Dedicated Anthony Risker has achieved a fantastic professional milestone by attaining his Level 7 post-graduate qualification in Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
Anthony, who is the Registered Manager at The Grove and Acklam House, developed a passion for PBS after training in and then progressing as a trainer in Non-Abusive Psychological and Physical Intervention (NAPPI).
After seeing the incredible impact of this approach on the wellbeing of the people supported at his services and his colleagues, Anthony wanted to learn more.
Head of Learning & Development Kat Walsh arranged for Anthony to attend the annual Bild conference and other seminars and conferences linked to the implementation of PBS within organisations. He was encouraged to go for his Level 7 qualification, which is equivalent to a Masters, by Kat and Swanton CEO Gary Thompson.
Anthony said: “I am delighted to have got my Level 7 because I’m massively passionate about PBS and the impact it can have in the lives of the people we support.
“I’ve learned so much from this course and I’m now using that learning in my services and helping other managers to use it in theirs, implementing contingency diagrams.
“My overarching goal is to be able to enhance PBS practices within my own services and the wider organisation by improving the quality and validity of staff training, ensuring intervention fidelity directly affects service user outcomes.”
“One of the most powerful things I’ve taken from the course is how to build staff resilience and how this can impact on the quality of care being delivered.
“We are now using ‘quality of life’ tools with our teams, and measuring and tracking the impact of the PBS work within our services.
“It’s already making a massive difference in people’s lives.”
Anthony says that at Swanton, he feels supported and encouraged to make learning and development a significant part of his working life.
He added: “It’s great to work for a company that is so supportive and nurturing when it comes to developing your skills.
“For me to get a Level 7 qualification in PBS is a massive achievement in my career, but it’s also going to have a profound impact on the people I work with and support.
“I’m already working with colleagues across Swanton to share my knowledge and the PBS approach with other services.
“I’m very grateful to Kat and Gary for all their encouragement and support.”
