Workplace culture and psychological safety

I work with organisations of all sizes to help them to develop better workplace cultures through consultancy, staff development and support.

What is psychological safety?

Psychological safety has been defined as the ‘belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes’ (Edmondson, 2019).

Workplaces and teams that have good psychological safety are characterised by inclusivity, collaboration, a fair approach to mistakes, and a coaching - rather than always ‘telling’ - culture.

Why is psychological safety important?

Research has shown psychological safety to be associated many significant benefits including:

greater staff engagement and wellbeing
greater resilience
better learning throughout the organisation (because people have a clear picture of what is really going on)
improved team performance and innovation
Psychological safety is one of the vital tasks of modern leadership, and a key part of creating better workplace cultures.

Working with me

As an award-winning expert in the science of work performance, I bring my specialist Doctorate-level understanding of human psychology, motivation, workplace dynamics and change to my work. I have over 20 years delivery experience of working on all issues related to change, competence and behavioural psychology.

See below to find out how you can work with me to improve the culture and psychological safety in your work.

"AMAZING!...This course has not only impacted me as a leader but as an employee and a person. It has empowered me to speak up and also empower my staff to make them feel safe. 10/10."

C. Clayton, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
"Gained lots of insights and learnt loads. One of the best courses I have done in a long time. 10/10."

Leeds Teaching Hospials NHS Trust.
"An excellent learning opportunity that has empowered me as a leader. 10/10"

K. Pilkington, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
"Packed with information, listening to others, self-reflection and learning. 10/10."

S. Tierney, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust
"Helps you recognise where you are as a leader and where you can go. 10/10."

S. Cuthbert, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

Services

Evidence-based research and consultancy.

With over 20 years’ experience of human behaviour and organisational performance research and delivery – particularly in Safety Critical industries where the stakes are the highest - companies hire me to help them work out how they can improve and where to start.
I offer a holistic service which considers all the ‘human factors’ that can influence performance and wellbeing at work. Drawing on the latest research evidence, I summarise the latest thinking on various aspects of performance, leadership and culture.
Practical advice and tools to make a difference

I really enjoy translating the latest research and evidence into clear and practical guidance.
I am proud to have developed the SPACE (TM) model of leadership for psychological safety. This model summarises the latest research on the attitudes and behaviours required for effective leadership for psychological safety. This model provides a practical framework for my psychological safety training and coaching programmes.
Face-to-face and online training.

I am a qualified trainer with years of experience in designing and delivering engaging, practical in-person and online courses. I have trained leaders at all levels, business students and business owners.
Topics include how leaders can develop a culture of psychological safety, and building awareness of all the factors (from workplace design to culture) that can affect human performance at work (for those involved in designing workplaces, work processes and building teams)
Executive coaching

My coaching allows staff at all levels to better understand what ‘makes them tick’, what holds them back, their strengths, and areas for growth. Leaders come to me to help build their self-awareness, their impact, and to become a more authentic leader.
You can expect provocative questions and an eclectic mix of cognitive, creative and somatic tools / techniques. You will gain new insights and greater clarity, as well as a co-created plan to help you move forward.
Group coaching and facilitation

I run group sessions for staff or groups with similar challenges to get thinking, talking and working collaboratively on important issues in a relaxed and informal environment. My sessions gather people’s thoughts and input to help create meaningful and sustainable change.
Example topics include revisiting company values, and improving the processes and procedures that underpin the company culture.
Speaking at your event

If you are looking for a bespoke evidence-based and engaging talk that will educate your staff about human factors / systems thinking, psychological safety or coaching culture do get in touch.