The UK’s Worker Protection Act came into force last October; now is the time for all employers to act.
Noses back to the grindstone...seemingly interminably wet commutes of 2018 have begun...
How do you feel about returning to work? Excited? Sad? Anxious? Anti-climatic? How do the people you work with feel? Is anyone suffering? It's a strong word. The harassment revelations of 2017 taught us that we need to care more about it. People may be suffering silently alongside you.
A daily act of compassion or kindness could make a big difference. I reckon it's worth adding to the list of New Years resolutions. I've given up on the low carb diet already. This one feels more important.
In his new year message, Justin Welby said attacks in London and Manchester, and the Grenfell Tower fire, were met with heroism from the emergency teams.He also used his message to ask whether the darkness or light of human kindness would define the year ahead.He was speaking from London Ambulance Service headquarters in Waterloo.The Anglican leader recalled the desperation and sorrow he felt when he visited Grenfell Tower in west London as it burned.He also highlighted the plight of people who were "struggling to find work or relying on food banks" and those who were bereaved, or coping with poor mental health or physical illness."When things feel unrelentingly difficult, there are often questions which hang in the air: Is there any light at all? Does anyone care?" he said.
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Guest Q&A - Steven McCann on alcohol culture in professional services


Happy hour? A conversation about alcohol and work – culture, risk and belonging
From post-deal drinks to client events and team celebrations, alcohol is woven into workplace culture. Yet when something goes wrong, it’s rarely seen as ‘just a drink’.
With new duties on employers to prevent sexual harassment, and growing attention on workplace risk and inclusion, it’s time to take a more intentional look at how alcohol shapes workplace culture – and the risks it carries.
This short, focused webinar will explore:
• How alcohol contributes to conduct, harassment and reputational risk
• The assumptions we make about what’s normal, social or expected
• How alcohol intersects with inclusion, wellbeing and boundaries
• What to think about when conducting risk assessments and looking at policies
• Practical steps to build positive connection while protecting what matters
Speakers:
Helen Dallimore
Head of Training, Byrne Dean
An experienced facilitator, trainer and former employment lawyer, Helen works with organisations to strengthen leadership capability and embed respectful workplace behaviours. She brings particular expertise in creating inclusive cultures where people feel safe, respected and able to thrive.
Cicilia Wan
Principal Consultant, Byrne Dean
A former employment lawyer and experienced Headof Employee Relations in global financial services, Cicilia has seen first-hand how alcohol canaffect conduct at work. She brings deep expertise in leadership, culture and managing people risk.
Steven McCann
Founder and Director, MCG Consulting
A leading voice in workplace addiction and recovery inclusion, Steven advises organisations on addiction awareness, recovery-informed culture and social mobility. He has spoken at the Bank of England and works regularly with law societies, the Legal Services Board and institutions across law, finance and corporate sectors.


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Matt Dean comments as recent events in America have intensified the discussion around polarisation.



