Citation Podcast

Hosted by Citation Professional Solutions

Business Management

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Latest episode

Jul 2026

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About the show

Want to stay in-the-know with all things HR, Employment Law and Health & Safety? We created the Citation Podcast to give guidance and best practice to employers, managers, and business owners just like you, to help your business stay safe, compliant and operating at its best. If you want to find out more or have any topic suggestions you’d like to hear in the future, just drop us an email at podcast@citation.co.uk or head over to our website citation.co.uk for our latest articles and resources.

Listen to episodes

10 recent

July 23, 202624 min

AI and Health & Safety | Not Another Safety Talk

How to embrace AI without introducing new workplace risks Your employees are probably already using AI at work, whether you’ve introduced it or not. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act, that means the responsibility for how it’s used already sits with you. That means right now, before specific regulation exists. In this episode, Citation’s Health & Safety experts Simon Edmond and David Taylor go through what that means in practice: the real risks businesses are already getting wrong, what the HSE has started publishing on AI, and where to start. What’s covered in the podcast Why AI falls under existing health and safety law, and what that means for you today What the HSE’s recent guidance says, and what it doesn’t yet cover Why AI-generated risk assessments and documents still need expert review Automation, cyber security and the new hazards AI introduces What “human in the loop” means and why it matters for high-risk tasks Three practical steps you can take before regulation catches up Why you should watch You don’t need AI-powered machinery for this to be relevant. If your team are using tools like ChatGPT to research, draft documents or speed up day-to-day tasks – and most teams are – you need to know where your responsibilities sit. This episode is clear and practical. Simon and David focus on what’s happening now, not just what might happen, and give you a clear starting point for getting on top of it. Who it’s for Business owners, operations managers, Health & Safety professionals and anyone responsible for workplace safety, particularly if AI tools are already in use across your team. Watch the episode The regulation is still catching up. Your responsibilities aren’t. Listen to or watch the episode and find out where you stand.

July 9, 202627 min

HSE’s Business Plan 2026/27 | Not Another Safety Talk

A practical briefing on the HSE’s annual business plan The HSE has published its annual business plan, and it sets out exactly where enforcement is heading this year. This episode of Not Another Safety Talk breaks it down what’s changed, which sectors are in the spotlight, and what you should do about it. Citation’s Health & Safety Advice Manager David Taylor and Fire Team Manager Simon Edmond discuss what the plan means in practice, with clear guidance you can act on straight away. What’s covered HSE’s ten-year and annual strategic goals and what they mean for you Why the focus has shifted from safety to health, including mental health, stress, noise, dust, and musculoskeletal disorders Construction under the microscope: 5,000 of the 14,000 planned inspections are in construction, with specific new attention on silica dust and water suppression when cutting stone How inspectors evaluate risk assessments, not just whether the paperwork exists, but whether it’s implemented, evidenced, and reflected on site The HSE’s more supportive approach this year, and why proactive businesses are in a far stronger position if enforcement does come Where health and safety is heading over the next ten years, including the growing role of AI in safety management Why this episode matters The HSE’s business plan tells you exactly where inspectors are trained to look and which sectors are going to see more activity this year. If you’re in construction, you need to know about the silica dust focus before someone turns up on site. If you’re in manufacturing or running an office-based team, the shift toward health hazards changes how you should approach everything from stress risk assessments to noise and air quality monitoring. The sooner you understand what’s in the plan, the better placed you are to act on it. Who it’s for Business owners and directors Health & Safety leads and managers Construction and site managers Operations and compliance teams Anyone responsible for workplace safety or managing risk Get practical insight from Citation’s experts Listen to the episode and get clear advice on what the HSE’s annual business plan means for your business. Need support with risk assessments, site inspections, or Health & Safety compliance? Call 0345 844 1111.

June 1, 202641 min

Stress and wellbeing in the workplace | Not Another Safety Talk

A practical conversation on stress, mental health, HR and Health & Safety You can’t always spot workplace stress. It can build quietly, affect performance, increase absence, and create risk long before anyone raises their hand for help. In this episode of Not Another Safety Talk, Citation’s Simon Edmond, David Taylor, and Kelly Kelman discuss why stress and wellbeing are now firmly on both the HR and Health & Safety agenda – and what you should be doing about it. What’s covered Why stress is an “invisible hazard” you can’t ignore How HR and Health & Safety responsibilities overlap Signs of stress, presenteeism, and poor wellbeing Why stress risk assessments need to be more than paperwork HSE management standards: demands, control, support, role, relationships and change How Employee Assistance Programmes can support your people How important culture, leadership and manager confidence are Key enforcement trends across workplace transport, contractors and off-site work Fire safety updates, including residential PEEPs and fire risk assessor competence Why this episode matters Stress, anxiety and depression continue to drive huge levels of absence across UK workplaces. But the real risk often starts much earlier, in unclear workloads, poor communication, weak support, or a culture where people don’t feel able to speak up. In this episode, you’ll get practical ways to spot issues sooner, support employees properly, and build a healthier, safer workplace. Who it’s for This webinar is ideal for: Business owners HR and people teams Health & Safety leads Line managers Operations and compliance teams Anyone responsible for employee wellbeing or workplace risk Get practical insight from Citation’s experts Watch the discussion and get clear, down-to-earth advice on managing stress and wellbeing at work. Need support with stress risk assessments, absence management, or wellbeing? Call 0345 844 1111.

May 29, 202638 min

Building wellbeing in veterinary teams – practical steps that work

Wellbeing isn’t a perk. It’s what keeps good people in veterinary practice. In high-pressure clinical environments, wellbeing often gets pushed aside when there’s time, which there rarely is. But ignoring it has real consequences: exhaustion, turnover, declining performance, and teams that can’t sustain the work they trained for. In our latest podcast, Adrian Brine , Partnership Manager at Citation, is joined by: Emma McGrath , Professional Support Solicitor at Citation Chris White , Operations & Development Director and Board Chair at VMG Steven Goodear , SPVS Board Member and Practice Owner at Black Sheep Vets They explore what wellbeing means in veterinary practice and the practical steps that make a difference. What you’ll learn What wellbeing looks like The difference between fulfilment and comfort. Your best days might have been stressful but still rewarding. How wellbeing connects to autonomy, relationships, and making a difference. Engaged, productive teams still experience stress but have the coping mechanisms to handle it. Normal stress vs burnout Work-related stress is inevitable in veterinary practice. That’s not always a problem. Too much stress, too often, for too long leads to burnout. Recovery time matters, even when you love your work. Sense of achievement and recognition matter alongside managing pressure. Spotting the red flags Managers don’t need to diagnose, but they do need to notice changes, such as: Attitude shifts Performance patterns Appearance changes Social withdrawal Behavioural changes Understanding your team well enough to notice when something’s different is the key. Practical tools that work Our panel shares what’s made the biggest impact in their practices: Personality profiling to understand how different team members process stress, communicate and respond under pressure. It’s not about labelling people; it’s about de-escalating conflict and creating better working relationships. Opening conversations early matters. Don’t wait until someone’s in crisis. “Are you okay?” can be the start of meaningful support. Manager self-awareness means assessing how leaders behave under stress, not just employees. Creating feedback loops means recognising good work, even during high-pressure days. Why this episode matters Veterinary teams face emotionally demanding cases, unpredictable workloads, and the weight of life-or-death decisions. Wellbeing isn’t about eliminating stress. It’s about creating environments where people can do challenging work without burning out. The practices that get this right build teams that thrive, support each other, and stay in the profession. This episode is packed with honest, practical insight from people who’ve managed wellbeing challenges in real veterinary settings. Listen now If you’re a practice owner, manager or clinical lead who wants to build a team that lasts, this episode is essential listening.

April 20, 202630 min

Why Health & Safety matters more than you think | Not Another Safety Talk

Episode 1 | Why Health & Safety matters more than you think A fresh take on Health & Safety, fire risks, and what businesses should really focus on Health & Safety doesn’t always get the best reputation – paperwork, red tape, people telling you what you can’t do. This podcast is here to change that. In the very first episode of Not Another Safety Talk, Citation’s David Taylor and Simon Edmond talk honestly about what Health & Safety is really about: helping people go home safe, making businesses stronger, and cutting through the noise to focus on what really matters. What’s covered in the episode Why Health & Safety gets a bad reputation The real purpose of good Health & Safety Key enforcement trends businesses should know Growing focus on stress, COSHH, and workplace health Why fire risk assessments matter more than ever New areas to watch, including AI and the Building Safety Act A few common Health & Safety myths, busted Listen now If you want a smarter, more practical take on Health & Safety (without the clipboard stereotype) this is a great place to start.

March 13, 202628 min

Handling tricky HR Issues in veterinary practice: From recruitment to conflict management

Running a successful veterinary practice is about clinical expertise and people. Recruitment challenges. Retention pressures. Flexible working requests. Performance concerns. Team conflict. In our new podcast, Adrian Brine, Partnership Manager at Citation, is joined by: Emma McGrath, Professional Support Solicitor at Citation Chris White, Operations & Development Director and Board Chair at VMG Steven Goodear, SPVS Board Member and Practice Owner at Black Sheep Vets Together, they explore the real HR challenges facing veterinary practices today – and how to manage them without overcomplicating processes or creating unnecessary bureaucracy. What you’ll learn Recruitment and retention in a competitive market Why hiring feels harder than ever — and how clearer job adverts, transparent salaries and flexible working options can improve candidate quality. And how culture, progression and workload balance play a critical role. Managing performance and flexible working fairly How to intervene early when issues arise, document conversations properly and create accountability, without turning your practice into a rulebook-driven environment. Handling conflict before it escalates In a high-pressure clinical setting, tensions can build quickly. Our panel shares practical ways to: Improve communication De-escalate misunderstandings Run constructive one-to-ones Create psychological safety within teams Common HR mistakes to avoid From outdated contracts and inconsistent documentation to avoiding difficult conversations, we discuss the predictable (and preventable) errors that increase turnover and stress. Why this episode matters As practices grow and teams expand, managing people becomes more complex. What worked with five team members may not work with forty. The good news? Most HR challenges are manageable with early conversations, clear communication and consistent leadership. This episode is packed with practical insight to help practice leaders build teams people want to stay in.

March 13, 202623 min

Inside an HSE inspection: What veterinary practices need to know

HSE inspections don’t have to feel intimidating. In a busy veterinary practice, where teams are balancing surgeries, consults, emergencies and client expectations, the thought of a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) visit can feel like yet another pressure. But what actually happens during an inspection? What are inspectors really looking for? And how can practices prepare without overwhelming already stretched teams? In our latest podcast Adrian Brine, Partnership Manager at Citation, is joined by: Lucy Pottle, Health & Safety Consultant at Citation Chris White, Operations & Development Director and Board Chair at VMG Steven Goodear, SPVS Board Member and Practice Owner at Black Sheep Vets Together, they break down what HSE inspections really look like in veterinary settings — and how practices can prepare with confidence. What you’ll learn Why vet practices are inspected What happens during an inspection The biggest compliance gaps in veterinary settings What inspectors look for around COSHH, sharps, clinical waste, PPE, and manual handling Why mental health and stress risk assessments matter How leadership, culture and team confidence influence inspection outcomes Practical tools to reduce overwhelm and save time You’ll also hear real-world insight into how practices can embed Health & Safety into everyday operations — so it becomes part of the culture, not a once-a-year exercise. Why this episode matters Veterinary environments are fast paced, emotionally demanding and clinically complex. Health & Safety can easily feel like an additional administrative burden — particularly if you don’t have a dedicated compliance lead. But when done well, the right systems protect your team, strengthen trust, improve standards and create calmer, more confident workplaces. An inspection shouldn’t feel like a test. It should confirm what you already know: your systems work. Listen now If you’re a practice owner, manager or clinical lead wanting clarity on HSE expectations then this episode is essential listening.

February 17, 202643 min

Employment Rights Act 2025: The changes every employer must know before April 2026

The biggest overhaul of UK employment law in a generation. The Employment Rights Act 2025 introduces major reforms rolling out between April 2026 and 2027 — fundamentally changing how UK businesses hire, manage sickness, handle dismissals and structure contracts. In this episode of The Citation Podcast, our employment law specialists explain what’s changing, when it’s happening and what you need to do now to prepare. Listen now and stay ahead of the changes. Listen to the episode on Spotify > Get HR support > Why this matters for your business We’re in the middle of an 18-month transformation of UK employment law: Eight reforms arrive in April 2026 Nine more follow in October 2026 Eleven additional changes roll out through 2027 If you wait to prepare, it may already be too late. Note: If you hire staff after June 2026, they’ll reach six months’ service just as the new unfair dismissal protections go live in January 2027. What we cover in this episode Statutory Sick Pay changes (April 2026) The new Fair Work Agency (April 2026) Unfair dismissal rights (January 2027) Third-party harassment duty (October 2026) Zero-hours contract reform (2027) Who should listen? This episode is essential for: Business owners Managing directors HR managers Operations leads Anyone responsible for hiring or managing staff Particularly small and medium-sized businesses without in-house employment law teams.

January 12, 202625 min

Health & Safety in a changing care environment

A conversation with Citation and the National Care Association (NCA) The care landscape is shifting and so are the Health & Safety expectations placed on providers. Infection control, fire safety, lone working, culture and paperwork mean real pressure. But when regulations tighten and risks rise, how do you protect people without overwhelming your teams? In this podcast, Citation’s Care Business Manager Mick Feather sits down with Martin Andrews, Health & Safety Consultant, and Nadra Ahmed, Executive Chair of the National Care Association, to unpack what care providers are facing right now and what practical steps can make life easier. What we cover in the episode The biggest Health & Safety challenges in care today From infection control to fire safety and lone working, kicking off with the top risks keeping providers awake at night. Managing risk without drowning staff in paperwork How do providers stay compliant while keeping frontline teams focused on care, not checklists? Turning incidents and near-misses into positive change Real examples of learning cultures in action and why fear of scrutiny is holding some services back. Where CQC and the HSE are focusing their attention What’s coming up repeatedly on inspections, and how the national picture compares to what consultants see day-to-day. Tools and resources that actually make life easier Is it digital solutions? Clearer guidance? Training? The panel explores what would move the needle most for providers. Why this episode is worth a listen This discussion gives you: Clear insight into current and emerging Heath & Safety pressures in care Practical, realistic advice you can apply straight away A regulator-savvy view from both consultancy and national advocacy leaders Reassurance that compliance can be manageable Want to hear more? If you want to find out more or have any topic suggestions you’d like to hear in the future, just drop us an email at podcast@citation.co.uk or head over to our Resources page for our latest guides, checklists and articles. Clients should log in to Atlas for in-depth guidance, templates, training, and more.

December 15, 202519 min

Future-proofing the care sector

A forward-looking discussion with Citation and the National Care Association (NCA) The care sector is facing major change. Workforce legislation, minimum wage enforcement, the Employment Rights Bill, evolving CQC priorities, sustainability pressures mean providers are expected to adapt fast, often while already stretched. In this episode, Mick Feather hosts a conversation with Gill McAteer, Citation’s Director of Employment Law, and Nadra Ahmed, Executive Chair of the National Care Association, focusing on what’s coming next and how care services can get ahead instead of firefighting. What we cover in the episode The big compliance changes on the horizon From minimum wage protections and pay gap reporting to the new Fair Work Agency, we look at the legislative shift heading for providers. Getting out of firefighting mode How leaders can shift from reactive compliance to proactive planning even with limited resources. The Employment Rights Bill: what care providers need to know What’s changing, how it affects contracts, policies, recruitment and retention, and where the biggest risks lie. How these changes influence CQC’s ‘Well-Led’ and ‘Safe’ inspections Where workforce law meets regulation and what inspectors will expect to see in evidence and leadership practice. How policymakers can ease (not increase) the burden The panel discuss what would genuinely help providers deliver great care while staying compliant. The role of compliance partners in long-term resilience Why providers shouldn’t navigate this alone and how partners like Citation can support HR, regulation, governance and workforce planning. Why this episode matters Care leaders will walk away with: Clearer view of the legislative and regulatory changes coming up Practical steps to prepare now, not later Insight directly from national policy conversations Confidence to strengthen “Well-Led”, “Safe”, workforce and governance frameworks Please note this podcast was filmed prior to the Bill being passed. Want to hear more? If you want to find out more or have any topic suggestions you’d like to hear in the future, just drop us an email at podcast@citation.co.uk or head over to our Resources page for our latest guides, checklists and articles. Clients should log in to Atlas for in-depth guidance, templates, training, and more.