Be What You See Consultancy

"You’re so awkward…" 🧠 What message is received? “You don't understand how people with Autism like to communicate and socialise. This makes me feel unseen and unsupported. I feel like I don’t belong or that there’s something inherently wrong with me.” 💡 Active Bystander Tip: Direct Action Approach the target, ask them if they are okay. Validate their feelings/needs, let them know that comment was unacceptable and that you're there to support them. Approach the perpetrator, step in and say: “How do you think that comment made that person feel?” “In our company, our policies ask us to respect everyone and include them. We can find activities that support everyone. Comments like your's go against this”. This can take the focus off the target and create an opportunity for the perpetrator to reflect on the impact of their words. Creating workplaces and communities where everyone feels valued starts with addressing exclusionary behaviour head-on. Is your team ready to confidently tackle situations like this? Our Active Bystander Training equips teams with practical, direct tools to challenge microaggressions and foster inclusive spaces. 📅 Book a call with us to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eugveT9x ALT TEXT: Image 1: A yellow character says, “You’re so awkward…” while a blue character responds, "Sometimes I don't feel comfortable socialising in big groups" They are standing in a playground with a hopscotch outline on the ground and trees in the background. Image 2: The yellow character says, 'Why are you being so difficult?' The blue character replies, 'I find it really hard to be myself in spaces with loud music and loads of conversations as it is a lot for my brain to process' The playground setting continues with a school sign visible. Image 3: The yellow character says, 'You people are just trying to ruin our fun.' The blue character has a thought bubble saying, 'I wish people could understand my boundaries and how I like to communicate the same way they want me to understand theirs.'

I've had a lot of new followers recently and wanted to start the year being clear on my intentions on what I am going to bring to my networks! For those of you that are new I’m Catherine, the Company Director and Founder of Be What You See Consultancy, a workplace discrimination prevention training company. Active Bystander Training is my thing! I’m deeply passionate about helping people gain the confidence to act when they witness discrimination creating a culture where everyone feels empowered to speak up. This year, I’m excited to share even more of my personal insights into workplace discrimination, what I’ve learned, what still needs to change, and how we can all play a part in fostering inclusive workplaces. I’ll also be taking you behind the scenes of my journey as an entrepreneur and trainer - the highs, the challenges, and what it’s really like to turn a passion for change into a thriving business. To me, this is so much more than work! It's my passion and has become my life mission. I'm always looking to connect with and expand my network so If you’d like to have a chat, share your thoughts, or want to connect more feel free to drop me a message. #WorkplaceInclusion #DiscriminationPrevention #ActiveBystanderTraining #EntrepreneurJourney

Did you know there are three types of microaggressions? 💡 This week we’ve been exploring this with nurses at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust as part of our Active Bystander Training. Understanding microassaults, microinsults, and microinvalidations is key to creating respectful, inclusive workplaces where everyone feels valued. As well as exploring these we have also talked them through our recommended types of response. 🧠 Why does it matter? Microaggressions might seem small, but their impact can be significant, especially when experienced over time. Recognising and addressing them is a crucial step toward positive cultural change. Empower your team to identify and challenge microaggressions by getting in touch to learn more about our training sessions. 📅 Book a call with us here: https://lnkd.in/e_gAAbsa #ActiveBystander #InclusiveWorkplace #NursingCommunity #Microaggressions #EDITraining ALT TEXT: The image shows a person holding a card labeled "Direct Action - Types of responses". The person is wearing a dark blue outfit, has vibrant blue nail polish, and is holding the card with one hand. Several other colourful cards are on the table in the foreground with varying labels.

What a year! We were so honoured to have had Wayne as part of our BWYS Series, and we know he inspired so many young people! Thank you again, Wayne!

“If you just tried harder, you could focus better.” 🧠 What message is received? “You don’t understand the challenges I face, and you’re dismissing my struggles as laziness or lack of effort.” 💡 Active Bystander Tip: Pause and Reflect When you hear assumptions like this, challenge them gently: “It’s not about trying harder. ADHD can make focus more difficult, and everyone works differently. Let’s make sure we’re supporting each other.” Small comments like these can have a big impact. Building understanding and empathy in the workplace helps everyone thrive. Is your team equipped to respond to microaggressions with care and confidence? Our Active Bystander Training gives teams the practical tools to challenge harmful behaviours and create supportive, inclusive workplaces. 📅 Book a call to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eugveT9x ALT TEXT: Image 1: An orange character says, “If you just tried harder, you could focus better,” to a pink character who looks disheartened and replies, “I’m trying really hard.” The scene takes place in an office or hospital with blue walls and medical posters. Image 2: The orange character says, “We’re going to get ideas from other people in the team, they were properly paying attention.” The pink character responds, “I put a lot of thought and work into coming up with the ideas I put forward.” Image 3: The pink character stands with a thought bubble saying, “I feel like people make assumptions about me because I have ADHD, they do not see my struggles as valid.” Both characters are in the same office setting, with the orange character looking confused.

Tackling racism in the workplace starts with action. Our anti-racism training provides teams with the tools to recognise, challenge, and dismantle race-based discrimination. This isn’t just about ticking boxes; it’s about creating workplaces where everyone feels valued, supported, and heard. In this training, we focus on: ✨ Building confidence to discuss and address racism. ✨ Exploring real workplace scenarios and practical solutions. ✨ Unpacking policies and processes to ensure they’re truly inclusive. ✨ Taking an intersectional approach to understand how race intersects with other forms of discrimination. If you’re committed to creating lasting change in your organisation, let’s start the conversation. 📅 Book a call with us to explore how we can support your team: https://lnkd.in/e_gAAbsa #antiracism #antiracismtraining

2024 and the impact we’ve made! We’re so proud of the incredible progress we’ve achieved alongside our partners this year: 📢 100% of our EDI Champions now feel confident to inform others about inclusive workplace practices. 💬 94% of participants can now challenge workplace microaggressions effectively after our training. ⏰ Over 670 hours spent building inclusive workplaces by delivering training sessions to schools, businesses and organisations. 🙌 We supported 900+ adults and young people across 97 training sessions. ⭐ 100% of our EDI Champions would recommend our programmes to colleagues and peers. From challenging microaggressions to building safer spaces, this year has been full of action, impact, and progress. Thank you to every organisation and individual who trusted us to make a difference 💛 ALT TEXT:  Image 1: Text: "Our 2024 Impact" in bold white text with pink outlines on a navy background. Animated colourful shapes (characters) are scattered around the text, waving and celebrating. The Be What You See logo is at the bottom. Image 2: Text: "100% of our EDI Champions felt able to inform others about inclusive workplace practice after our training." Background: Orange with a yellow animated character waving on the left and a pink animated character waving on the right. The Be What You See logo is at the bottom. Image 3: Text: "We spent over 670 hours building inclusive workplaces by delivering training to our partners." Background: Pink with a navy animated character on the top left and an orange animated character waving on the bottom right. The Be What You See logo is at the bottom. Image 4: Text: "We supported over 900 adults & young people across 97 training sessions to our partners." Background: Blue with a yellow animated character on the bottom left and a pink animated character waving on the top right. The Be What You See logo is at the bottom. Image 5: Text: "100% of our EDI Champions would recommend our programmes to other staff." Background: Yellow with a blue animated character waving on the bottom left and a pink animated character waving on the top right. The Be What You See logo is at the bottom.

"But I’ll just call you by your ‘real’ name… it’s easier for me." 🧠 What message is received? “You don’t respect who I am or my identity. My feelings and experiences are being invalidated. You don't believe Trans people deserve respect” 💡 Active Bystander Tip: Pause and Reflect If you hear someone dismiss a chosen name or identity, try responding with “It’s important to use the name someone has chosen for themselves. Respecting it shows we value them for who they truly are.” Creating inclusive spaces means respecting everyone’s identity. Small actions, like using someone’s correct name, have a big impact. Is your team ready to confidently address situations like this? Our Active Bystander Training and LGBTQIA+ Inclusion Training equip teams with practical tools to challenge microaggressions and create respectful, inclusive workplaces.  Book a call with us to learn more: https://lnkd.in/e_gAAbsa ALT TEXT: Image 1: A blue character says, “I’ll just call you by your ‘real’ name as that’s easier for me.” A yellow character replies, “But this is my name now, please can you respect that?” They are standing in a café with a chalkboard menu in the background. Image 2: The blue character says, “I can’t be transphobic, I have trans friends.” The yellow character responds, “That doesn’t mean that you can’t be held accountable for saying transphobic things.” Image 3: The blue character stands with a thought bubble saying, “This makes me feel like they don’t respect me and that my feelings and experiences are not valid.” Both characters look frustrated, and the café setting continues

Our team is taking a well-deserved end-of-year break to recharge, reflect, and enjoy time with loved ones.  We’ll be back soon, ready to hit the ground running and continue creating positive change in 2025! ✨

“Why did you misspell that?” “Do you even read what you write?” These seemingly small comments might come from a place of frustration, but they often feel dismissive and disrespectful, especially for someone with dyslexia or other neurodivergent conditions. 🧠 What message is received? “I don’t respect or understand the challenges you face, and I think you’re not trying hard enough.” 💡 Active Bystander Tip: Disrupt Step in gently and reframe the situation in the moment. You could say something like, “Let’s focus on what they’re communicating rather than the spelling. Mistakes happen, and we’re all human.” This subtle intervention shifts the focus and signals respect and understanding. By speaking up, you can help foster a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels valued for their contributions.  #MicroaggressionMonday #InclusionAtWork #NeurodiversityAwareness #ActiveBystander #BeWhatYouSee ALT TEXT Image 1: A cartoon scene in an office setting. A pink character says, "How can you misspell that?" to a blue character, who responds, "I have dyslexia and find spelling challenging." Both characters sit at desks with computers in front of a notice board and clock on the wall. Image 2: The same office scene. The pink character says, "Do you even read what you write?" The blue character responds, "I do, but sometimes mistakes happen." Both characters look uneasy as they sit at their desks. Image 3: The blue character sits at a desk with a sad expression and a thought bubble that says, "This feels like they do not respect me or understand my condition." The pink character continues to sit nearby. The office setting includes a notice board, clock, and computers. The "Be What You See" logo is at the bottom.