There is a quiet stir across Carlisle, a subtle shift that cannot be measured by buildings, uniforms, or schedules, but lives in the people who inhabit them. It is in the glance of a colleague who notices when a joke lands too sharply, the pause of a manager choosing honesty over convenience, the small, deliberate act of someone refusing to let silence linger where it can cause harm. Each word spoken, each pledge made, becomes a tile in an invisible canopy – a shelter stretched over women and girls, over respect and courage.
This White Ribbon Day 2025, feeling of quiet bravery hums through every office, every site, every conversation daring to imagine a safer world. This year’s theme, We Speak Up, is a promise and a commitment to refuse silence where silence allows harm to grow. Sexist jokes, catcalling, unwanted comments, lingering stares are some behaviours that are too often dismissed as ‘nothing serious.’ These are being brought into the light because we understand that the first step on the path to violence often begins with words left unchecked.
Since becoming White Ribbon Accredited in January 2025, we have been weaving respect into our culture, strengthening policies, appointing ambassadors, expanding awareness, and empowering voices. White Ribbon Day for us is a celebration of the promise already carried forward by our people. Each pledge taken, each act of courage witnessed, reflects a deeper commitment that Carlisle is a place where courage finds space to grow and silence has no home.
In every corner of Carlisle, voices have been united with clarity, conviction, and lived experience, weaving a chorus of responsibility and hope:
Our CEO, Paul Evans, set the tone with quiet authority, capturing the heart of our commitment:
“As CEO of Carlisle, I recognise the important role we all play in Speaking Up and supporting the White Ribbon movement. By doing so together we will create safer communities by sending a clear message that violence and disrespect will not be accepted.”
His words became a rallying point, grounding the unity that followed.
Andrew Flannagan, HSQE Director, reminded us that leadership is inseparable from courage:
“As a White Ribbon Ambassador, I believe speaking up is about leadership and accountability, standing against violence, challenging unacceptable behaviour, and supporting those who need it most. Real change starts with the example we set every day, through our actions and our words. I proudly take the White Ribbon Pledge: I promise to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women.”
Rachel Marsden, Head of Sustainability, shared her perspective with compassion and grounded in everyday responsibility:
“White Ribbon matters because safety and respect should be a given for every woman and girl. Even when these conversations feel uncomfortable, they’re necessary. Organisations have a clear responsibility to create cultures where inappropriate behaviour is recognised and challenged. Real progress comes from collective effort, and each of us has something valuable to contribute.”
Suzanne Hawkins, HR Director, added strength and clarity:
“As HR Director at Carlisle Support Services, I am proud to reaffirm our commitment to creating a safe, respectful, and inclusive workplace for everyone. The White Ribbon Campaign is a vital movement that seeks to end violence against women and promote equality, and we stand firmly behind its mission… Let us unite in this commitment and lead by example, creating a workplace and society where everyone can thrive without fear.”
Katarzyna (Kat) Pilat, Events Manager, spoke as protector and witness:
“Working as a woman in security, I see every day the responsibility we have to keep people safe. But I also understand what it feels like to be on the other side – to feel vulnerable, unseen, or unheard. It’s about challenging unacceptable behaviour, supporting my colleagues, and making sure respect and equality are non-negotiable. I stand by the White Ribbon Pledge: never to use, excuse, or stay silent about violence against women.”
From Stewart Smith, Regional Contract Manager, came a memory that rested quietly but powerfully in the room:
“One of my earliest memories as a child about 4 years old, was listening to my mum cry and say sorry every single night, as I was so young I didn’t understand what was wrong, when I was old enough to understand I made a promise to my mum to protect her, I also promised to never listen to, allow or watch a woman be treated like that again, women are equals and should be treated as such, no one ever has the right to abuse women either verbally or physically, if I every witness this I promise to stand up and say something”. His story held the courage that grows from experience, not theory.
Yameen Choudhry, Head of Operations for Security South, spoke with tenderness and pride:
“I want to take a moment to reflect on the importance of respect, equality, and standing against violence. I am proud to have two wonderful daughters and an amazing wife who inspire me every day. I am also fortunate to work alongside brilliant women who continually teach me the value of collaboration, strength, and resilience. I take the White Ribbon Pledge: I promise to never commit, excuse, or remain silent about violence against women and to do everything I can to create a world where everyone can feel safe, valued, and respected.”
Simon Pratt, Managing Director South, spoke with personal resonance:
“For me, this is an issue I’ve had personal experience with earlier in my life. Any abuse, violence, or cruelty to women or girls, whether it be physical or mental, is just not acceptable and must be called out or reported. As a father myself, of an amazing teenage daughter, this resonates even louder.”
Ruth Sharman, Event Security Manager, shared a truth shaped by survival:
“Speaking up is about action, not just words. As a survivor, I know how hard it is to speak out when you fear judgement. It’s vital we challenge harmful behaviour, support colleagues, refuse to stay silent, and act if we see or suspect harm. As leaders, we must create a culture where everyone feels safe to raise concerns. I take the White Ribbon Pledge: I promise to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women.”
Daniel Horan, Contract Manager, offered a reminder of collective responsibility:
“White Ribbon Day is a powerful reminder that we all have a role to play in challenging harmful attitudes and behaviours that perpetuate violence and discrimination. It’s a call to action! Especially for men and boys to speak up, stand up, and act to create a future where everyone can live free from fear and harm. Respect is the foundation of a safe and inclusive environment. I am proud to support White Ribbon Day and encourage open conversations, active listening, and meaningful action to promote gender equality and respectful relationships.”
Jane Pullan, Head of People Development, captured the importance of everyday bravery:
“In my role, I often see the difference it makes when someone has the confidence to speak up. White Ribbon Day reminds us that challenging inappropriate behaviour, no matter how small, is an important act of respect. When we push back, we protect each other and help create a workplace where everyone feels safe.”
Allan Gregory, Consulting Director, Transport Security & Policing, called forward the courage that leadership demands:
“Speaking up, being an ally, and demonstrating leadership is about showing your moral courage – doing the right thing. I will do the right thing because I care about the people I work alongside and there is a duty upon us all to look out for others, speak up for them, and demonstrate a zero-tolerance to any harmful behaviours or attitudes. I promise to never use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence against women.”
Stephen Channer, Head of HSQE, distilled the movement into one essential truth:
“Speaking out entails supporting others, engaging in active listening, fostering openness to learning, and taking appropriate action when confronted with wrongdoing. Meaningful change begins when individuals acknowledge and accept personal responsibility. I endorse the White Ribbon Pledge: I commit never to use, excuse, or remain silent about men’s violence towards women”
As these voices intertwined, White Ribbon Day served as a space for us where personal stories folded into collective strength. After the ribbons would be tucked away, their impact would continue to breathe through our conversations, our commitments, and the culture we are building. The physical symbols may be stored, but the promises they represent remain alive, quietly pulsing in each action, each choice, each voice that dares to speak.
We will keep speaking up.
We will keep creating safer spaces.
We will keep building a workplace where every colleague, every woman, every girl can work, and flourish without any fear.
The cold reaches the gates long before London wakes. Yet through winter rain, biting winds and the long hours of the night, Carlisle’s security officers
Frontline security officers navigate a landscape of intense psychological pressure and unpredictable human tension every day. From crowded transit hubs, high-stakes emergency rooms to absorbing
Keeping people safe has always been at the heart of Carlisle while that commitment is demonstrated every day across Britain’s rail network, it extends far
Providing flexible, on-demand support to help organisations build resilience, mitigate risks, and adapt to the ever-changing political, socio-economic, and environmental landscape to deliver seamless event experiences.
Managing trees and vegetation for the UK’s public infrastructure and commercial spaces.
Delivering aesthetically pleasing environments whilst eliminating potential hazards and operational disruptions caused by vegetation.
Provide fully vetted, accredited officers equipped with the latest technologies to secure and protect your people, premises, assets and the wider public.
Providing bespoke services that identify site specific vulnerabilities and address complex challenges to mitigate risks.
Maintaining high facility standards and minimising service disruptions across the UK rail network.
Delivering exceptionally clean environments at optimal cost and positive environmental footprint with unrivalled quality control across nationwide operations.
Delivering seamless passenger experiences whilst protecting revenue and achieving operational excellence.
Providing flexible, on-demand support to help organisations build resilience, mitigate risks, and adapt to the ever-changing political, socio-economic, and environmental landscape.
Deploying balanced crowd management strategies for optimal safety and seamless visitor experiences.
Delivering seamless visitor experiences across the UK’s biggest venues, stadiums and exhibition centres.
Transforming customer journeys with innovative car parking solutions that maximise operational control and revenue.
Enhancing and maintaining site aesthetics for optimal nature, commercial infrastructure, and community harmony. We aim to deliver beautiful scenery whilst eliminating potential hazards and operational disruptions caused by vegetation.
We streamline cleaning and facilities services that help organisations maintain exceptional standards across single and multi-site operations.
We offer a total turnkey solution from initial design and product selection through to installation and commissioning. Our customers benefit from benefit from around-the-clock protection for optimal peace of mind that comes from working with a trusted alarm monitoring service.
Our range of fire life safety solutions are designed to prevent, detect and contain fire and where necessary enable a safe and timely escape.
From the initial Fire Risk Assessment through to the design and installation of fire detection and fire suppression systems and ongoing maintenance and monitoring contracts, we provide you with a one stop fire protection solution.
From security-cleared operations with MOD-affiliated organisations to supporting the UK’s rail infrastructure and securing the Highest Court of the British Isles alongside countless major venues across the UK, we provide fully vetted, accredited officers equipped with the latest technologies to secure and protect your people, premises, assets and the wider public.
Fulfilling the most complex single and multi-site cleaning requirements at an award-winning standard for over 30 years.
Providing an extensive range of Soft and Hard FM services to help you streamline management and eliminate operational disruptions.
Undertaking routine cleaning to maintain the highest standards in cleanliness and hygiene for exceptional environments.
