Biography

Background: Sharon Docherty is a doctoral researcher and founder of BlueTurtleHR, a consultancy specialising in helping small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) navigate complex HR challenges and foster psychologically safe cultures. Her Doctoral research in Business Administration (DBA) at Cranfield University’s School of Management explored the lived experiences of managers facing Upward Workplace Bullying (UWB), bridging the gap between academic theory and organisational practice. Drawing on a distinguished 20-year career as a senior civil servant within the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), Sharon brings a level of strategic expertise to her work. Her MOD tenure included high-profile appointments such as Liaison Officer to the Prime Minister’s Special Representative, organising the UK’s First World War Commemorations, Legislative Policy Officer for the Sovereign Base Administration in Cyprus, and the Command Secretary for the Falkland and Ascension Islands. She spent many years working with the MOD to deliver efficiencies through change management. She concluded her service within the Central Transformation Team at Whitehall, where she led initiatives to build transformation capability across the Defence sector. Academic Qualifications: Sharon’s academic foundation is rooted in strategic leadership and organisational change. She holds an MBA from Henley Business School and a Master of Arts in Defence Studies from King’s College London, while she was attending the prestigious Advanced Command and Staff Course at the Defence Academy, Shrivenham. She is also a certified Agile Change Practitioner and Management Consultant (Level 7). Her doctoral research is driven by a commitment to dismantling toxic work environments. This followed her own experience with discrimination resulting in her ill-health retirement. Sharon is dedicated to helping businesses build resilience, empathy, and equity through ethically grounded HR.