The democratic tradition in Tavistock methodologies
Join our ‘Thinking about organisations’ open lecture series
In this series of open lectures, our Consulting and Leading in Organisations DProf (D10D) team welcome eminent external speakers to present on a range of themes related to organisational and social dynamics.
In this free lecture, taking place on Thursday 5 March 2026, Dr Tim Dartington will present on ‘The democratic tradition in Tavistock methodologies’.
Students and members of staff at The Tavistock and Portman are invited to attend the lecture in-person, while others are welcome to join this livestream via Zoom.
About this lecture
A key idea in Tavistock’s work with groups is that authority comes from the task itself. Further, leadership isn’t just about hierarchy or external approval, it also reflects the conscious and unconscious hopes and fears of the group.
From selecting officers in the Second World War to today’s executive coaching, individuals succeed or struggle within the dynamics of the group around them. Approaches like action research, semi autonomous teams, reflective practice, peer supervision, and organisational observation all explore how people relate to one another and how the individual connects to the wider system.
The familiar Tavistock circle of chairs symbolises a democratic way of working, where forming a “working hypothesis” reflects the ongoing search for truth through shared experience.
In this lecture, Tim will draw on his learning from the Tavistock and argue that this democratic approach remains highly relevant today. He will explore how it can help us deal with modern challenges that can feel overly individualistic or divisive, and support dialogue and collaboration across differences.
About this speaker
Tim Dartington is a writer and social scientist, much influenced by psychoanalytic perspectives and experiential group relations theory and practice. He has worked as a researcher, organisational consultant and lecturer with both the Tavistock Institute and the Tavistock Clinic since the 1970s. He has a continuing interest in the interplay of tradition and change and directed the annual Leicester Conference (an international two week residential group relations event, which was at that time jointly sponsored by the Institute and Clinic) across the Millennial years in 1999 and 2001.
His PhD examined the underlying dynamics of health and social care, vulnerability and fear of dependency in society and in the self, and his book, Managing Vulnerability (2010), in the Tavistock Clinic series, explored the link between his professional and personal experience of systems of care. The Tavistock and Portman NHS Foundation Trust and University of Essex further awarded him an honorary doctorate in 2025.
Who is this event for?
This livestream is open to anyone who may be interested in hearing about some of the latest ideas and developments in organisational and social dynamics – including leaders, managers, coaches, consultants, and those considering this area for future training or research.
Students and members of staff at The Tavistock and Portman are invited to attend this event in-person, while others are welcome to join our livestream via Zoom.
Event details
- This open lecture will take place on Thursday 5 March 2026 from 5.15 to 6.30pm (GMT)
- The open lecture will be livestreamed via Zoom
- The livestream is free to join, but you must register to secure your place
- Joining details will be emailed to you after you have signed up
Sign up
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