The UK’s Worker Protection Act came into force last October; now is the time for all employers to act.
The golden thread of our work at byrne·dean is to help businesses create kinder, fairer, more productive workplaces. To achieve this, the work environment needs to be right - people need a safe place to operate where they feel trusted and supported. That's where the role of the manager is critical - it is up to the manager to engage with his or her team on a regular basis, to build trust and foster approachability. On paper it sounds very straightforward but the reality is of course far more complicated. How well we engage with people can depend on so many factors - it is not as easy to connect and engage with some people as it is with others.
Add into the mix the fact that as human beings we are very unpredictable and are prone to making mistakes! So the manager has a second critical role to play in managing any people risks that arise in a timely and effective way.
Through a combination of good engagement and proactively managing people risks, managers will be able to increase engagement and reduce risk. One of our core products is our 'Managing People Risk' training session which helps managers to:
- reflect on the influence and impact on the people they work with;
- understand how and why people problems develop;
- identify the 'early warning' signs;
- provide effective feedback and manage performance effectively;
- handle difficult conversations;
- identify and manage high risk problems such as constructive dismissal, discrimination and harassment; and
- build trust, foster approachability and create better relationships.
We run free taster sessions - if you would like to know more get in touch!
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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 Head of Employee Relations in global financial services, Cicilia has seen first-hand how alcohol can affect conduct at work, with deep expertise in leadership, culture and 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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