We have worked with the Army since 2009, striving to transform how military and civilian staff perform by creating positive, inclusive workplaces. Our ongoing programmes are designed for personnel on operations, in barracks and across the contemporary operating environment. Our adaptive training is designed to meet the needs of the Army’s changing workplace demands. Our programmes underpin Operation Teamwork. An initiative driven by the head of the Army, General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith KCB. The concept enables the Army to consider and reflect on its current culture, its attitude and approach to inclusion and most importantly how to resolve issues in these areas.

Current British Army Programmes

Respect for Others

We deliver a one-day programme designed to get the best from all ranks/grades, to elevate operational effectiveness and encourage an inclusive culture in the British Army. The programme looks at challenging personal perspectives, assumptions, and biases. Our courses aim to empower individuals to lead by example and work towards influencing an environment where diversity is valued, for everyone to feel included and empowered to challenge unacceptable behaviour and attitudes.

Aimed at:

All ranks in the Field Army, Home Command units and other regular units
Reservists
HQ Staff – Military & Civil Servants

How:

The Respect for Others programmes are specifically aimed at Field Army/Home Command, Reservists and HQ personnel. The sessions are highly interactive, using actors to perform scenarios and professional facilitation engaging the audience to consider a range of topics with greater self-awareness and confidence.

Topics

Values, standards & behaviours
Banter
Bullying and harassment
Challenging unacceptable behaviour

British Army audience observing a drama based climate assessment training programme

“The training we received was first class. It was pitched perfectly for the audience and from the start everyone was put at ease which allowed the discussion/break out rooms to flow. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the session and gain a lot from it.”

Hosken, Oliver WO1

Advanced Leadership Development Programme (ALDP)

As part of the mandatory ALDP promotion courses participants are required to explore values and behaviours to improve the performance of soldiers in barracks and on operation, preparing them for tasks and responsibilities they will undertake during their military careers.

Aimed at:

Senior Non-Commissioned Officers
Warrant Officers (WO)

How:

We provide half day workshops as part of the leadership and management expectations set by the Army. This course explores managing diversity to achieve operational effectiveness by developing inclusive teams and promoting support, empathy and respect for all. The session involves different interactive techniques focussing upon a realistic, challenging scenario that newly appointed Sergeants or WO’s may face.

Topics

Diversity issues
Inclusive behaviours
Identifying and challenging unacceptable behaviour
Inclusive leadership
Discrimination

“Please pass on my thanks to the training team, i thought that their method of instruction was really outstanding - the trainees were very engaged throughout as a result. I am happy to see something so important being delivered so well!”

Cpt Toby Long, 3rd Battalion

Phase 1 Training

To train personnel to understand and respect the values and standards set by the Army.

Aimed at:

New recruits

How:

Our Phase 1 training programme is intended to encourage and empower individuals to lead by example and to challenge inappropriate behaviour whenever and wherever it occurs. Our training is run by specialist facilitators together with a team of actors, demonstrating relatable situations through innovative techniques, where recruits are able to understand and discuss what is expected of them.

Topics

Values and standards
Unacceptable behaviour
Diversity and inclusion

Climate Assessment Facilitation Skills

Aimed to provide participants with facilitation, assessment, and reporting skills to enable them to run successful focus groups that create an encouraging and impartial environment. Personnel are then able to confidently articulate their honest views, lived experiences and opinions on a range of themes to establish the ‘climate’ of their organisation.

Aimed at:

Specialised trainers within the different MOD sectors.

How:

Through facilitated discussion, live drama and media techniques, participants can explore several key topics and develop tools to encourage participation and engagement.

Climate Assessment supports the MOD’s wider culture development strategy and plans to deliver an understanding of the organisation environment. It provides a safe opportunity for people to speak out about issues and share their lived experience.

Topics

Facilitation skills
Active listening
Bias
Group dynamics and management

“This is one of the best courses I've been on in 18 years, very well put together”

Climate Assessor, Andover

Unacceptable Behaviours

Creating a working environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and

able to contribute their best is important fundamental to success. The way people
interact with each other, whether intentional or not, can result in individuals feeling
uncomfortable, belittled or excluded. This case study looks at how the "Unacceptable
Behaviours Programme" helps build a more inclusive and collaborative environment for
everyone, no matter their role or position.

The Need for the Programme:

We were asked to look at common themes across different parts of the organisation.
By talking to people about their lived experience and analysing survey and feedback it
became clear that there were themes of behaviour and language that did not support a
positive and inclusive culture. These included:

Unacceptable Behaviours: This ranged from language that made people feel uneasy,
sometimes with a sexual undertone, to actions that didn't treat everyone with the
respect they deserve.
Confusion around Banter, Bullying, and Harassment: It wasn't always clear to everyone
where the line was between friendly joking ("banter") and behaviour that could be
hurtful or even considered bullying or harassment.
Lack of Confidence in Challenging Inappropriate Behaviour: People sometimes saw or heard things that didn't seem right, but they weren't sure how to speak up or step in.

Topics

Highlighting Unacceptable Behaviours
Banter
Bullying and harassment
Challenging unacceptable behaviour
Intent vs Impact

Unacceptable Behaviours the british army

The "Unacceptable Behaviours Programme":

To address these needs, we developed a 3-hour "Unacceptable Behaviours Programme." This programme is designed for all ranks within the organisation because how we treat each other affects everyone, regardless of our position.

How the Programme Works:

The workshop uses an engaging approach to help people learn and reflect:

Scenario Played by Actors: Actors perform a scene reflecting examples of the behaviours that have been highlighted as concerns. These scenarios are based on real situations that have come up in the organisation.
Facilitated Discussion: A trained facilitator guides the session, helping participants to think about what they are seeing, how they would react and how it makes them feel.
Interactive Elements: The workshop isn't just about watching. We include activities like "Hotseating," where participants can directly question the characters in the scene about their actions and motivations. This helps people explore different perspectives and understand the impact of the behaviours.
Focus on Key Themes: The programme specifically looks at:
- What constitutes unacceptable behaviours, including language and actions that are sexualised or make people feel uncomfortable.
- The differences between banter, bullying, and harassment, helping people to understand where the line is drawn.
- The importance of bystander responsibility, empowering people to feel confident in challenging inappropriate behaviour and language when they see or hear it.
- Questioning techniques that can be used to address uncomfortable situations in a constructive way.
- How our actions and words contribute to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture where everyone feels included, respected and safe.

Interactive Elements:

The interactive elements, particularly the Hotseating activity, are crucial for learning. By questioning the actors in character, participants can:

Gain a deeper understanding of the motivations and impact of the unacceptable behaviours.
Practice formulating questions and challenging statements in a safe environment.
Explore different ways to respond to difficult situations.
Develop understanding and empathy for those who might be on the receiving end of such behaviours.

Participants are not asked to act themselves, making the session feel less intimidating and more accessible to everyone.

Outcomes:

Increased awareness and understanding of what constitutes unacceptable behaviour in the workplace.
82% of participants say the programme was valuable
A clearer understanding of the differences between banter and bullying/harassment.
Greater confidence among individuals to challenge inappropriate behaviour and language when they witness it.
75% of participants agreed with 'I am more aware of the importance of being an active bystander'.
A more inclusive and respectful workplace culture where everyone feels valued and safe.
A reduction in instances of unacceptable behaviour reported through feedback and surveys.
100% of participants write down and commit to actions to create change going forward.

What the Participants loved:

The real-life scenario depicted in the training: Seeing the scenario play out, the authentic nature of the dialogue with the team and the complexities around what good looks like at every level.
Being able to discuss real issues openly.
Hearing other people’s views
The interactive elements between the audience and the characters

Conclusion:

The "Unacceptable Behaviours Programme" is a proactive step towards building an inclusive and collaborative workplace. By using engaging methods like drama and facilitated discussion, we aim to equip all units with the knowledge and confidence to challenge unacceptable behaviours and contribute to a positive and respectful environment for everyone. We believe this programme is essential for fostering a culture where everyone can thrive and contribute their best work.

"The training was good and realistic ; valuable ; enjoyable ; wish more briefs were more like this"

“Thoroughly professional and clearly knowledgeable they made what can seem a dull subject thoroughly engrossing. The interaction after the play from the members of the audience proved this. I have had nothing but positive feedback from those that I spoke to yesterday, most importantly from the junior element of the Regiment – one stating that ‘I really enjoyed it and it was nothing like I expected it to be and now know what to do and where to go’ – high praise indeed from a Pte soldier!”

Major Brian McGregor MBE AGC (SPS), 6 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps