We’re proud to share that our Exemplar Positive Behaviour Support (EPBS) training has achieved certification by the British Institute of Learning Disabilities Association of Certified Training (Bild ACT).
This certification confirms that the training meets the Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) Training Standards 2019 - giving individuals, families, and commissioners confidence that we provide safe, ethical, and person-centred support in line with national best practice.
What is EPBS training?
EPBS is our in-house positive behaviour support (PBS) training programme, developed by our specialist clinical and behaviour support teams.
PBS focuses on understanding the reasons behind behaviours of concern, including the environmental, physical, and emotional factors that influence them.
Our approach emphasises prevention, early intervention, and meaningful alternatives to restrictive practices.
The training is designed to:
strengthen understanding of behaviours of concern
minimise the use of restrictive practices
equip colleagues with the skills to support people safely, therapeutically, and respectfully.
What does EPBS training include?
EPBS has two levels of structured, evidence-based training.
Level 1 includes two days of core learning covering PBS theory, psychological support, self-protection, and breakaway techniques.
Level 2 provides up to 3 days of advanced training on the safe and ethical use of restrictive interventions - delivered where required following a learning needs analysis.
Through this model, our teams develop the knowledge and confidence to:
uphold people’s fundamental human rights
use positive risk-taking to promote independence and wellbeing
reduce the frequency and intensity of behaviours of concern
provide tailored, trauma-informed, person-centred care.
What does this mean for the people we support?
Many of the people we support live with mental health conditions, neurological conditions, or acquired brain injuries. These can lead to changes in communication, emotional regulation, and/or behaviour.
Our aim is to use the least restrictive intervention possible, and only when absolutely necessary, to support people if they display behaviours of concern.
We focus on understanding the underlying need that’s driving the behaviour and supporting the person in a way that’s safe, respectful, and effective.
EPBS training gives our colleagues the skills to:
recognise early signs of distress
respond in proactive, preventative ways
reduce the need for physical intervention
improve stability and quality of life.
In many cases, this approach leads to a reduction in both the frequency and severity of behaviours of concern - often within the first 12 weeks of admission.
“We welcomed the introduction of the RRN Training Standards back in 2019 as a much-needed framework for safe, ethical practice.
“We're proud that our EPBS training has now been certificated by Bild ACT. It’s a clear recognition that our approach meets national standards and supports the rights and wellbeing of the people in our care.
“The training is designed to reduce the need for restrictive practices and empower colleagues to support people in taking positive, balanced risks - just as we all do in everyday life.
“Each level of training is tailored to the needs of the service and the individual, helping us provide more consistent, person-centred care and better long-term stability for those we support.”
Ongoing development
As part of the certification process, our Behavioural Support Leads have also achieved certification as senior trainers - further strengthening our internal capability.
About the RRN Training Standards
The RRN Training Standards (2019) set the national benchmark for training in the use of restrictive practices across health, social care, and education.
They ensure that:
training is ethical, proportionate, and rights-based
content reflects the needs of the people being supported
programmes are delivered by qualified, knowledgeable professionals.
Bild ACT is the UKAS-accredited body licensed by the RRN to certify training programmes against these standards.
