New WorkWell Employer Champion Scheme Launched in Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

New Scheme Set to Transform Workplace Wellbeing in Cornwall

A new programme designed to recognise organisations that actively support staff wellbeing is being officially launched in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

The WorkWell Employer Champion scheme will become part of the wider WorkWell programme, which offers free, confidential one-to-one support to people whose physical or mental health is affecting their ability to stay in or return to work.

What Is WorkWell?

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

Jessie Leigh, programme lead for WorkWell at 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 recognise its link to productivity, retention and reduced sickness absence. They also promote WorkWell to employees who may benefit from the free support available.

First Employers Sign Up

Several respected local employers have already agreed to take part, 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 help identify the first group 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.”

National Context

The launch of the WorkWell Employer Champion Programme follows the findings of Sir Charlie Mayfield’s Keep Britain Working Review, which highlights that more than one in five working-age adults in the UK are currently economically inactive due to ill health. The review describes this as 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.”

How Businesses Can Get Involved

Businesses interested in becoming a WorkWell Employer Champion can register via the NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly website.

Anyone wanting to find out more about WorkWell, including how to self-refer, can also access further information through the NHS Cornwall website.

📷L-R: John Brown, CEO Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, Jacob Willbourne, WorkWell user, Aurelie Fontan, Employer Champion, Innovation Nursery, Jessie Leigh, NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly WorkWell programme lead, Amelia Kitchen, Employer Champion, Truro and Penwith College