Despite what I wrote in my blog a
couple of weeks ago about the Coronation, one of the highs for me last week was
definitely the television coverage. The pageantry, traditions, words, music and
rituals were fascinating. I marvelled at the organisation and logistics
required to stage such an event. I think most people who watched and listened
would absolutely have been moved by the armed forces’ three cheers as they
stood in the Buckingham Palace garden. It was for me, a wonderfully emotional
moment.
For many people watching or
taking part, it will be a once in a lifetime experience. For others, like my
parents, it will be the second time they have witnessed a Coronation. And, judging
by the paucity of flags and bunting around and about us, there will be others
still, who will have had no interest in the proceedings whatsoever.
Given the thousands of people who
took part or were there in person, it was also a great credit to all those
involved in keeping people safe and well. It was a huge police operation
carried out perfectly. I would have thought the potential for disruption or
some kind of terrorist attack was a very real possibility. Thankfully the whole
day passed off without incident, which perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised at.
However, I was surprised to read in
research published last week by the University of Cambridge, of the high number
of incidents of violence, sexual harassment, bullying and unacceptable behaviour
experienced by colleagues working in the NHS. The paper has an excellent reference
list with other papers showing just how widespread the problem is. Of course, there
should always be a zero tolerance approach to such behaviours in any organisation.
But actually, it can be difficult to challenge such behaviour, particularly when
there is a power difference between the parties involved.
It can be like asking patients
and visitors on NHS premises to respect the no smoking rule and put their cigarettes
out. We all know it’s the right thing to do, but I have yet to find the right
form of words that gets the desired effect without being on the wrong end of the
person’s verbal abuse. Please let me know if you have found a great way of dealing
with this problem. Intimidation can be frightening, even for the most experienced
amongst us.
I was interested therefore, by a suggestion
in the paper that there is a really great training programme, but sadly few NHS
Trusts were using it. The programme is called Active Bystander Training (ABT).
I have to confess I hadn’t heard of this programme, and I don’t know if we are
one of the few Trusts to be using the programme – finding out will have to wait
until I come back from Peru. ABT aims to provide folk with the skills they need
to ‘call out’ the kind of unacceptable behaviour noted above. One of the
paper’s authors, Dr Sarah Steele, notes ABT should be part of everyone’s
training, whatever the stage of their career. It is hard to argue against this suggestion.
However, as great as the ABT
programme might be, creating a culture that doesn’t tolerate such behaviour is
key. Given the magnificent spectacle of our massed armed forces yesterday, and let’s
not forget our King, is the Head of the Armed Forces, it seems somewhat fitting
to end this blog on a military note. You may have come across the famous quote
by the former Chief of the Australian Army, Lieutenant-General David Morrison ‘the
standard you walk past, is the standard you accept’. He has made many YouTube
leadership videos, in which he quotes this phrase – have a look at this one
here. I just love the unwavering determination in his voice. But now I must
leave his blog and get ready to board our plane. WiFi permitting there will be
another one next Sunday!
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