We ran an event entitled 'Creating Safe Spaces' on March 31st 2021. The main focus was on how organisations can enable people to speak up about the issues that matter at work without fear of retribution. To discuss this topic we brought together expert speakers, panelists, HR and L&D professionals, most of the speaking sessions and both panels were recorded.
About this Event
Bullying, harassment, racism, discrimination and other unfair treatment is endemic across all sectors in the UK and around the globe. Barely a week goes by without there being a new high profile case being discussed in the media.
We know that speaking out about these sorts of behaviours is vital in our organisations if we are to ensure that we are a place that people want to work, that we remain profitable, maintain our reputation and are sustainable and ethical in the long-term - but speaking out is a complex area and research shows that when people do speak up, there is often retaliation of some sort, which often leads to unfair treatment, bullying, unethical practices, impacts on physical and mental health, a reduction in innovation and creativity in the organisation, a negative impact on productivity, retention and engagement and is simply not good for business.
At #BeTheRipple we are determined to encourage organisations to foster kinder approaches and part of that is ensuring that all individuals have the safety to speak up about the things that matter, whether small day-to-day things, or bigger ethical issues.
About this Event
Bullying, harassment, racism, discrimination and other unfair treatment is endemic across all sectors in the UK and around the globe. Barely a week goes by without there being a new high profile case being discussed in the media.
We know that speaking out about these sorts of behaviours is vital in our organisations if we are to ensure that we are a place that people want to work, that we remain profitable, maintain our reputation and are sustainable and ethical in the long-term - but speaking out is a complex area and research shows that when people do speak up, there is often retaliation of some sort, which often leads to unfair treatment, bullying, unethical practices, impacts on physical and mental health, a reduction in innovation and creativity in the organisation, a negative impact on productivity, retention and engagement and is simply not good for business.
At #BeTheRipple we are determined to encourage organisations to foster kinder approaches and part of that is ensuring that all individuals have the safety to speak up about the things that matter, whether small day-to-day things, or bigger ethical issues.
Official Welcome
An official welcome from two members of the #BeTheRipple team, Joanna Suvarna and Alex Killick.
Our Speakers
We had a range of expert speakers who spoke on the topic of 'Creating Safe Spaces' at work, giving data-driven insights, cautionary tales, personal stories and tips. Two of the speaker sessions were not recorded (Leatham Green and Jonathan Wilson), if you would like to her their emotive firsthand stories of whistleblowing, please contact them directly to discuss.
All other speaker sessions are recorded and shared below.
We had a range of expert speakers who spoke on the topic of 'Creating Safe Spaces' at work, giving data-driven insights, cautionary tales, personal stories and tips. Two of the speaker sessions were not recorded (Leatham Green and Jonathan Wilson), if you would like to her their emotive firsthand stories of whistleblowing, please contact them directly to discuss.
All other speaker sessions are recorded and shared below.
Marie Hemingway
Marie Hemingway is the Founder and Director at Speak Out Revolution, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to cancel the culture of silence on harassment and bullying in the workplace. She is also a Freelance Strategy Consultant and a Board Member at Women's Infrastructure Network UK. Marie shared data-driven insights from Speak Out Revolution’s live research into the lived experiences of employees who have experienced workplace harassment, discussing the barriers to a successful resolution.
You can take part in Marie and Speak Out Revolution's ongoing research by filling out the survey: Here
You can take part in Marie and Speak Out Revolution's ongoing research by filling out the survey: Here
Animah Kosai
Animah Kosai is the CEO at Speak Up at Work Limited, Founder of the Speak Up Collective, Senior Partner at Speak Up Malaysia and a Founding Member of the Warrior Women Network. Animah spoke about the importance of individuals being able to speak up at work and how organisations can facilitate safe spaces. She spoke from a risk and governance perspective, identifying potential implications for organisations who do not ensure their workplace are safe for employees.
Patrick Marr and Ashton Hewitt
Ashton Hewitt is one of the most exciting talents in Welsh rugby, playing at Dragons having come through the club academy. Describing himself as ‘Half Welsh, half Jamaican and proud of it’, Ashton has become an influential advocate for racial equality. Speaking to the BBC in October, Ashton said, " I am grateful the club and the boys are behind me and willing to listen."
Patrick Marr is the Mental Skills and Leadership Coach for Dragons, and Managing Director for Leading Edge.
Ashton and Patrick together spoke about the culture being built at the club and the impact of ‘creating safe spaces’ at Dragons’.
Guardian sport on Twitter: "Ashton Hewitt: 'People think rugby doesn't have society's problems' | Interview by @robkitson https://t.co/gdNjNsMFkK" /Twitter
Patrick Marr is the Mental Skills and Leadership Coach for Dragons, and Managing Director for Leading Edge.
Ashton and Patrick together spoke about the culture being built at the club and the impact of ‘creating safe spaces’ at Dragons’.
Guardian sport on Twitter: "Ashton Hewitt: 'People think rugby doesn't have society's problems' | Interview by @robkitson https://t.co/gdNjNsMFkK" /Twitter
Gethin Nadin
Gethin Nadin is an Award-winning Psychologist, Bestselling HR Author and Top Global Employee Experience Influencer 2019 & 2020. He is the Director of Employee Wellbeing at Benefex, Chair of the Wellbeing Thought Action Group and a Champion at #BeTheRipple. Gethin spoke about the safe space that was created in his organisation in order to enable individuals to be themselves at work, speaking openly about their mental health and LGBT stories. He highlighted what can happen when leaders do not create safe spaces.
Collaborative video of professionals telling us how they think organisations can create safe spaces
Collaboration includes videos from Jayne Adamson, Steve Richards, Jo Thackwray, Valentina Hynes, Michelle Battista, Stacey Miller, Gary Butterfield, Carmanah Mackenzie, Hannah Davidson and Joanna Suvarna.
Panel 1 – General panel about creating safe spaces at work
Chair:
Alex Killick
Alex is the Director at Leading Kind, Co-Founder of #BeTheRipple, and Non-Executive Board Member at Edinburgh College.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for 30 years, Alex combines extensive executive and non-executive board-level experience with the successful delivery of complex change projects in matrix organisations in various sectors. He has led large-scale employment practice and policy projects for many organisations at national and local levels to improve workforce wellbeing and performance. He is also co-author of ‘The Little Book of Kindness’.
Expert panelists:
Dana James-Edwards
Dana is a breath of fresh air in the world of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I). She helps companies build diverse brands and inclusive cultures where team members want to stick around. Dana creates safe spaces for open discussion where people can explore, enquire and expand their own understanding. Unafraid to speak her mind and with compassionate sharing of lived experiences and humorous heartfelt honesty, she is sought after as a trainer and facilitator and conference speaker all around the world. Dana has worked across a wide range of industries and organisations - from start-ups to government agencies, leading consultancies and titans of industry. Her projects include developing and deploying ED&I programmes and initiatives, designing and delivering learning, shaping policies and helping companies get to grips with their diversity reality by uncovering and providing solutions for the things getting in the way of creating a workforce reflective of the wider world we live in.
Shakil Butt
Shakil Butt (FCIPD, FCCA) is an award winning HR professional and lecturer with over 30 years of experience including leading an award winning global HR team in a multi-faith, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural environment. Now working as an independent consultant, Shakil adds value engaging with organisations and individuals with their HR and OD challenges and executive support. Shakil has been part of various senior management teams leading on strategic direction, organisational development and change management in multiple organisations. Shakil enjoys writing and contributing to articles on HR and management and regularly speaks at HR conferences and events.
Debbie Watt
Debbie is Managing Director of Bridgeborne Psychology, Co-founder at #BeTheRipple and co-author of ‘The Little Book of Kindness’. She has nearly two decades experience supporting clients through difficult workplace situations. Debbie is a Business and Coaching Psychologist who specialises in wellness, work performance and professional development.
Kirsty Mac
Kirsty Mac is an Executive Coach with over 17 years’ experience of working in the field of leadership and learning and development through the development of programmes, speaking and as an executive coach. Her role and identity varies - sometimes coach, sometimes designer of programmes, speaker or conference host. Specialties: Leadership, Learning & Development, Values, Coaching, Integral values based leadership, Executive coaching, L& D programmes, Team Dynamics.
Chair:
Alex Killick
Alex is the Director at Leading Kind, Co-Founder of #BeTheRipple, and Non-Executive Board Member at Edinburgh College.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for 30 years, Alex combines extensive executive and non-executive board-level experience with the successful delivery of complex change projects in matrix organisations in various sectors. He has led large-scale employment practice and policy projects for many organisations at national and local levels to improve workforce wellbeing and performance. He is also co-author of ‘The Little Book of Kindness’.
Expert panelists:
Dana James-Edwards
Dana is a breath of fresh air in the world of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (ED&I). She helps companies build diverse brands and inclusive cultures where team members want to stick around. Dana creates safe spaces for open discussion where people can explore, enquire and expand their own understanding. Unafraid to speak her mind and with compassionate sharing of lived experiences and humorous heartfelt honesty, she is sought after as a trainer and facilitator and conference speaker all around the world. Dana has worked across a wide range of industries and organisations - from start-ups to government agencies, leading consultancies and titans of industry. Her projects include developing and deploying ED&I programmes and initiatives, designing and delivering learning, shaping policies and helping companies get to grips with their diversity reality by uncovering and providing solutions for the things getting in the way of creating a workforce reflective of the wider world we live in.
Shakil Butt
Shakil Butt (FCIPD, FCCA) is an award winning HR professional and lecturer with over 30 years of experience including leading an award winning global HR team in a multi-faith, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural environment. Now working as an independent consultant, Shakil adds value engaging with organisations and individuals with their HR and OD challenges and executive support. Shakil has been part of various senior management teams leading on strategic direction, organisational development and change management in multiple organisations. Shakil enjoys writing and contributing to articles on HR and management and regularly speaks at HR conferences and events.
Debbie Watt
Debbie is Managing Director of Bridgeborne Psychology, Co-founder at #BeTheRipple and co-author of ‘The Little Book of Kindness’. She has nearly two decades experience supporting clients through difficult workplace situations. Debbie is a Business and Coaching Psychologist who specialises in wellness, work performance and professional development.
Kirsty Mac
Kirsty Mac is an Executive Coach with over 17 years’ experience of working in the field of leadership and learning and development through the development of programmes, speaking and as an executive coach. Her role and identity varies - sometimes coach, sometimes designer of programmes, speaker or conference host. Specialties: Leadership, Learning & Development, Values, Coaching, Integral values based leadership, Executive coaching, L& D programmes, Team Dynamics.
Panel 2 – Panel about creating safe spaces at work for women
Chair:
Kate Graham
Kate Graham is Head of Content at Fosway Group, Host at Learning Now TV and the Co-Founder of the #WomenInLearning Movement. Kate has more than 15 years’ experience of working in HR, talent and learning and development, her specialties are: Writer, storyteller, facilitator, networker, connector, with skills in content strategy, social media, awards, publishing, events, alliances, engagement, account management, and building relationships.
Expert panelists:
Jenny Streeter
Jenny Streeter is an HR Project Manager for RealWorldHR and helped to inspire #BeTheRipple. She is a seasoned HR professional with extensive public sector experience.
Dorothy McKinney
Dorothy has over 40 years’ experience in Human Resources in a range of sectors and she leads a team of experienced and talented Associates. Her specialties are: Workplace Investigations, Neutral Assessments, Service User Complaints, Disciplinary and Grievance support, Mediation, Case Management, Organisational Design, Change Management, Training in all aspects of People Management, Executive and Individual Coaching, Difficult Conversation support, Outplacement.
Animah Kosai
Animah Kosai is the CEO at Speak Up at Work Limited, Founder of the Speak Up Collective, Senior Partner at Speak Up Malaysia and a Founding Member of the Warrior Women Network.
Marie Hemingway
Marie Hemingway is the Founder and Director at Speak Out Revolution, a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to cancel the culture of silence on harassment and bullying in the workplace. She is also a Freelance Strategy Consultant and a Board Member at Women's Infrastructure Network UK.
Charities
100% of the proceeds from the event get split between two charities:
Sponsors
Massive thanks to 'Virtual Punks' for providing the virtual space and technical expertise to successfully and smoothly run our event.
To find out more about 'Virtual Punks' and the services they offer, contact either Scott Leiper or Kirsty Mac directly.
To find out more about 'Virtual Punks' and the services they offer, contact either Scott Leiper or Kirsty Mac directly.
Support Available
BulliesOut
In the following video Linda James, Founder and CEO of BulliesOut, talks about workplace bullying. If you need any support in terms of bullying at work, you can find out more and contact the charity via their website: Here
In the following video Linda James, Founder and CEO of BulliesOut, talks about workplace bullying. If you need any support in terms of bullying at work, you can find out more and contact the charity via their website: Here
Conduct Change
In the following video, Nicki Eyre, Founder and CEO at Conduct Change talks about creating safe spaces in the workplace, workplace bullying prevention and the support that her organisation can offer those who have been bullied at work.
In the following video, Nicki Eyre, Founder and CEO at Conduct Change talks about creating safe spaces in the workplace, workplace bullying prevention and the support that her organisation can offer those who have been bullied at work.
If you have been impacted by bullying or harassment of any kind, please speak to someone you can trust at work or outside of work and get some advice from your organisation or externally. You do not have to put up with people treating you unfairly or unkindly, at work or in any other setting.
You can find expert guidance at the following links:
https://www.acas.org.uk/if-youre-treated-unfairly-at-work/being-bullied
https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment
https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/fundamentals/emp-law/harassment/factsheet#15763
https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/bullying-in-the-workplace/
https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/employees.html
You can find expert guidance at the following links:
https://www.acas.org.uk/if-youre-treated-unfairly-at-work/being-bullied
https://www.gov.uk/workplace-bullying-and-harassment
https://www.cipd.co.uk/knowledge/fundamentals/emp-law/harassment/factsheet#15763
https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/bullying-in-the-workplace/
https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/employees.html