Protective Behaviours International (PBI)
A specialist practice of the Institute of Hope.
Protective Behaviours International (PBI) reflects the Institute of Hope's longstanding commitment to creating safer people, safer relationships and safer communities.
For almost three decades, Bronwyn Clee has worked alongside individuals, organisations and communities, sharing the principles of Universal Protective Behaviours to strengthen personal safety, respectful relationships and psychosocial wellbeing.
Today, PBI sits within the Institute of Hope, where its principles continue to inform our leadership development, workplace culture, psychological safety and organisational capability programs.
Whether we're supporting leaders, teams or communities, the belief remains the same:
Everyone has the right to feel safe at all times.
Everyone can talk with someone about anything, no matter what it is.
Those two simple themes continue to shape the way we work, the conversations we facilitate and the relationships we build.
Training Trusted By
Our Guiding Principles
All of our training is anchored in the Language of Safety - a framework built by Di Margetts, around four key principles; Quality, Clarity, Shared Meaning and Ownership. This enables honest, boundary‑setting conversations and fosters mutual clarity and shared meaning.
The Two Themes
For almost 50 years, Universal Protective Behaviours has been built on two simple yet powerful themes that continue to guide conversations about personal safety, respectful relationships and wellbeing.
Together, these two themes continue to shape the way we work with individuals, families, communities and organisations, creating safer conversations, stronger relationships and cultures where people can flourish.
Theme One
We all have the right to feel safe at all times.
Feeling safe is a fundamental human need. This theme reminds us that every person has the right to physical, emotional, psychological and cultural safety, and that we all share a responsibility to contribute to environments where people can thrive.
Theme Two
We can talk with someone about anything, no matter what it is.
No one should have to navigate life's challenges alone. This theme encourages trusted conversations, early support and help-seeking, recognising that connection is often the first step towards safety, hope and positive change.
Why PBI Matters
Universal Protective Behaviours is more than a personal safety framework. It provides a practical, strengths-based approach to building safer relationships, stronger communication and greater psychosocial wellbeing.
Grounded in two simple themes, PBI helps people recognise what safety feels like, communicate with confidence and respond early when something doesn't feel right. These principles support individuals, workplaces and communities to build trust, strengthen relationships and create environments where people can thrive.
The PBI Story
The Protective Behaviours International Story
Protective Behaviours began in the 1970s through the pioneering work of social worker Peg West, whose vision was simple yet profound: everyone has the right to feel safe, and everyone can talk with someone about anything, no matter what it is.
Bronwyn Clee began training in Universal Protective Behaviours in 1997 under the guidance of Peg West and has spent almost three decades applying and evolving the framework across education, health, community services, government and organisational settings.
In 2017, Bronwyn partnered with long-time colleague Di Margetts and Jodie Ferguson of PB West to establish Protective Behaviours International (PBI). Together, they sought to honour the integrity of Peg West's original work while ensuring it remained contemporary, evidence-informed and responsive to the changing needs of individuals, workplaces and communities.
Today, PBI continues to build on that foundation by integrating Universal Protective Behaviours with current understandings of neuroscience, nervous system regulation, trauma-informed, responsive practice and psychosocial safety. This evolution strengthens the practical application of Protective Behaviours while remaining true to its original purpose: helping people feel safe, strengthen relationships and navigate life's challenges with confidence.
As a specialist practice of the Institute of Hope, PBI continues to support leaders, practitioners and organisations to apply these principles in ways that are relevant, practical and grounded in today's evidence while honouring the enduring wisdom of the original framework.
PBI Today
The principles of Universal Protective Behaviours continue to inform our work with leaders, teams, organisations and communities across Australia.
Rather than existing as a standalone program, PBI coexists alongside our other evidence-informed frameworks to strengthen communication, relationships, leadership and workplace culture.
It's how a simple yet powerful philosophy continues to create meaningful impact across homes, schools, workplaces and communities.
CHANGE MAKERS & TRUTH TELLERS
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![Bronwyn Clee Founding Director Northern Territory]()
Bronwyn Clee
Founding Director, Northern Territory
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Jodie Ferguson
Consultant Trainer, Western Australia
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Yindi Gray
Cultural Advisor, Victoria
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Kylie Tune
Trainer, Tasmania
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Mek Venes
Trainer, Northern Territory
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Rebecca West
Trainer, Victoria
Protective Behaviours International is a partner with the Protective Behaviours Association.
Our team maintains close ties to the global Protective Behaviours community.
Bronwyn Clee currently serves as the Association’s Vice President, while Jodie Ferguson and Kylie Tune contribute as certified International Trainers. These roles reflect our commitment to upholding international standards and ensuring our programs align with the latest developments in Universal Protective Behaviours practice.
Our International Partners
Our partners in the Protective Behaviours Training Partnership have been working with the Protective Behaviours process for over 25 years. They bring deep experience in developing resources, embedding PB principles within their workplaces, and training others to apply Protective Behaviours in their professional roles.
Together, we share a commitment to delivering high-quality, consistent training that reflects the core Protective Behaviours process:
“All training will align with the Protective Behaviours framework and use high-quality materials to support learning. Training outcomes will be evaluated to track progress and identify any further development needs.”
Each Partnership trainer upholds the highest professional standards by:
Maintaining and renewing relevant training insurances
Engaging in ongoing peer observation, consultation, and supervision
Committing to continuous improvement and reflective practice
This collaboration ensures that every participant receives training grounded in quality, integrity, and the true spirit of Protective Behaviours.
Learn more about the Protective Behaviours Training Partnership
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Ann Seal
Trainer & Partner, UK Based
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Sally Ann Hart
Trainer & Partner, UK Based
In Loving Memory of Di Margetts
We pay our respects to the late, great Di Margetts - a beloved mentor, friend, and guiding light within the Protective Behaviours community.
Di inspired and mentored countless people around the world on their Protective Behaviours journeys, and loved to remind us that:
“We can have loads of fun doing serious work.”
Di dedicated so much of her life to sharing her passion for Protective Behaviours and never wore the shoes of the PB Police!
Di believed wholeheartedly that there wasn’t a conflict in the world that couldn’t be resolved through the Language of Safety. She lived this belief every day, embracing adventure, connection, and courage in both her work and her life.
Her legacy continues to guide and inspire us.
Discover how the Language of Safety can transform your team.
hello@protectivebehavioursinternational.net
PO Box 42914
CASUARINA NT 0810
PBI Commitment
PBI provides a consistent, personal and professional training framework that empowers individuals, teams and organisations to embrace the intent of Universal Protective Behaviours.
We work with partners who share our values of safety, integrity, inclusion and respect, and who meet the required professional unrestricted standing.
Together, we’re building safer, more connected communities.
*Definition of appropriate and unrestricted standing:
Current police check and child safety screening; has not been denounced from or struck off any professional body.