The Corporate Director Social Services and wellbeing presented a report which provided Cabinet with an overview of the development of the proposed Positive Behaviour Support/Management and the use of Restrictive Practices Policy (Appendix 1) and sought Cabinet approval to implement the Policy across regulated care services provided by the Social Services and Wellbeing Directorate.

She advised that the proposed policy had been created to cover and support all regulated care services provided by Bridgend County Borough Council’s (BCBC) Social Services and Wellbeing Directorate (SSWB), in both Adults and Children’s Services. further background on restricted practices and the framework developed to support the reduction of Restrictive Practices was at section 3 of the report.

The Deputy Leader stated that we do not hold licences for any form of mechanical restraints. Any use of medical restraints would be highlighted in someone’s risk assessment and care plan.

She added that it was important that the plan highlighted what restraint method could be used, and at what point, and also to ensure that the staff who carry out these methods were supported as well as the patient.

The Deputy Leader pointed out that restraints were used as a last resort as diffusion of the situation was more important and should be used where possible. 

The Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Wellbeing asked who had been part of the consultation process for this policy. The Corporate Director Social Services and wellbeing explained that service managers were consulted in the development of the report as well as trade union representative in BCBC. She has also suggested that the recording of incidents were included in the corporate safeguarding dashboard.

RESOLVED: that Cabinet considered and approved the implementation of the Positive Behaviour Support/Management and the use of Restrictive Practices Policy attached as Appendix 1.