Purpose The purpose of this paper is to describe the nature and impact of a restraint reduction strategy implemented within a secure learning disability service in response to the national Positive and Safe programme. Design/methodology/approach The strategy was comprised of three primary interventions – Safewards, positive behavioural support and data-informed practice – and utilised a programme management approach to ensure effective delivery. Baseline measures were collected from 12 months of data prior to implementation of the programme and the frequency of each category of restrictive intervention was then measured prospectively on a monthly basis throughout the duration of the programme. Findings Upon completion of the programme the following results were achieved: elimination of prone restraint – elimination of mechanical restraint – 42 per cent reduction in general use of restraint – 42 per cent reduction in use of seclusion – 52 per cent reduction in rapid tranquilisation. Originality/value The paper adds to the growing body of evidence that carefully designed interventions can reduce the frequency of seclusion and restraint. In this case, Safewards and PBS have combined to exert their effect. Data-led practice and senior leadership were also found to be of critical importance. Finally, the need for a stable workforce is considered.

Surveillance for biosecurity hazards is being conducted by the New Zealand Competent Authority, the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to support New Zealand's biosecurity system. Surveillance evaluation should be an integral part of the surveillance life cycle, as it provides a means to identify and correct problems and to sustain and enhance the existing strengths of a surveillance system. The surveillance evaluation Framework (SurF) presented here was developed to provide a generic framework within which the MPI biosecurity surveillance portfolio, and all of its components, can be consistently assessed. SurF is an innovative, cross-sectoral effort that aims to provide a common umbrella for surveillance evaluation in the animal, plant, environment and aquatic sectors. It supports the conduct of the following four distinct components of an evaluation project: (i) motivation for the evaluation, (ii) scope of the evaluation, (iii) evaluation design and implementation and (iv) reporting and communication of evaluation outputs. Case studies, prepared by MPI subject matter experts, are included in the framework to guide users in their assessment. Three case studies were used in the development of SurF in order to assure practical utility and to confirm usability of SurF across all included sectors. It is anticipated that the structured approach and information provided by SurF will not only be of benefit to MPI but also to other New Zealand stakeholders. Although SurF was developed for internal use by MPI, it could be applied to any surveillance system in New Zealand or elsewhere.

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There is growing recognition that, of the small proportion of people with learning disabilities who do offend, a disproportionate number are likely to have committed offences of a sexual nature. Perhaps of greater concern is the lack of empirical data to support the diversity of clinical interventions employed with this client group, and an absence of objective criteria for determining the outcome of such interventions. This paper describes initial findings of a study designed to assess treatment outcomes in eight male sexual offenders with learning disabilities currently detained in a special hospital. Data were collected through a range of quantitative research instruments in order to establish the utility of various assessment methods. Results obtained demonstrate positive shifts in several of the areas targeted during treatment. However, difficulties in the use of quantitative instruments with such inherently small samples are highlighted and discussed, and the paper, therefore, concludes by outlining how the research will develop hereafter through the development of a more qualitatively oriented, ordinal assessment instrument.