In this episode, Jenn Colechin is joined by Brent Hayward, a registered mental health nurse and senior lecturer at Monash University. With over 20 years of Positive Behaviour Support experience spanning disability, mental health, and policy sectors, Dr. Hayward offers a candid reflection on the systemic barriers, evolving practices, and ongoing challenges in supporting individuals with complex needs.
What You’ll Hear:
• Dr. Hayward's “Top 10 Things to Do Differently” (drawn from the Complex Needs Conference presentation)
• A powerful critique of current service delivery models and a roadmap for meaningful change
• Why training alone isn’t enough without ongoing coaching and reflective practice—exploring the pitfalls of the “train and hope” approach to workforce development
• The over-reliance on medical practitioners and assessment referrals—and how we can shift toward truly person-centred, evidence-informed support that empowers both practitioners and support persons
If you’re committed to strengthening practice, navigating systemic inertia, and rethinking how we deliver high-quality support and foster positive outcomes, this episode is a must-listen.