ABOUT US
The PABSS Report 2025 has been published!
ABOUT US
Positive & Active Behaviour Support Scotland (PABSS) is a volunteer-led charity dedicated to supporting families of disabled children, young people, and adults who may present with behaviours that challenge. Rooted in the belief that all behaviour is communication, PABSS empowers families with trauma-informed, rights-based tools to support their children with compassion and understanding.
We provide specialist training in Autism, sensory processing, and inclusive strategies to help build empathetic environments for neurodivergent children. We champion the use of the Communication Passport to ensure children’s voices are heard in every setting, and uphold human rights through every facet of our work.
Our advocacy centres on preventing the misuse of restraint and seclusion in schools. Our flagship campaign, Calum’s Law, launched in 2015, now leads a national movement for transparency, accountability, and legislative reform across Scotland.
We give a voice to those who have none.
Founder
PABSS was founded by Beth Morrison, a passionate advocate for children’s rights, after her youngest son Calum, who has complex additional support needs including Epilepsy, Cerebral Palsy and Autism, sustained horrific injuries during a dangerous face-down restraint by staff at his special school.
Motivated by this deeply personal experience, Beth studied Psychology, Behavioural Science and Mental Health at university, and completed the Positive Behaviour Support Coaches Programme with the British Institute of Learning Disabilities (BILD) all to better understand how children, young people and adults with learning disabilities can be supported with compassion and without the use of restraint or seclusion.
She also completed several modules with the Open University focused on the importance of sensory processing, deepening her understanding of how sensory differences impact behaviour and wellbeing.
She leads much of PABSS’s advocacy work, supporting families through school meetings and forums with dedication and empathy. Beth is also our main workshop facilitator, bringing warmth, insight and personal experience into every training session. Beyond PABSS, she speaks at national and international conferences, regularly appearing as a keynote speaker to share her story and push for systemic change.
Beth has contributed to various academic projects, including a recent publication in collaboration with Manchester Metropolitan University through the LEARN Project, further amplifying the voices of families and advancing research-informed practice.
As a direct result of their campaign work, Beth and her colleague and co-creator of the Communication Passport, Kate Sanger, joined a Scottish Government working group to co-author the National Guidance on the Use of Restraint and Seclusion in Schools, published in November 2024. This milestone reflects their commitment to rights-based reform and the power of lived experience in shaping policy.
Most recently, Beth authored the PABSS Report 2025, a landmark publication capturing the voices of families and calling for urgent, system-wide change to end restraint and seclusion in schools once and for all.
Through campaigning, training, and collaboration with national bodies, Beth has helped transform practice—including the first school guidance on restrictive practices in Scotland. PABSS continues to deliver impactful training grounded in compassion, experience, and trauma-informed practice, working towards a future where children are understood, supported, and safe.
Co-creator of the Communication Passport
Kate is a mother of three and a former Scottish Carer of the Year!.
Her youngest daughter lives with a severe learning disability, complex communication disorder, and ongoing medical needs. Originally trained in nursing in Glasgow, Kate worked within the NHS in both Scotland and England. She later made the decision to leave her professional career to become a full-time carer for her daughter, who requires round-the-clock support.
Kate’s daughter experiences self-injurious behaviour and other behaviours often described as “challenging,” particularly when trying to communicate that something is wrong or her needs are not being met. These behaviours are a reflection of unmet communication needs rather than intentional disruption, highlighting the importance of compassionate, informed responses.
For over fifteen years, Kate has championed a deeper understanding of behaviours often described as “challenging,” advocating for positive, trauma-informed strategies that support lasting change. Her journey began with training herself and those supporting her daughter to recognise the function of such behaviours and respond in ways that uphold dignity and inclusion.
Kate is a Trustee Adviser to the Challenging Behaviour Foundation (CBF) and an experienced co-presenter trainer. She has shared her expertise and lived experience through key presentations, including Behaviours That Challenge: Addressing the Barriers to Inclusion at the Royal Society of Medicine, and Excellence Out of Adversity at the Scottish Parliament. She has also co-led workshops in clinical education settings, contributing to a self-selective component course focused on caring for people with learning disabilities in medical environments.
In collaboration with her eldest daughter, Jennifer Sanger, Kate co-founded mycommpass.com a freely accessible platform offering Communication Passport templates and guidance. The resource enables families and professionals to amplify the voices of individuals who face challenges expressing themselves.
Her long-standing advocacy includes a call for Mandatory Training for all professionals working with children and adults who have learning disabilities. She envisions a society where all children, especially her own remarkable daughter are treated with the same care and respect afforded to their peers.
As part of this mission for systemic change, Kate played a key role along with Beth Morrison in the Scottish Government group responsible for developing the Restraint and Seclusion Guidance, published in November 2024. This guidance marks a significant step forward in promoting consistent, rights-based practices across Scotland’s education system.
Trustee
Sarah is a proud mother of three and a Band 5 staff nurse with NHS Tayside, whose blend of clinical expertise and lived experience brings a unique strength to the PABSS Board of Trustees. Her journey with the charity began when her eldest son was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, leading her to seek support in navigating his educational needs. With guidance from PABSS, Sarah developed a bespoke Communication Passport, an experience that transformed how her son’s voice was understood and how his needs were met in school.
Motivated by this powerful change, Sarah became a passionate advocate for trauma-informed, rights-based practice. Her professional background as a nurse enhances her approach, blending empathy with clinical insight to champion neurodivergent children and those with additional support needs. She brings valuable knowledge of sensory regulation, emotional wellbeing, and holistic care into the heart of the charity’s mission.
As a trustee, Sarah contributes strategic guidance and frontline awareness, helping to shape policies and resources that reflect the realities families face every day. She believes deeply in the principle that behaviour is communication—and that by listening carefully, schools and services can create environments that are not only safe, but truly inclusive.
Sarah is especially passionate about the practical impact of tools like the Communication Passport and Positive Behaviour Support Plans, which she sees as essential to building understanding between professionals, children, and families. Her personal journey fuels her commitment to ensuring no child’s distress goes unheard and no parent feels alone.
In every role, Sarah leads with compassion, clarity, and conviction—making her a trusted voice and a steadfast advocate within the PABSS community.
Trustee and Treasurer
Siralyn is a devoted mother of three, including her eldest son Andrew, who is autistic and lives with multiple sclerosis, sensory integration challenges, and anxiety. Following Andrew’s diagnosis at age three, she stepped away from her work as a hairdresser and Army Cadet Force instructor to become his full-time carer, a decision that marked the beginning of a powerful journey of insight, resilience, and advocacy.
Over the years, she has supported Andrew through behavioural distress by embracing empathy, reflection, and proactive care. She has witnessed how behaviour is often misinterpreted and misunderstood in educational settings, leading to unnecessary stress for children and families alike. Through attuned caregiving and self-reflection, she has seen the life-changing impact of recognising behaviour as communication and rejecting punitive approaches in favour of compassionate support.
Her nurturing philosophy has shaped not only Andrew’s experience, but also the upbringing of her two neurotypical daughters. Now, as part of the wider PABSS community, her wisdom continues to inspire families and professionals alike.
In her advocacy role, Siralyn provides heartfelt, practical support to families, attending school meetings alongside parents, helping them navigate systems, and ensuring their child’s needs and rights are truly understood. Her ability to translate personal experience into meaningful guidance makes her a trusted voice and calming presence in situations that can feel overwhelming or adversarial.
Whether in the home, at a school table, or within the PABSS forums, Siralyn leads with compassion, clarity, and deep lived expertise, making her an indispensable support to those seeking safer, more inclusive education for every child.
Trustee
Davie is affectionately known across the team as the resident “Tech Guy.” He’s the architect behind the PABSS website and takes the lead in managing the organisation’s digital infrastructure—including remote working systems, tech support, and digital security.
With a knack for solving problems and keeping things running smoothly, Davie ensures that everyone on #TeamPABSS can work efficiently no matter where they are. His calm, practical approach and deep technical knowledge make him an indispensable part of the team. Beyond the code and cables, Davie brings a genuine passion for helping others and a shared commitment to the values that drive PABSS forward.
He’s proud to be part of #TeamPABSS and finds real fulfilment in supporting the organisation’s mission through the digital threads that keep everything connected.
Volunteer
Peter is a retired University Lecturer with a background in financial services, whose blend of academic expertise, practical insight, and lived experience makes him an integral part of Team PABSS. His experience in higher education honed his analytical strengths and communication skills, which now enhance our training programmes and advocacy efforts.
Peter plays a key role in developing and delivering trauma-informed training, and is preparing to lead sessions whenever Beth is unavailable. His calm presence and deep respect for learning environments ensure consistency, accessibility, and child-centred practice throughout our work.
He was also a critical reader of The PABSS Report, providing thoughtful feedback to strengthen its clarity, rigour, and emotional impact. In addition to his strategic input, Peter supports our day-to-day operations and logistics, often travelling the country with Beth to help facilitate presentations and connect with communities.
As a parent with lived experience, Peter offers quiet guidance and genuine empathy within our parent-led forums. His reflective approach and listening ear make him a trusted support for families navigating distress, exclusion, and the fight for rights-based education.
Peter embodies the values at the heart of PABSS: compassion, clarity, and commitment to protecting vulnerable children, and we’re proud to have him as part of the team.
Creator of the PABSS Logo
JR Design was founded in 2012 by professional graphic designer and photographer Joe Rossa. Specialising in high quality image processing and logo design, JR Design produces and composes images for advertising, marketing and brand composition. With over 12 years professional experience and a qualification in graphic design, Joe is ready to work with you to create a work of art every time. Joe was delighted to help PABSS create a bespoke logo as he has a brother with Autism.