Behavioural incidents/near misses - safety first approach

9.1   Despite all best practice measures, a behavioural incident may occur.   

In House behaviours incidents 

9.2   If an incident occurs, we will use the person’s PBS support plan as necessary to minimise risk of harm, keep everyone safe and restore calm.  

9.3   When the incident is an emergency and falls out of the scope of an individual’s behavioural support plan, staff will take whatever action is appropriate and necessary to minimise risk of harm, keep everyone safe and restore calm. These actions must be proportionate to the incident and recorded with justification for their choice of actions.  

9.4   During the intervention, staff will constantly monitor the person’s health and explain what is happening to help reduce any anxiety the person may feel. 

In-House behavioural incidents recording and next steps 

9.5   The use of unplanned interventions will begin a review of the person’s behavioural needs and a creation or update to their behavioural support plan if necessary. 

9.6   Incident reports must be completed for all incidents and near misses i.e., when an incident could have occurred but was averted in time. Use of any restrictive intervention must be reported to the council’s SHE unit. 

9.7   As soon as is practicable after an incident staff will: 

• Contact a line manager / on call manager as appropriate to report what has happened and for support and guidance
• Complete an incident report and provide it to their line manager 
• Record what happened and the response to the incident in the person’s record
• Communicate what occurred to relevant staff on duty and to incoming staff

Managers will: 

• Discuss what happened with the person and / or their family / carers as appropriate
• Ensure that everyone involved in / affected by the incident receives any necessary post incident support
• Advise the council’s Safeguarding team where serious harm has occurred or there are significant concerns about practice
• Advise the regulator of any regulated service of any incident which meets the criteria for statutory notification and keep the person, their family or representative informed about the investigation and its outcome
• Investigate the incident
• Ensure that behaviour support plans are reviewed and if necessary updated

Behavioural Incidents in the person’s community 

9.8   Everyone supporting the person must follow what is agreed in the behavioural support plan. 

9.9   If there are any concerns that the support plan is not working, you can request a review through Social Services Adult Helpdesk 01452 426868 or online here Health and Social Care Adults and Older People.

9.10  For out of hours social care emergencies, please call 01452 614194 

If you are concerned that the person isn’t being treated as above and worry the person may be experiencing abuse, you can contact Gloucestershire Adults Safeguarding Team by email socialcare.enq@gloucestershire.gov.uk