PBs - What's That?

At the most recent PBPeople training meeting we set the challenge of defining, in no more than 100 words, what PBs is and what PBs does. This challenge stems from being asked these questions on a regular basis and realising that the answer may vary based on who it is that asks and answers the questions. As a group of trainers we therefore thought it would be helpful to have a range of possible responses. Below is 'one I prepared earlier':

For me ‘Protective Behaviours’ is a process that encourages people to develop an understanding of what safe feels like and use this to identify when they might not feel safe. Then they can decide which bit/s of the process to use to gain some control and feel safer again. Hence, I describe PBs as empowering and supportive because it helps people decide what they could rather than should do while highlighting that they don’t have to come up with choices on their own.
Some people prefer the words ‘framework’ or ‘approach’ to ‘process’ when describing PBs – I like them all!


A further benefit of attempting this challenge could be once we generate definitions of what PBs is and does we could find it easier to measure its effectiveness.

Looking forward to reading your PBs in 100 words.

Hi All,

Here are some other suggestions for PBs in 100 words - or less! The first is from Ann (Seal) who came up with it at our trainer meeting and I agreed to post it for her.

Protective Behaviours is a multi-faceted approach based in a framework which enables individuals to learn to recognise and respond to their internal measure of safety at any time, in any situation and then to feel empowered to take responsibility for choices they may make to enhance their personal development and to access help and support if wanted.”

I have come up with the next one:

“Protective Behaviours is a multi-faceted relational framework for developing caring, protective and learning practices that empower us to risk for a purpose.”

This one I came across when "googling" PBs and comes from South Hill School in Herts:

“Protective Behaviours are the things we say and do to keep ourselves and others safe."

The following ones come from colleagues on Wirral who know about PBs:

“Protective Behaviours enables you to go out and be the best you can be within your own framework of safety”

“Protective Behaviours raises awareness of self and how we interact with others”

“Protective Behaviours develops resilience”

Looking forward to hearing more ideas from other people.
Best wishes
Lucy