Helen Pettifer

Unlocking Vulnerability

Business EN ↓ 73 episodes

This podcast is about one simple but powerful idea: supporting vulnerable customers better — with empathy, confidence, and good practice. I’ll be joined by brilliant guests sharing real stories, practical ideas, and fresh perspectives on supporting people when it matters most.   Because vulnerability can affect any of us — at any time.   Join me for Unlocking Vulnerability .   Listen, learn, and be part of the conversation.

Author

Helen Pettifer

Category

Business

Podcast website

www.spreaker.com

Latest episode

May 18, 2026

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Episodes

Can Wealth Create Vulnerability? 18.05.2026

In this episode of Unlocking Vulnerability, Helen is joined by Patrick Foley, Managing Director of Sonar Financial Services, to explore the hidden vulnerabilities faced by professional footballers and other high-earning clients. Patrick shares how sudden wealth, public pressure, limited life experience and intense performance expectations can create unique challenges for young players navigating f...

Episode 72 - Why Suicide Prevention Is Everyone’s Business 20.04.2026

In this episode of Unlocking Vulnerability , Helen is joined by Lachie Humphreys from BSI and Marcus Long at IIOA to explore the UK’s first workplace standard for suicide awareness and prevention. Marcus shares the deeply personal story that led to the creation of the standard, while Lachie explains how it was developed through collaboration with experts, organisations, and those with lived experi...

Why “Vulnerable Customer” Isn’t the Whole Story 30.03.2026

In this episode Helen is joined by Kate Robbins, Head of Customer Policy at Wessex Water, to explore how the understanding of vulnerability has evolved across the utilities sector. Kate shares how the focus has shifted from labelling “vulnerable customers” to recognising that anyone may need extra support at different points in their lives — and why language, data, and collaboration all play a cri...

Back to Basics: Embedding Vulnerability Across the Customer Journey 09.03.2026

In this episode, Helen is joined by Bridie O’Shea, Customer Insight and Excellence Specialist at Mansfield Building Society. Bridie shares how her role focuses on improving customer journeys and ensuring vulnerable customers receive the support they need. Together, they explore the importance of going back to basics — embedding vulnerability awareness into everyday practice, building networks of c...

When Customers Don’t Just Need Power — They Need People 23.02.2026

In this episode, Helen is joined by Natasha Crooks, Vulnerable Customer Manager at Northern Ireland Electricity Networks. Together we explore how the definition of vulnerability has evolved beyond traditional medical needs to include financial hardship, neurodivergence, language barriers and rural isolation. Natasha shares how NIE Networks has embedded inclusive service into everyday practice — fr...

Exploring a decade of vulnerability insights and support 09.02.2026

In this first episode of season 2, Helen is joined by her colleague Jenna Birchall.  As Helen Pettifer Training celebrates 10 years this year, we discuss what changes and progress has been made over the last decade in the vulnerability space.  We discuss the impacts vulnerability has on customers, colleagues and organisations, and what actions firms can take to better support people in challenging...

Episode 67 - A Conversation about Grief 13.09.2022

In this episode, Helen is joined by Lucy Dennis, Project Manager at Cruse Bereavement. In their conversation, Lucy and Helen talk about grief and loss, how it impacts people and how organisations can support both colleagues and customers experiencing grief. For more information on grief connect with Lucy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucy-dennis-75386b199/ Further resources on grief: Lucy's blog fo...

Episode 66 - Building a Vulnerability Army 29.08.2022

In this episode, Helen shares a snippet from her recent Vulnerability Mentoring Programme as she talks about building a Vulnerability Army within organisations. You can follow Helen Pettifer for future episodes and more consumer vulnerability information: Email - info@helenpettifer.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/hpettifertrain LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-pettifer-unlocking-vuln...

Episode 65 - A conversation on Neurodiversity 15.08.2022

In this episode, Helen is joined by Chezzy Kennedy, Neurodiversity consultant, trainer, coach and mentor with Thrive Mental Health & Wellbeing. In their conversation, Chezzy and Helen talk about what neurodiversity is, how it impacts people and what businesses can do to better support customers and colleagues who are neurodiverse. For more information on Neurodiversity, connect with Chezzy: Li...

Episode 64 - Campaign to End Loneliness 18.07.2022

In this episode, Helen is joined by Robin Hewings, the Programme Director at Campaign to End Loneliness. In their conversation, Robin and Helen talk about the risk factors leading to loneliness, how this impacts individuals and what we can do to support people in our communities who are lonely. For more information on Campaign to End Loneliness: Visit website - https://www.campaigntoendloneliness....

Episode 63 - Financial Skills Partnership in Melton Mowbray 23.05.2022

In this episode, Helen is joined by Amanda Harris, the Retail Operations Manager at The Melton Building Society, and Amanda Heath, The Founder and Centre Manager at the Melton and District Money Advice Centre (MADMAC). Both Amanda's talk about the new partnership created between The Melton and MADMAC helping build financial skills within the schools and community of Melton Mowbray. For more inform...

Episode 62 - A chat about loneliness 12.05.2022

In this episode, Helen is joined by Ellice Whyte to discuss the topic of Loneliness which is the theme for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week. Connect with Ellice here - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellice-whyte/ Find out more about Mental Health Awareness Week here - https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/ You can follow Helen Pettifer for future episodes and more consumer vulnerability information...

Epiosde 61 - Ways to help in the cost of living crisis 03.05.2022

In this episode, Helen shares her thoughts on the cost of living crisis and how we can help people who are struggling. You can follow Helen Pettifer for future episodes and more consumer vulnerability information: Email - info@helenpettifer.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/hpettifertrain LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-pettifer-unlocking-vulnerability/ Website - https://www.helenpett...

Epsiode 60 - Utility Warehouse's Award Winning Initiative 11.04.2022

In this episode, Helen is joined by Amy Lloyd-Jones and Ben Alao from Utility Warehouse. Amy and Ben discuss their new bereavement process's insights and motivations, earning them Gold in the Awards International's 'Vulnerable Situations' category. Visit Utility Warehouse website - https://uw.co.uk/ You can follow Helen Pettifer for future episodes and more consumer vulnerability information: Emai...

Episode 59 - The UKRN and Vulnerability 28.03.2022

In this episode, Helen is joined by Kate Mitchenall, Manager at the UK Regulator's Network. Kate talks about the work UKRN are doing in the vulnerability space, in particular the three themes: cost of living (debt), digital exclusion and domestic financial abuse. Connect and contact Kate using these links - Website - https://www.ukrn.org.uk/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-mitchenall-7...

Episode 58 - Fuel Bank Foundation 14.03.2022

In this episode, Helen is joined by Matt Cole, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Fuel Bank Foundation. Matt shares what the Fuel Bank Foundation is and how they support people in fuel crisis. Download the report here: https://www.fuelbankfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Fuel-Bank-Whitepaper-3.2.2022-fbf013-1.pdf Connect and contact Matt using these links - Website - https://www.fuelbankfo...

Episode 57 - Zero Discrimination Day 01.03.2022

In this episode, Helen is joined by Alistair Barton an LGBTQ advocate. Alistair shares his personal story of coming out as a gay man and together Helen and Alistair discuss discrimination in society. You can find out more about Zero Discrimination Day here: https://www.unaids.org/en/2022-zero-discrimination-day You can follow Helen Pettifer for future episodes and more consumer vulnerability infor...

Episode 56 - Random Acts of Kindness Day 17.02.2022

In this episode, Helen shares her thoughts and ideas on how we can acknowledge Random Acts of Kindness Day and show kindness to others. You can follow Helen Pettifer for future episodes and more consumer vulnerability information: Email - info@helenpettifer.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/hpettifertrain LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-pettifer-unlocking-vulnerability/ Website - http...

Episode 55 - February News 07.02.2022

In this episode, Helen shares what she's been working on recently with regards vulnerable customers. You can follow Helen Pettifer for future episodes and more consumer vulnerability information: Email - info@helenpettifer.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/hpettifertrain LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-pettifer-unlocking-vulnerability/ Website - https://www.helenpettifer.com

Episode 54 - Mental Health and Wellbeing at Christmas 10.01.2022

In this episode, Helen is a guest on a LinkedIn Live with Alistair Barton. Alistair and Helen discuss how we can look after our mental health and wellbeing at Christmas as well as looking out for others too. Listen to Alistair's podcast 'Picking at Perfection' here - https://open.spotify.com/show/3K9GZq26e9op0L6hCAF9hl You can follow Helen for future episodes and more consumer vulnerability inform...

Episode 53 - World Braille Day 04.01.2022

In this episode, Helen commemorates World Braille Day and explores the origins of the development of Braille. For further information and resources on Braille, visit: UKAAF – UK Association for Accessible Formats https://www.ukaaf.org/standards/#braille RNIB https://www.rnib.org.uk/practical-help/reading/braille-and-moon-tactile-codes You can follow Helen Pettifer for future episodes and more cons...

Episode 52 - The Money & Mental Health Policy Institute 30.11.2021

In this episode, Helen is joined by Helen Undy, the Chief Executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute. Helen shares insights of the latest Money & Mental Health report 'The State We're In' discussing the financial and mental well-being of people in the UK during the pandemic. PLEASE NOTE: This episode discusses the subject of suicide that some people may find distressing. Download th...

Episode 51 - A Discovering Alcoholic 22.11.2021

In this episode, Helen is joined by Angus Grady. Angus shares his personal story of being a discovering alcoholic. Connect and contact Angus here: - LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angusgrady/ If this episode has personally resonated with you, you can contact the AA here: Website: - https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/ Telephone: 0800 9177 650 You can also follow Helen for future episod...

Episode 50 - What I've learnt over 5 years and 50 episodes 15.11.2021

In this episode, Helen shares her learnings from 5 years in business and 50 episodes of Unlocking Vulnerability. You can follow Helen for future episodes and more consumer vulnerability information: Email - info@helenpettifer.com Twitter - https://twitter.com/hpettifertrain LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-pettifer-unlocking-vulnerability/ Website - https://www.helenpettifer.com

Episode 49 - Using Complaints to Identify Vulnerability 01.11.2021

In this episode, Helen is joined by Jonathan Mantle from Complaints EQ. Jonathan shares his insights and experience on how organisations can use their complaints to identify customers who may be vulnerable. Helen and Jonathan also discuss some of the barriers vulnerable customers may experience when it comes to raising a complaint. Connect and contact Jonathan using these links - Website - https:/...

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