Disturb the Silence: Why the British Army Needs More People Willing to Speak Up

“People talking without speaking, people hearing without listening…”. Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence” was never written about military culture. Yet its central idea has a striking relevance to the modern British Army. Sometimes the most dangerous sound in an organisation isn’t shouting.  It is silence.  Silence when someone makes a sexualised joke.  Silence … Continue reading Disturb the Silence: Why the British Army Needs More People Willing to Speak Up

Why we need a more positive conversation with young men about violence

A more positive conversation with and about young men is not about minimising harm or protecting male feelings. It is about effectiveness. If the goal is to reduce violence, challenge abusive norms, and create cultures where men intervene early when something is going wrong, then young men need to be engaged as part of the … Continue reading Why we need a more positive conversation with young men about violence

Disturb the Silence: Why the Royal Navy Is Stronger When People Speak Up

“Hello darkness, my old friend…” Few song lyrics are as recognisable as those from Simon & Garfunkel’s The Sound of Silence. The song speaks of isolation, disconnection, and people who, despite seeing problems, fail to speak. While written in a very different context, its central idea remains relevant today: silence has consequences. In military organisations, … Continue reading Disturb the Silence: Why the Royal Navy Is Stronger When People Speak Up

Health and Safety Is Everyone’s Job: Why Active Bystandership Could Transform UK Workplaces

Health and safety  has traditionally been viewed as a matter of policies, procedures, risk assessments and compliance. Every UK workplace has legal duties, managers with responsibilities and systems designed to prevent accidents. Yet despite decades of legislation, people are still injured, made ill or killed at work every year.  Why?  Because hazards don’t just exist … Continue reading Health and Safety Is Everyone’s Job: Why Active Bystandership Could Transform UK Workplaces