Hm, that was odd.
Just had a meeting with my department head. We have a deep-seated, finely tuned mutual loathing for each other, though because I am a gentleman (and because he is a spineless sack of shit) it's all done via nice smiles, compliments and completely fucking up each other's paperwork. The meeting was meant to be a informal "catch-up", allowing concerns (from me) to be aired, questions asked etc.
So I didn't exactly go in with high expectations.
And while I'm not counting my chickens before they hatch, it does seem my repeated emails about the stupidity of the "Prevent" counter-terrorism program material has finally sunk in, and he's willing to do something about it (namely, have me provide the materials and training instead. +1 to counter-terrorism consultant CV building). And beyond that, he also seems to share my concerns that Brexit is probably going to tank the whole company if we don't play it smart, and was apparently sufficiently impressed with my off-the-cuff spiel on the issue to want to bring it up with the Principal and even central management. This may get me in with the lobbying team and allow me to network with the Mayoral office as well (given the Mayor's stated opinion on Brexit).
Now this could be a convoluted way of either getting me to shut up or go away, but he's had no problems in the past telling me to do just that. Plus some of the names he mentioned in regards to the company suggested he was taking this seriously for once (and maybe saw the potential career benefits of using company resources effectively). So I'm cautiously positive about this.
He also appears to be gunning for my immediate manager right now, and presumably wants to butter me up so I can deliver some goods on him. I don't really care for their pissing match, but I'll work the conflict to my benefit if I can.