Safe to Serve:
For current and former staff and volunteers in politics
Working in politics can be rewarding, meaningful and deeply personal work, but it can also be an intense, high-pressure and isolating environment where toxic cultures such as misogyny and bulling are ignored or even rewarded.
Change The Chat exists to provide independent support, signposting and safer spaces for current and former political staff, volunteers, campaigners and others working within political environments across the UK.
Whether you are currently working in politics, between roles or left years ago, we encourage you to contact us.
If you are contacting Change The Chat on behalf of a political party, elected representative or organisation, you can find more information about our training, safeguarding and workplace culture work
Current and former staff welcome
Many people only begin processing difficult workplace experiences after they have left a role or organisation.
Whether your experience was recent or happened years ago, you are still welcome to reach out.
You may be an elected representative or you may have chapped on a few doors one time and experienced something you don't like. Your story is relevant and deserves to be heard.
You do not need to...
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make a formal complaint
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be currently involved in politics
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be certain something “serious enough” happened
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have reported concerns internally already
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waver your anonymity to seek support
What we offer
Depending on your situation, we may be able to provide:
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confidential conversations and listening support (one-to-one or Speakeasy)
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signposting to specialist organisations and services
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guidance around workplace culture and wellbeing
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facilitated peer conversations and reflective spaces
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support navigating difficult workplace situations
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information about safeguarding and reporting pathways
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whistleblowing support
We understand that political workplaces can involve:
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long hours and blurred boundaries
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burnout and exhaustion
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bullying or intimidation
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unhealthy workplace cultures
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pressure linked to loyalty, reputation or public scrutiny
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fear of damaging future career opportunities
Although Change The Chat may work with political parties and organisations on training, culture change and safeguarding initiatives, that work is kept separate from individual support conversations. We will not share personal disclosures or identifying information with political organisations without your knowledge or consent.
You do not need to be in crisis to contact us.
Confidentiality and safety
We provide supportive, trauma-informed and safeguarding-aware spaces for people to talk openly about their experiences.
Conversations will be treated confidentially. However, there may be rare situations where we need to take safeguarding action if there is a serious and urgent risk of harm to you or others.
We will always explain our approach clearly and respectfully.
Change The Chat is not a legal or crisis service. Where appropriate, we may signpost individuals to specialist organisations and professional support services.
Sharing experiences to help drive change
Alongside providing support and signposting, Change The Chat is also working to improve workplace culture and safeguarding practices across political environments.
Where individuals feel comfortable doing so, we may invite people to share their experiences, reflections or feedback to help us better understand the realities of working in politics and advocate for healthier, safer and more sustainable political workplaces.
We recognise that speaking about difficult experiences can feel risky, particularly within political environments and close professional networks. Any participation in this work would always be voluntary, confidential, anonymous (unless you decide otherwise) and consent will be discussed and obtained clearly and respectfully before your information is saved or shared in any way.
A cross-party approach
Change The Chat believes everyone working or volunteering in politics deserves to feel safe, respected and supported regardless of political affiliation.
We work independently and constructively across the political spectrum and welcome engagement from people connected to all political parties and democratic organisations.
Get in touch
What happens if I contact Change The Chat?
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confidential conversation
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listening
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discussion of options
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signposting/support
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no pressure to take any action
If you would like to contact Change The Chat for support, guidance or signposting, we would welcome hearing from you.