New WorkWell Employer Champion programme aims to strengthen workplace wellbeing

A new innovation to recognise organisations committed to supporting and enhancing employee wellbeing is being officially launched in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

‘WorkWell Employer Champions’ are set to become an integral part of the WorkWell programme, which provides free, confidential 1-2-1 support to people struggling with their physical or mental health affecting their ability to stay in or return to work.

WorkWell is overseen by NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly and fully funded by the UK Government. The service provides access to coaches who can help individuals build confidence, manage long‑term health conditions, understand workplace adjustments, and more.

Jessie Leigh, programme lead for WorkWell, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said: “The launch of the new WorkWell Employer Champion initiative is a vital next step in expanding access to WorkWell.

“We know that when employers take an active role in supporting staff wellbeing, it makes a real difference to people’s lives, helping them stay well, remain in work, and feel valued. This programme helps us work hand‑in‑hand with local organisations to create healthier workplaces, and we’re excited to see the first wave of employers join us in shaping a stronger, more supportive working culture in our region. We want to encourage many more local businesses to sign up to this mutually beneficial initiative.”

Employer Champions are workplaces that prioritise staff wellbeing and understand its direct link to productivity, retention, and reduced sickness absence. They advocate for WorkWell be signposting to staff who may benefit from the free support available.

A number of respected local employers have already agreed to join the initiative, demonstrating strong regional leadership in workforce wellbeing, including

• Truro and Penwith College
• Innovation Nursery
• Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
• Cornwall Chamber of Commerce
• St Ewe Eggs
• Imerys
• Whyfield
• Ward Williams

John Brown, CEO of Cornwall Chamber of Commerce has been working in partnership with NHS Cornwall to seek out the first wave of Employer Champions. He said: “We’re delighted to see local employers sign up for this important initiative which will help local businesses and their employees.

“This programme shines a light on the first set of employers who are leading by example, and it encourages others to take meaningful steps to improve staff wellbeing. We’re proud to support this initiative because when Cornwall’s businesses invest in their people, the whole region benefits.”

The launch of the WorkWell Employer Champion Programme directly aligns with the findings of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review, which highlights that over one in five working‑age adults in the UK are currently economically inactive due to ill health, now the biggest driver of people leaving the workforce.

Amelia Kitchen, head of people at Truro and Penwith College, said: “We’re delighted to sign up as a WorkWell Employer Champion. Supporting our staff is already central to how we operate, and WorkWell offers a free, trusted and respected resource that complements our existing wellbeing provision perfectly.

“Being able to draw on expert advice and practical tools from such a credible local programme strengthens what we can offer our teams, and we’re proud to be part of an initiative that puts the health of Cornwall’s workforce first.”

Businesses interested in becoming a WorkWell Employer Champion can register via the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly website. Anyone interested in finding out more about WorkWell can also find information on the NHS Cornwall website, including a self-referral form.