Safe Enough to Speak, Resilient Enough to Stay

01 Jul 2026
Theatre 3
Mental Health & Wellbeing

How individuals perceive psychological safety plays a critical role in determining whether personal resilience is strengthened or undermined over time. This session explores the powerful relationship between resilience and psychological safety: the extent to which people feel able to learn, to contribute and to challenge without fear. Drawing on therapeutic, operational, and lived experience, the panel will examine how perceptions of safety influence stress, performance, and recovery in high-risk roles. Delegates will leave with a clearer understanding of how leaders and organisations can create conditions that strengthen resilience by building cultures of trust and support.

 

Chairperson
Colette Black
Colette Black, Assistant Chief Executive Officer - Essex Fire Services
Speakers
Ritika Wadwa
Ritika Wadwa, CEO - Prabhaav Global
Rowena Hill
Rowena Hill, Professor of Resilience - Emergencies and Disaster Science at Nottingham Trent University
Paula Lyons
Paula Lyons, Assistant Chief Fire Officer - Avon Fire and Rescue Service