SAFE makes brave spaces possible. BRAVE makes transformation real.
The SAFE Method
At Buneen Consulting, the SAFE Method and BRAVE Framework guide everything we do. SAFE provides the foundations for stability and trust, while BRAVE creates the courage and accountability to transform systems. Together, they move organisations from statements to systems.
Shawn Andrews is a respected consultant, strategist and facilitator with more than 20 years of experience across business, education and leadership. He is the creator of the SAFE Method and is recognised nationally for his work in systems reform, cultural safety and truth-telling.
The SAFE Method was developed from years of working alongside communities and organisations that wanted to create real change but did not know where to begin. Through this work, Shawn saw a consistent truth: before people can grow, perform or lead, they must feel safe.
Safety is not just physical. It is cultural, emotional and psychological. When people feel safe, they bring their whole selves to their work. They are more open to learning, more confident to speak, and more capable of holding accountability. When safety is missing, fear replaces trust, and progress stops.
The SAFE framework focuses on four foundations — Self, Action, Family and Environments. It helps leaders and teams build workplaces where trust and respect are part of every decision, and where systems are designed to protect, include and empower.
By creating safety first, organisations unlock the potential of their people. From there, they can move into BRAVE spaces, where honesty, courage and accountability drive long-term change.
SAFE – The Foundation
elf – Leaders reflecting on identity, integrity, and accountability. When staff fell safe, all staff are leaders.
S
ction – People who feel safe are empowered to take action. Organisations that promote SAFE spaces build resilient workforces.
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amily – Respecting kinship, culture, and community as anchors for decision-making. Majority of leaders state that family is the most important aspect of life for them. We need to feel SAFE with family.
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nvironments – Designing workplaces, systems, and governance structures that are culturally strong and safe. When leaders feel SAFE they create BRAVE work spaces.
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BRAVE – The Aspiration
Once safety is established, the next step is bravery. BRAVE is about moving beyond comfort and stepping into accountability, truth-telling and courageous leadership. It builds on the foundation created by SAFE and challenges both individuals and organisations to act with integrity and purpose.
The BRAVE framework is built around five key principles — Belonging, Respect, Accountability, Voice and Empowerment. These principles help people and organisations turn intention into action.
Being brave means making decisions that reflect values, even when it is uncomfortable. It means creating workplaces where people can speak openly, challenge respectfully and lead with courage.
At Buneen, we believe safety makes bravery possible, and bravery makes transformation real. SAFE builds trust; BRAVE turns that trust into action.
elonging – Creating spaces where people feel part of, not just present. When leaders belong they drive change and seek out growth.
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espect – Upholding cultural authority, protocols, and diverse voices. When leaders are BRAVE they create spaces that respect differences and build equity.
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ccountability – Matching words with action; leaders owning outcomes. BRAVE leaders know that accountability is the baseline.
A
oice – Normalising truth-telling and ensuring diverse perspectives are heard. BRAVE leaders listen, they encourage speaking up and they embrace diverse conversations.
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mpowerment – Building the confidence and capability for people to lead at every level. BRAVE Leaders empower others, share power and look for growth edges.
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Together, SAFE and BRAVE form the foundation of everything we do at Buneen. Every framework, training session and partnership is designed to first create the stability for people to feel SAFE, and then guide them to be BRAVE enough to act. This approach turns learning into leadership, and intention into lasting change.
