Sex and Consent: How 'No Means No' Failed a Generation

Consent is often taught as simple.Real life rarely is.In the first of our series 'Let's Talk About Sex (and Safeguarding)', Chris East is joined by Rupert James Allison, consent workshop facilitator for university students, to unpick what consent actually looks like in the real world. They touch on why myths from the 1970s still linger, how heteronormative teaching has limited our understanding of consent, and why focusing solely on harm can shut down meaningful learning. Rupert introduces the Wheel of Consent and a deceptively simple question that can transform sexual experiences and everyday interactions alike:Who is this for?From non-verbal communication to the power of asking for a pause, this conversation challenges the idea that consent is a one-off yes or no. Instead, it invites us to see consent as something we arrive at together.This episode is essential listening for educators, safeguarding professionals, university staff, and anyone who wants to move beyond box-ticking and towards ethical, respectful, and genuinely mutual sexual experiences.Contact Rupert James Alison on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/rupert-james-alison/⁠---Useful Links: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/cornerstonesafeguarding⁠  - Every coffee you buy helps us keep creating practical tools and content for safeguarding professionals like youTo find out more about Cornerstone Safeguarding - ⁠www.CornerstoneSafeguarding.co.uk⁠ Email us at Cornerstone: ⁠[email protected]⁠Book in a meeting to discuss your safeguarding needs: ⁠https://calendar.google.com/calendar/appointments/schedules/AcZssZ0ZwllED1_R0eAmzurUNbXW6dk92TtCp9BE8oysOnlPwBl3L2vNEooyvSJ3fQaQBk_q1onKflh4⁠Subscribe to Cornerstone Connect - ⁠https://www.cornerstonesafeguarding.co.uk/cornerstoneconnectsignup⁠ - for fresh safeguarding insights, priority access to support, and exclusive discounts. Chris East on LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-east-801496174/⁠Leah East on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/leah-east-cornerstone/⁠Producers of this episode: Chris East, Leah EastHost of this episode: Chris East