Safety and Wellbeing in Complex Services
In this episode, Clare talks to Cale Begley, Learning and Development Lead for Team Teach Australia and New Zealand, about how we can enhance safety, wellbeing, and productivity in complex support services.
They discuss the types of stressors staff might face and how these can impact safety and wellbeing. They also explore strategies to create calm, positive, and supportive environments for all, especially around behaviour.
Prior to his current position leading the L&D team for Australia and New Zealand, Cale worked in special needs education for over 15 years, with roles encompassing teaching, chaplaincy, and school leadership. Most of Cale’s work was in a school for students with the most complex support needs, including physical, cognitive, and communication disabilities.
Cale led the school through a number of changes that supported the reduction of incidents, resulting in improvements in student and staff wellbeing and safety. His work with Team Teach now enables him to share his experience with other practitioners.
Cale shares three tips during the episode:
- When there is a high level of anxiety and escalation, reflect on whether contact and proximity are effective strategies for supporting behaviour and maximising safety, or whether this approach could lead to increased risk.
- Regularly review practice, asking: How can we prevent this situation from happening? How can we plan for situations if they do arise? And what do we have in place for post-incident support, repair, and learning?
- Teamwork is vital. Make sure there is always someone available to support colleagues, with clear processes in place for accessing that help and guidance.
We hope you find the podcast helpful.
Please get in touch any time if you’d like help with behaviour in your organisation.
