In this insightful episode, Jivan chats to Alison Abu-Sonubi, an accomplished HR professional with extensive experience in recruitment, performance management, and policy development.
They discuss cultural shifts in professional environments, often labeled as "woke," and their impact on organisational policies, insights into job satisfaction in HR roles and potential career pathways for HR professionals, the future of professional standards and the relationship between ethical leadership and organisational culture.     
Alison has worked globally, assisting with HR infrastructure development in the Middle East and supporting international charities. In her current roles as a Panel Chair for the Judicial Appointments Commission and panel member for the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime, she is deeply involved in upholding professional and ethical standards.  
The episode explores the pivotal role of the Nolan Principles in shaping ethical standards within public office, and the challenges of upholding ethical behaviour amidst increasing public scrutiny, particularly concerning the growing awareness and reporting of misconduct such as domestic violence.
Alison provides a nuanced perspective on balancing coaching and disciplinary processes to maintain integrity in professional settings, while addressing the emotional and practical complexities involved.  
Key Takeaways:
The Importance of Ethical Standards: Upholding ethical standards in professional settings is crucial for maintaining public trust and accountability. Whether through established principles or personal values, ethical leadership creates a foundation for integrity in any organisation.
Awareness Drives Change: Increased public awareness of issues like misconduct, discrimination, or unethical behaviour leads to more people speaking out. Creating a culture where individuals feel safe and supported to report concerns is key to fostering positive environments.
Balancing Discipline and Personal Growth: In professional settings, it's essential to strike the right balance between addressing unacceptable behaviour with discipline and providing opportunities for personal development and coaching. Tailoring responses to fit the situation helps individuals and organisations grow.
HR’s Role in Shaping Culture: HR professionals play a vital role in transforming workplace cultures by building systems, defining policies, and facilitating conversations around inclusion, diversity, and fair treatment. Positive change begins with clear and actionable guidelines.
Adapting Career Paths to Your Strengths: Career development doesn’t have to follow a conventional trajectory. Finding what aligns with your strengths, whether through leadership, project-focused work, or niche roles, can lead to long-term fulfilment and impactful contributions to your organisation or industry.
About Jivan Dempsey:
Jivan Dempsey has first hand experience of workplace toxicity and bad boss behaviour. Triggered by the #MeToo movement, she was compelled to talk about her experiences in her early career, groomed and assaulted by a boss at work, his subsequent aggression and bullying behaviour which impacted her work performance, mental health and eventually cost her a job she'd loved.
Listeners are drawn to her raw honesty and insightful reflections on change and resilience.  Her book, "The HR Change Manager's Handbook" and collaboration on "Can't Break Me," attest to her change and transformation expertise and dedication to empowering others - from someone who's been in the trenches and emerged stronger.
As a seasoned HR professional, consultant, psychologist and speaker, she offers bespoke consultancy and programmes to help companies navigate HR transformation that delivers a better employee experience and cultural shifts to create healthier, happier, and more inclusive workplaces for all. 
Connect with Jivan on LinkedIn:
Jivan Dempsey FCIPD GMBPsS | LinkedIn
Or send her an email at:
[email protected]
www.fiverivers-consulting.com
HR Change Manager’s Handbook: The 3 Step Guide To Managing HR Transformation: https://amzn.eu/d/drvToPv
Are you working in a toxic environment? Take our free quiz to find out: https://bit.ly/3BPZXSR

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