Setting Ethical Standards for Teams-Based PBS Training

How many times have you conducted a session and struggled to get participants to turn their screens on, introduce themselves, or actively engage? How often have you found support staff multitasking, supporting another person in the community, or even participating in training while out in public? You ask a question and receive no response. Despite these challenges, staff are being paid for training. It’s time to set the standard.

Establishing Consistent Standards for Positive Behaviour Support Training Engagement

High-quality Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) training is essential to ethical and effective disability service delivery. While face-to-face training remains the preferred approach, practical challenges such as funding, staffing, and geographic barriers have led to increased use of virtual platforms like Microsoft Teams. As the sector adapts, it is vital to ensure a consistent standard of engagement, regardless of the training format.

Why Consistency Matters

Inconsistent engagement practices can compromise participant safety, privacy, and the effectiveness of PBS strategies. Without clear protocols, virtual training sessions may be subject to distractions, breaches of confidentiality, or reduced learning outcomes. Establishing sector-wide standards ensures staff are equipped to deliver PBS in a manner that respects participant rights and upholds the integrity of service provision.

Achieve and Thrive’s Commitment to Engagement Standards

At Achieve and Thrive, we have developed a protocol to guide support staff participation in PBS training, especially when delivered via virtual platforms. Key requirements include:

• Private and Secure Attendance: Staff must attend training from a location free from distractions and unauthorised individuals.
• Focused Participation: Staff are not rostered to support participants or others with a disability during training, ensuring undivided attention.
• Active Engagement: Use of devices and operational cameras throughout the session enables trainers to verify participation and engagement.
• Enforcement: Staff who do not meet engagement standards are removed from training, and their attendance is not recorded.

These measures support compliance with NDIS Practice Standards and Code of Conduct, reinforce participant privacy and dignity, and promote best practice in safeguarding.

How the Protocol Works

To address these issues, Achieve and Thrive has implemented a clear engagement protocol. This protocol is sent to the provider prior to training, outlining all expectations for participation. The provider reviews, agrees to the standards, and signs the agreement before training commences. Staff engaging in the session are given advance notice that failure to comply, such as not actively participating, not maintaining a secure environment, or not keeping their camera on, will result in immediate removal from the session and their attendance will not be recorded.

This approach ensures everyone is aware of the expectations and consequences, supports consistent engagement, and upholds the integrity of Positive Behaviour Support training across the sector.

A Sector-Wide Call for Consistency

We encourage all disability service providers to adopt clear, consistent standards for PBS training engagement. Whether training occurs face-to-face or virtually, protocols must ensure:

• Respect for participant privacy and rights
• Staff competency and active participation
• Effective safeguarding and ethical practice

Consistency in training engagement is not just a compliance issue; it is fundamental to participant-centred, high-quality service delivery.

Get in Touch

Let’s work collectively to establish and uphold consistent engagement protocols for PBS training across the sector. By prioritising ethical standards, we can ensure every training session supports participant wellbeing and strengthens our shared commitment to excellence.

Contact us today on 1300 132 616 or email info@achieveandthrive.com.au to start the conversation.

We are happy to share our protocol with those wanting to implement change in their PBS space.