How Our Psychological Resilience Is Affected by Our Perception of Psychological Safety

01 Jul 2026
Theatre 3
Mental Health & Wellbeing

Psychological resilience is often framed as an individual trait—but it is deeply shaped by the environments in which people work. This session explores the powerful relationship between resilience and psychological safety: the extent to which people feel able to speak up, admit mistakes, and be themselves 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—not by hardening people, but 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