Abstract
Objectives: To explore the understanding of rule bound behaviours of staff working with people with learning disabilities and their experience of changes in their use of rules. Method: In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with seven participants working in residential homes for people with learning disabilities. The interviews were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results: The results highlighted the containing function of rules in the old, long stay hospitals. In their current working, participants described changes in the rules which were associated with a number of positives for people with learning disabilities. Changes in the rules were also associated with less positive outcomes for staff and it appeared at times that the flexibility in rules meant they lost their containing function and were less helpful in guiding actions. Participants discussed an increased autonomy, responsibility and accountability in their work and a sense of being constantly monitored. There appeared to be reluctance amongst participants to own difficulties and anxieties associated with changes in rules and these were instead located within others. Participants identified a number of strategies and issues which they felt had supported these changes. Conclusions: This study’s findings begin to address a thus far under researched area and respond to some of the calls for studies in this area. The research suggests some areas of consideration for implications regarding future practice in staff support and training within residential learning disability services.