AI has revolutionised the way that we work and live in todays society, but in the world of narrative data analytics the reliance on LLM's comes with a health warning. LLMs are designed to generate plausible language, not to preserve meaning. This distinction matters. In narrative analysis, the challenge is not producing insight-like text but holding meaning stable enough to measure, compare, and act on over time.   Accuracy and Reliability   Generative AI can produce outputs

On Thursday 27th November, I was honoured to join 280 stakeholders at the annual Suicide and Self‑Harm Conference, hosted by the Kent and Medway Suicide Prevention Team. The day brought together lived and learned experience experts in suicide prevention, self‑harm, mental health, and community engagement. The overriding theme was hope . Hope was described as a protective factor for many, and the message was clear: suicide is everyone’s business. Language Matters Speakers with

In today’s workplace, what you can’t see can cost you dearly. Traditional surveys and surface metrics often miss the real issues—burnout, disengagement, cultural friction, and innovation blockers. Leaders are left flying blind during times of change. Akumen’s Narrative Experience gives you a clear window into the lived experience of your workforce, transforming open feedback into evidence you can act on. Many organisations already collect employee feedback through surveys, pu

On 13th November over 200 people joined the Towards Zero Suicide annual event at the Royal Cornwall Showground in Wadebridge — and it was a powerful day. The event blended moving lived experiences with moments of lightness, laughter, and even dancing. It was a brilliant example of how serious conversations can still feel human, hopeful, and connected. Akumen' s Research & Innovation team were proud to run a workshop on AI & Protective Factors (the relationships, activities, v

The government’s Keep Britain Working  review is a clear call for change. Too many people are out of work because of poor health, and too many employers are unsure how to help. The review says we need to act differently — and at Akumen, we’re already doing just that. We help organisations understand what their people are really experiencing, especially during times of change. Our Narrative Experience platform turns honest feedback — from surveys, interviews, or chats — into c

When change is underway, surface metrics don’t tell the full story. Disengagement, resistance, and innovation blockers often hide beneath the numbers — and that’s where risk lives. Akumen’s Narrative Experience  solution helps consultants uncover what’s really going on. It turns open-text feedback into clear, real-time insight, giving you a window into the lived experience of your workforce. So instead of flying blind, you can lead change with confidence. Why businesses are c

At Akumen we are big fans of Roy Lilley’s often controversial, but to the point musings. His most recent opinion piece regarding CQC makes a powerful point: if we keep inspecting care services after things go wrong, we’re not improving anything—we’re just writing up the wreckage. His suggestion to scrap the CQC and replace it with a real-time forecasting service is bold, but it’s also grounded in common sense. At Akumen, we agree with the spirit of Roy’s proposal—and we’re re

Everywhere you turn, someone is talking about ADHD. Parents, teachers, managers, friends — half the people you meet either have a diagnosis or wonder if they should. What if the rise of ADHD diagnosis is the sound of our collective nervous system trying to tell us that something deeper is out of balance? To explore that question, imagine a round-table: nine people from different worlds, each with a piece of the puzzle. The Neuroscientist — Biology Matters ADHD is a neurodevel

Every year on World Suicide Prevention Day , we’re reminded of the urgent and ongoing need to care for one another, to check in, to reach...

I’ve never had what you’d call a “typical” mind. I’m neurodivergent and dyslexic, and my children are proudly “neuro spicy” too — ADHD...

We’re living in what pundits call a permacrisis or polycrisis —an endless chain of emergencies. Climate change, wars, collapsing mental...

Mergers and acquisitions are often seen as smart business moves — a way to grow, save money, or bring in new ideas. But behind every deal...

Make it as simple as possible—but not simpler On 26 August 2025 , the UK’s Safeguarding Minister admitted something many frontline...

On 13th August, Rob, Tim, Paul, Mark and his partner and El & her family took part in our twice-yearly Environmental Day—a chance to step...

We’re pleased to share that Akumen has joined Tech4Good South West , a growing network of organisations using technology to support...

As the NHS rolls out its ambitious 10-Year Plan, leaders are being asked to deliver more—with no promise of more people. The pressure is...

Have you ever stopped to wonder why we say things like “I’m just a cog in the machine” or “we’re on the front lines”? These aren’t just...

Last week’s CIPD Festival of Work at London Excel was a powerful reminder of how fast the world of work is evolving — and how vital it...

Mark Towers, Akumen's Lead Language Analyst, shares with us the significance of language in the work we do behind the scenes . Mark...

At Akumen, we understand that a truly successful workplace prioritises both business performance and employee wellbeing. This is why we...