{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/63f73c72397aea0011b6c514/6a044aadd58f9c365bfc442d?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Addiction in the legal sector (Part 1): Shattering the stigma and shifting mindsets, with Steve McCann, Becky Banks and Charlotte Reid","description":"<p>Welcome to The Work Couch, the podcast where we discuss all things employment.</p><p><strong><em>&nbsp;</em></strong></p><p><em>Content warning: The following content explores themes around addiction in a workplace context, including substance use and gambling, which some people might find distressing.</em></p><p><br></p><p>To mark Mental Health Awareness Week, we are devoting a two-part conversation to explore how substance use and other addictive coping behaviours can show up in high-pressure environments, including the legal sector - and what a more recovery-informed, psychologically safe culture looks like in practice.</p><p><br></p><p>In part one, we hear about the lived experience and how law firms are increasingly engaging with addiction issues in a proactive way. Host <a href=\"https://www.rpclegal.com/people/ellie-gelder/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Ellie Gelder</a> is joined by <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-mccann81/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Steve McCann</a> and <a href=\"https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccajbanks/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Becky Banks</a> from <a href=\"https://www.mcgonline.co.uk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">MCG Consulting</a> - a pioneering consultancy specialising in addiction awareness, recovery-informed inclusion and workplace culture transformation – and completing the panel, <a href=\"https://www.rpclegal.com/people/charlotte-reid/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Charlotte Reid</a>, senior associate in our Employment, Engagement &amp; Equality team.</p><p><br></p><p>Together, they discuss:</p><p><br></p><ul><li>Steve and Becky's own experiences of addiction and the work they are now doing with MCG to support law firms in raising awareness and embedding a recovery-informed culture;</li><li>the importance of terminology, inclusive language and avoiding stereotypical assumptions;</li><li>how to identify an addictive coping behaviour;</li><li>common workplace red flags to be alive to and how these can vary across different roles, career stages and areas of law;</li><li>how a recovery-informed work environment is integral to risk management, regulatory compliance, employee retention and reputation; and</li><li>how the employer mindset is shifting in the legal sector, including the evolution of policies, training and support routes, and firms increasingly adopting a more nuanced approach of \"checking in\", not \"catching out\".</li></ul><p><br></p><p>In Part 2, the panel focus on action: how to be an effective ally, and practical steps to support colleagues in and beyond recovery.</p><p><br></p><p><em>* Please note these podcasts will not run on Internet Explorer</em></p><p><br></p><p>We hope you enjoyed this episode. If you did, please subscribe to be notified when new episodes release. You can subscribe on <a href=\"https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-work-couch/id1675894326\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Apple Podcasts</a> and <a href=\"https://open.spotify.com/show/7t1QwfeSobLRUTKy6fvhar\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Spotify</a> to stay up to date with the latest episodes.</p><p><br></p><p>All information is correct at the time of recording. The Work Couch is not a substitute for legal advice.</p><p><br></p><p>To access further support on addiction issues, you may wish to visit: <a href=\"https://alcoholchange.org.uk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Alcohol Change UK</a>, <a href=\"https://smartrecovery.org.uk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Smart Recovery</a>, <a href=\"https://www.gamcare.org.uk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">GAMCare</a> (for gambling related harm) or <a href=\"https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">We Are With You</a>.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>References</strong></p><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.deloitte.com/uk/en/about/press-room/poor-mental-health-costs-uk-employers-51-billion-a-year-for-employees.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Report by Deloitte on the cost of poor mental health to UK employers</a> (May 2024)&nbsp;</li><li><a href=\"https://lawcare.org.uk/life-in-the-law/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Report by LawCare: Life in the Law</a> (September 2025) </li></ul><p><strong>&nbsp;</strong></p>","author_name":"RPC"}