CEE Ltd

13/01/2026

At Culture & Engagement Experts Ltd we do not talk about culture as a 'nice to have.' We focus on what the evidence shows - Culture is a key driver to both individual and organisational success.

One question comes up repeatedly in organisations: Why should we change the culture?

Our Managing Director, Sandra Buchan is currently undertaking a study examining the real impact of toxic and empowering workplace cultures on employee career outcomes. This includes progression, confidence, opportunity and long-term career sustainability.

Early insights reinforce what many people already know instinctively
- Culture Shapes Careers.

If you are a UK resident, over 18 years of age and have experienced both a toxic and an empowering workplace culture (can be different organisations), Please consider taking part in this study.

Your voice matters. Evidence driven change only happens when people are willing to speak honestly about what they have lived through.

We can only change practice if people speak up.

https://forms.gle/mRkBer3p3VV3afwGA

Please share. The more voices we hear, the stronger the evidence becomes.

12/12/2025

🎅🎄Thank you to everyone who joined us at our fabulous Christmas lunch today, our last meeting of the year, and a HUGE thank you to Abi, Tina and the Team at Manor Farm, Oldcotes who were superb!
Lots more photos tomorrow, there may even be a little video for you all too.

10/12/2025

📢 CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS – Have You Worked in Both a Toxic and an Empowering Workplace?

I am carrying out a research study as part of my MSc in Strategic HR at the University of Salford, and I would love your insight.

This study explores how different workplace cultures affect:
💬 Communication & trust
🌱 Support & development
🚀 Career progression & satisfaction
🧠 Overall wellbeing at work

If you have worked in a negative/toxic culture AND in a positive/empowering culture, your voice can help create change.

🔹 Who can take part?
✔ 18 or older
✔ Live in the UK
✔ Have experienced both types of workplace culture (same or different workplaces)

🔹 What will I do?
Just complete a 20-minute anonymous online survey with rating and short written questions.
No identifiable information is required - it is completely anonymous.
You can stop at any point before submitting your responses.

🔹 Why take part?
Your experiences matter — and could help shape better workplaces for the future. 💙

👉 Take part here:
https://forms.gle/UhcQaWogfvZpb8L98

Please feel free to share this post so others who meet the criteria can get involved too!

Thank you so much for your support.
If you have any questions, please get in touch.

Researcher: Sandra Buchan, MSc Candidate, University of Salford Supervisor: Jill Mytton, MOL Learn Purpose of the study: You are invited to take part in a study that is exploring how different workplace cultures influence employee’s career outcomes. The research compares experiences of toxic and e...

08/11/2025

What a night!

Being a Finalist for Best New Business Award at the Sme National Business Awards 2025 was an incredible experience — and a reminder of how far Culture & Engagement Experts Ltd has come in such a short time.

The evening was full of inspiring businesses, each with their own story of passion and purpose. To be recognised among them was an honour in itself. I also had the pleasure of meeting Geeta Sidhu-Robb - a very inspiring businesswoman.

I left feeling proud — proud of the impact we are making, proud of our clients who trust us with their culture, and proud of a team that brings evidence-based change to life every day.

Awards come and go, but purpose stays. And ours is stronger than ever.

💙 Here’s to continuing to shape workplaces where people truly thrive.

15/10/2025

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

The Driven Mind Podcast · Episode

12/10/2025

CULTURE COACH COLUMN – WEEK 31

How to Speak Up (Without Feeling Like You’re Sticking Your Neck Out)

In some organisations, silence isn’t a lack of ideas — it’s self-protection.
When people worry about how honesty will be received, they hold back. It’s not because they don’t care — it’s because they don’t feel safe. And when silence becomes self-preservation, culture stops growing.
Psychological safety isn’t a soft skill — it’s a cultural one. It’s built through leaders who listen without defensiveness, respond with respect, and act on what they hear.

In this week’s How To Guide, I share practical steps to:
✔️ Speak up with confidence and purpose
✔️ Listen without judgment or blame
✔️ Build a culture where honesty feels safe — not risky

At Culture & Engagement Experts Ltd, we help organisations build psychologically safe environments where people can be honest, challenge respectfully, and trust that their voice will be heard.

💙 Like & share to keep the Culture Coach Column in your feed.

05/10/2025

CULTURE COACH COLUMN – WEEK 30

How to Manage Upwards
(Because Aren’t We All Supposed to Automatically Know?)

“Managing upwards” is one of those phrases everyone uses, but few people really understand — never mind how to actually do it.

It’s often seen as political or manipulative, or even as trying to control your manager.

In reality, managing upwards is about building a balanced working relationship. It’s about understanding how your manager works, what pressures they face, and how you can communicate and collaborate in ways that make both of you more effective.
It’s not about flattery or over-functioning — it’s about clarity, trust, and influence. Done well, it strengthens culture from the middle out.

In this week’s How To Guide, I share five ways to manage upwards confidently — without compromising your boundaries, your values, or your authenticity:

1️⃣ Understand their world
2️⃣ Communicate with clarity
3️⃣ Manage expectations early
4️⃣ Adapt your approach
5️⃣ Offer insight, not criticism

At Culture & Engagement Experts Ltd, we help individuals and teams strengthen communication, influence, and confidence — because managing upwards should feel collaborative, not complicated.

💙 Like & share to keep the Culture Coach Column in your feed!

28/09/2025

CULTURE COACH COLUMN – WEEK 29

How to Build a Culture of Accountability (Not Blame)

From 1 September, the UK’s new Failure to Prevent Fraud law comes into effect. Large organisations can now be held liable if they don’t have reasonable procedures in place to stop fraud.
It’s a strong reminder: accountability is more than compliance — and it’s definitely not about blame.

❌ Blame creates fear, silence, and cover-ups.
✅ Accountability creates ownership, prevention, and learning.

In this week’s How To Guide, I share 5 practical steps to shift from blame to accountability:

1️⃣ Define accountability clearly — ownership, not punishment
2️⃣ Focus on systems as well as individuals
3️⃣ Create safety for honesty — no weaponising mistakes
4️⃣ Recognise accountability when it’s shown
5️⃣ Link accountability to growth

At Culture & Engagement Experts Ltd, we help organisations move from blame to accountability through cultural diagnostics, leadership coaching, and practical tools that strengthen trust and resilience.

💙 Like & share to keep the Culture Coach Column in your feed!

21/09/2025

When we think of champions, our minds often go straight to the outcome - the trophies, the headlines, the moments of glory. But psychology tells us something different. True champions are made long before the final spotlight. It lives in the early mornings, the unseen sacrifices and The Driven Mind....