Darragh McCullagh

In 2019 my colleague and I created our own consultancy company providing multidisciplinary support to organisations working within the intellectual disability and autism sector. Our company later branched out to begin to offer support packages for families with children with complex needs. These packages were funded by the western health and social care trust in Northern Ireland.

We employed a range of staff that included occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, support workers and admin staff.

I was responsible for the direct line management of these staff from 2019 to 2024. Since June 2024 to now our company stepped back from offering support packages and instead have worked as an independent consultant positive behaviour support specialist for Trinity Care and support services in Cavan and Monaghan. Within this role I developed a greater understanding of HQIA and was involved in preparing services for HQIA inspections. The service I mainly worked recently received a fully compliant assessment.

As line manager for our staff team in Evolve my main roles and skills were:

- Rota development

- Time sheet analysis and assessment

- Staff supervision

- Chairing multidisciplinary team meetings

- Staff training delivery and preparing/monitoring training records

- Team meeting management

- Liaising with other professionals

- Service development

- Person supported transition planning

- Family workshops

- Implementing person centred support plans

As a Positive Behaviour Support Specialist working in an autism and intellectual disability service, my role was centred around understanding the unique needs of each individual and supporting them to lead fulfilling, meaningful lives. I worked closely with the people supported, their staff, their families, and multidisciplinary teams to develop and implement person-centred behaviour support plans that were proactive, respectful, and rooted in evidence-based practice.

My approach was compassionate and strengths-based—I focus on identifying what matters most to the people I support, and I used that understanding to promote positive behaviours and reduce behaviours of concern in a supportive, non-restrictive way.

A key part of my work involved conducting functional behaviour assessments, analysing patterns, and tailoring interventions that enhance quality of life, communication, independence, and overall well-being.

I also provided training, coaching, and guidance to staff and families to ensure consistency and confidence in supporting individuals across different settings. Finally, I was responsible for the management of a small group of positive behaviour support assistant, this involved rota development, team meeting management, staff emotional support amongst other duties.

Some of my key skills from this role were:

- Developing and implementing positive behaviour support training (including physical skills). I was a Studio3 trainer for over 10 years and was lead trainer for Positive Futures across the island of Ireland.

- My strongest skill is working with staff on-the-ground supporting staff to employ best practice is the proactive and reactive management of difficult situations.

- Governance: I have a strong belief in ensuring my service has excellent governance, I did this through the development of positive behaviour support plans, human rights based restrictive practice assessments etc.

As a Support Worker with Positive Futures I provided person-centred support to individuals on the autism spectrum, helping them lead fulfilling and independent lives.

I worked closely with service users to understand their individual needs, preferences, and communication styles, promoting their independence and well-being in everyday activities.

My role involved supporting with daily routines, social skills development, community integration, and emotional regulation. I collaborated with families, professionals, and multidisciplinary teams to ensure consistent and effective support. I also contributed to care planning, kept detailed records, and followed safeguarding and health & safety protocols to maintain a safe, respectful, and empowering environment for each person I supported.