Webinar Series 2024/2025

In this session Helen and Katrina will outline their Breaking Binaries Research programme (https://breakingbinariesresearch.wordpress.com/), exploring two recent funded projects.  They will unpack their theoretical stance on minority genders, sexes and sexualities, connecting their work to issues associated with cis and heteronormativity.  Having explained their qualitative research approach they will then present findings from a project reviewing UK policy and exploring this with research participants.  They will also outline findings from an interview study exploring experiences of safety at work for gender minority participants working in small and medium sized enterprises.  Helen and Katrina will then discuss their plans for the Breaking Binaries programme, describing work already underway and their longer term ambitions.

Katrina is a Professor in the Business Management department of the School of Management. Her research interests include identity (in a variety of employment/volunteering contexts) and diversity (with a specific focus on age and gender). Katrina is an Academic Member of the CIPD.

Helen is Senior Lecturer in People & Organisations, Business in the Business Management department of the School of Management. Drawing on her professional experience as an organisational psychologist, Helen seeks to better understand the meaning of work across a range of contexts and has particular interests in critical approaches to gender, diversity and inclusion at work.  

In this session Krystal and Sarah-Jane will outline the background and focus of their research collaboration (with Keely) with Greater Manchester Police Association of Women in Policing on the topic of perinatal (pregnancy and post-birth) mental health in the context of UK policing. Perinatal mental illness is a common phenomenon (affecting at least 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men) in the transition to parenthood, and yet it has been largely overlooked in the workplace – despite existing narratives on the importance of maternity management and support around mental health. The UK policing context offers unique challenges, linked to both the nature of the job and also organisation culture. Krystal and Sarah-Jane will explain the qualitative research approach, which involved in-depth interviews and a multi-stakeholder focus group, and importantly the resulting innovations in policy and practice at Greater Manchester Police and beyond. The presentation will also reference related projects from the team, including a report from Keely’s work on maternity management in policing more broadly, and resources from Sarah-Jane’s research around supporting police families.

Krystal is an Associate Professor in HRM at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is a work and employment scholar focusing on the work-life interface, wellbeing at work and reproductive health. She is a passionate advocate for awareness raising around perinatal mental health (in the workplace and beyond) and is an official Ambassador for the Maternal Mental Health Alliance. She is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

Sarah-Jane is a Chartered Psychologist (British Psychological Society) and Lecturer in the Department for Policing at the Open University. Sarah-Jane specialises in social psychology, emotions in the workplace and the mental health and well-being of police officers.  Prior to returning to academia Sarah-Jane served for 18 years as a police officer, to the rank of Detective Inspector. Sarah-Jane is an Associate to the College of Policing, as a subject matter expert in mental health and organisational culture, and leadership.   Sarah-Jane’s research focus is on supporting police officer’s emotional wellbeing through the exploration of officer lived experience and the impact of organisational culture and leadership on individual mental health.  Sarah-Jane works with police forces around the country and challenges the perception that mental wellbeing and ‘resilience’ are individual qualities, raising awareness of the role of stigma, emotional suppression, and dissociation in the increasing cases of PTSD within British officers.

Keely is a Lecturer in Policing Practice and Organisation at the Open University and leads the Policing stream for the new OU Centre for Protecting Women Online. As a Chartered Psychologist with a PhD in Health Psychology, she has a rich background in translating research into actionable strategies, particularly in the domains of well-being and mental health with a dedicated focus on maternal experiences in policing and perinatal mental health. Her interest extends to women’s rights and working parents’ issues within policing contexts. Previously, she served as the Head of Research for a UK police force and worked as a Special Constable in a domestic violence unit. Her ongoing collaborations with police forces aim to elevate practices and facilitate knowledge exchange to enhance support, particularly for women and other underrepresented groups in policing.  

Abstract will be available soon.

Liz  is an Associate Professor of Management Education and Learning at Henley Business School. Her research focuses on management learning and personal and career development, predominantly on post-experience management learners. She received the prestigious title of University Teaching Fellow in 2022 in recognition of her contribution to teaching and learning. She is also an Academic Fellow of the CIPD and an Associate Certified Coach of the International Coaching Federation.  

This study examines the influence of metaphorical language in performance evaluations on perceptions of promotability for women and men in white-collar workplaces. Through a quasi-experimental online survey with 280 participants, the research investigated six metaphorical personas: athlete, soldier, master, confidant, diver, and driver. Findings show that metaphorical language significantly enhances perceptions of promotability compared to non-metaphorical descriptions. The master persona received the highest promotability ratings, while confidant received the lowest. However, the study also exposes a strong gender bias. All personas were rated higher for male candidates, indicating that metaphors amplify existing gender biases and reinforce a male-dominated business view. While metaphors from traditionally masculine domains boost promotability perceptions for men, their effect is less pronounced for women. The study recommends raising awareness of metaphors’ persuasive power and monitoring their use in performance reviews and other forms of evaluations to mitigate unintended bias in organizational decision-making regarding promotion and pay.

Sylvia is a Professor of Language and Professional Communication. She explores professional communication in (new) media, business and health settings focusing predominantly (but not exclusively) on the ways in which language and other semiotic choices are used to construct identities and perpetuate social stereotyping, biases and stigma. Her research is interdisciplinary, cross-linguistic and cross-cultural. Beyond academia, Sylvia engages in consultancy work on matters pertaining to equality, diversity and inclusion in workplace, and effective organisational communication for and between diverse stakeholders.  

Lisa will explore the topic of neurodiversity in the workplace, highlighting current research insights and emerging best practices in this area. She will also share preliminary findings from her qualitative research on flexible working practices in the context of neurodiverse organisations.

Lisa is a PhD student in the International Business and Strategy department at the Henley Business School. Her research is interested in flexible work practices and neurodiversity in the workplace, effects on career progression, well-being and the implications for multiple stakeholders.  

Abstract will be available soon.

Mark is an Assistant Professor in Critical Organisation Studies whose main research interest is the gender inequity experienced by working parents (in paid employment). He explores the influence of patriarchal discourse on individuals in organisational contexts, particularly the motherhood penalty and patriarchal dividend. He established and proudly leads the Northumbria University Parents and Carers Network in 2020. He is also the co-Chair of UK Parents and Carers Together.  

Abstract will be available soon.

Meenakshi is a Principal Research Fellow at the Institute for Employment Studies. Her research expertise lies at the intersections of diversity, equality, inclusion, and labour market policies. She is passionate about promoting inclusive workplaces by bringing an evidence-based approach to HR policy and employer practice. She is currently leading two projects on race inequalities in the labour market, bringing an intersectionality lens to her work in diversity and inclusion.  

Abstract will be available soon.

Rachel is an Associate Professor in the Law school. She previously practiced as a solicitor specialising in employment and discrimination law. Her research interests are in equality and non-discrimination law, particularly in relation to health and access to health care and to employment. Rachel is the UK gender equality law expert for the European Equality in Law Network – a network of legal experts from 35 countries providing information to the European Commission on gender equality and non-discrimination issues. Previously, she has also acted as the Specialist Advisor on the Equality Act 2010 to the Women and Equalities Committee of the House of Commons.