Creating Positive Environments Where All Can Thrive

Whether we work in education or health and social care, we are all, at times, presented with challenges. Some we can foresee; others are unexpected. Despite forward planning and proactive thinking, things can sometimes take an unexpected turn and we can find ourselves confronted by situations that are difficult to navigate. This is true for everyone across an organisation and can be deeply unsettling for all involved.

Whilst we cannot control every eventuality, we can influence our culture and environment. The question, therefore, is: how do we create a positive, supportive environment where people know what to do, how to do it, and are well supported at every stage, so that they can grow and thrive?

The importance of policies and practices

These are the starting point for the creation of any positive environment. Clearly defined policies that outline preferred practice ensure clarity, consistency and coherence across our organisations and reduce the likelihood of reactivity, especially in challenging situations. Through setting out our expectations and sharing these with all stakeholders, we set the tone and the culture from leadership down and ensure there is a shared understanding of our values as an organisation.

The requirement to develop and establish detailed, values-driven policies that specify preferred practice cannot be overstated as these sit at the heart of the behaviour cycle, a vital feedback loop for effectively supporting individuals through the stages of a crisis. Once we have an explicit outline of what preferred practice looks like in real terms, we can formulate preventative strategies in advance, apply corrective measures in the moment, and develop supportive approaches throughout and after incidents.

Embedding preferred practice and ensuring all key players – leaders, staff, support staff, parents and carers, and service users themselves – buy into the vision is the cornerstone of creating a positive, supportive environment for all. That is not to say, however, that these policies and processes are set in stone; they may need to be tweaked and adapted depending on our context or in response to unplanned situations. As with many things, professional judgement is required.

An interdependent approach

Comprehensive policies and practices enable strong relationships to be forged between all members of our organisations. By being clear about the why, the what and the how of our practice, we can develop a culture of deep trust, transparency and communication, not just between staff, but across the whole community.

The strongest, most effective environments adopt an interdependent approach where individuals proactively seek support when required, and where asking for help is actively encouraged. The more we demonstrate and promote this approach as a strength, the better our chances of building a supportive culture in which all can flourish.