The Week That Was, Re-Enchanted: The Council Meeting - Rules as Stories

In this episode, Angie Browne analyses the events of the infamous Handforth Parish Council meeting from December 2020, which went viral in February 2021. Browne explores the chaotic Zoom meeting where Jackie Weaver, an external facilitator, faced backlash from council members for attempting to restore order. The episode delves into the background of the conflict, the roles of key figures, and the subsequent investigation. Additionally, Browne introduces the concept of 'rules as stories,' urging listeners to consider the narratives behind organisational rules and their impacts on authority and dignity. The episode emphasises the importance of interrelational humility and explores how viewing rules as negotiable stories might lead to more equitable practices in organisations.