CONVI's approach is built on positive behaviour support (PBS) principles: understanding the function of behaviour, addressing unmet needs, and building skills and environments that make behaviour of concern unnecessary. All behaviour is communication — our first question is always "what is this behaviour trying to tell us?"
1. Core Principles
- All behaviour is communication — our first question is always "what is this behaviour trying to tell us?"
- Participants have the right to appropriate support, not containment
- Restrictive practices are a last resort — not a first response
- Workers are supported, trained, and not expected to manage serious behaviour without appropriate tools and backing
2. Behaviour Support Plans (BSPs)
Where a participant has a Behaviour Support Plan prepared by an NDIS-registered Behaviour Support Practitioner:
- Workers read and acknowledge the BSP before their first session — recorded on the Induction Checklist (HR-08)
- BSP strategies are implemented exactly as described — not adapted informally
- Departures from BSP strategies (even with good intent) are documented and reported to the Director
- BSP effectiveness is tracked via BC session notes
- Workers report to the Director when the BSP does not appear to be working, or when behaviour escalates beyond BSP scope
Where no BSP exists but a participant presents behaviour of concern: the Director is notified. CONVI does not implement informal behaviour management strategies that have not been approved through the appropriate framework.
3. De-escalation Principles
De-escalation is CONVI's primary response to escalating behaviour. Workers are trained to:
- Regulate themselves first — a calm worker is the most powerful de-escalation tool
- Reduce environmental stimulation — noise, demands, proximity, pace
- Use language that reduces pressure — low, slow, non-confrontational
- Offer choices where possible — autonomy reduces escalation
- Apply participant-specific strategies from the Support Plan or BSP — not improvised techniques
- Give the participant space and time — de-escalation cannot be rushed
- Know when to withdraw — if escalating despite de-escalation, remove yourself to a safe distance and call for support
4. Worker Obligations in Response to Behaviour of Concern
- Do not respond with physical intervention unless you are trained and an authorised restrictive practice is in place — see POL-12
- Do not raise your voice, make threats, or use confrontational language
- Do not impose your own informal consequence — workers do not "discipline" participants
- Remove yourself to safety if the situation requires it — participant safety is managed through the support network, not through worker self-sacrifice
- Document every incident or near miss accurately in BC and notify the Director same day
5. Post-Incident Support
Following any incident involving behaviour of concern:
- Worker is offered a debrief with the Director within 24 hours
- Participant Support Plan and Risk Assessment are reviewed to determine if updates are required
- If the incident was reportable: NDIS Commission notification per SOP-INC-01 and SOP-INC-02
- Patterns of behaviour are reviewed at the next available supervision session
- If the existing BSP is not preventing or managing the behaviour: referral to a Behaviour Support Practitioner is initiated by the Director
6. Related Documents
POL-13 | v1.0 | May 2026 | Convi Pty Ltd (ACN 677 127 703) as Trustee for Attard Family Australia Trust | ABN 60 342 025 267