Personal is Political and How Silence Speaks

Professor Laura Serrant OBE joins Joanne Lockwood to unpack what it means for “the personal to be political”, and why our everyday experiences of inclusion, exclusion, and being given (or denied) equal chances reflect how society distributes value, resources, and voice.

They explore the power of storytelling as a bridge to empathy, how perspective shapes reactions to the same event, and how group dynamics, belonging, and fear of ostracism can silence people or push them into conformity. Laura reflects on the particular responsibility that can fall on those who visibly occupy minority positions, including the ongoing work of naming what is offensive even when it isn’t personally felt as offence.

The conversation also moves into practical inclusion: asking people what they need rather than guessing, listening for intent and impact, and avoiding “survey fatigue” by ensuring feedback leads to visible action. Laura shares how poetry helps her “download” her thoughts and how her Windrush-inspired poem amplified untold stories, before reflecting on her career and honours as a tribute to the communities, colleagues, and ancestors whose voices shaped her work.