti
PBS Trainee Practitioner
Jonathan Shield
PBS Technician
Iain Thomson
PBS Practitioner
Where To Find Us
While PBS UK is registered as a business in Scotland, our team is based across the UK and we deliver services nationwide
Registered in Scotland with company number SC540834.
Contact Us
Reach out today – we’d love to hear from you!
FAQs | PBS Training
What kind of PBS training do you offer?
We offer different positive behavioural support training courses, including a one-day introductory PBS Informed Course, Functional Assessment Course, multi-session PBS Equipped Course, and ongoing mentoring options. Each is CPD-accredited and shaped to the learning needs of your team.
Who is PBS training suitable for?
Our positive behaviour support courses are designed for professionals working in education, health, care, and family support roles. We can adjust content depending on experience and setting.
Can training lead to a PBS plan?
It can. Skills-based courses often support participants to begin developing or reviewing a PBS plan with supervision.
Does training include functional assessments?
Yes. Our Functional Assessment Course explores tools, formulation, and planning. It’s ideal for roles involved in behaviour support planning.
Do I need experience to attend?
Not necessarily. We have an introductory course (PBS Informed Course) that is ideal for beginners. However, our PBS Equipped Course requires previous introductory PBS training.
How is PBS UK training different?
We focus on practice, not theory. That means active learning, coaching, and helping your team apply PBS best practice with confidence.
Can training help reduce restrictive practices?
Yes. PBS encourages proactive strategies and environmental changes, helping reduce behaviours that often lead to restriction.
Is support available after training ends?
Absolutely. We offer mentoring, coaching, and reviews to help you maintain momentum and confidence in PBS.
What is the UK PBS Competence Framework?
It’s a UK framework developed by the PBS coalition outlining what good positive behavioural support looks like. It defines three levels of PBS practice – from direct support staff to senior behaviour specialists – and helps ensure consistency across services. The framework covers areas like best practice PBS for people with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour
What levels does your training cover?
Our training focuses on Level 1 and Level 2 competencies, supporting direct care staff, supervisors, and team leaders. For those working at Level 3, we recommend formal qualifications through higher education, though we can offer supervision and mentoring for those in senior roles where helpful.
How does the training process work?
We start with scoping, tailor sessions to your goals, deliver the training, and then follow up to ensure everything is running smoothly.
Still have questions?
Contact our team or call us on 01234 567890 today.
Take the First Step Today.
We’re here when you’re ready
No judgment — Practical support — Meaningful change
