Implementing system-wide positive behaviour support through capable environments: a practice-based evaluation

Purpose Positive behaviour support (PBS) is a person-centred approach designed to enhance quality of life and promote proactive, supportive environments for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). PBS aims to prevent, avoid or minimise behaviours that challenge services. The purpose of this paper is to examine the feasibility, acceptability and early outcomes of implementing a system-wide PBS model, using service-based evaluation data from a pilot. The model targeted organisational domains within the capable environments (CE) framework as a universal-level support. Design/methodology/approach A pre–post, mixed-methods design was used with two UK-based adult IDD service providers. The intervention included baseline CE assessment, consultant-led implementation support, collaborative working group action planning and post-intervention evaluation. Quantitative changes were assessed using CE fidelity scores and a paired t-test, while social validity data were collected via staff questionnaires containing Likert-type and open-ended items. Findings CE fidelity scores significantly improved from pre-intervention (M = 77.8, SD = 17.8) to post-intervention (M = 85.9, SD = 17.7), t(5) = −3.91, p = 0.011. Social validity outcomes indicated high acceptability, contextual relevance and perceived benefits for staff competence, leadership engagement and alignment with PBS principles. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this practice-based paper is the first to implement the organisational domains of the CE framework as a universal-tier one intervention within a system-wide PBS model. It offers a replicable model for practice and establishes a foundation for future large-scale delivery and evaluation.