FAQs: The Mindful Employer Charter
What is the MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter?
The Mindful Employer Charter is a national voluntary commitment developed by MINDFUL EMPLOYER, a service of Devon Partnership NHS Trust, for employers who want to take a positive and proactive approach to workplace mental health.
The Leeds Mindful Employer Network promotes the Charter locally across Leeds and West Yorkshire.
By signing the Charter, organisations publicly demonstrate their commitment to supporting employees' mental health and agree to uphold a shared set of values that promote positive mental health at work.
Who can become a MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter Signatory?
Any UK organisation can become a MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter Signatory, regardless of its size, sector or location.
Whether you're a small business, charity, school, NHS trust, local authority or large employer, the Charter is open to organisations that are committed to positive mental health at work.
You don't need to have everything in place before signing. The Charter recognises your commitment to supporting mental health at work and your ambition to continue learning and improving over time.
Why should we become a Charter Signatory?
Becoming a Charter Signatory is a visible way of demonstrating your commitment to workplace mental health.
It shows employees, job applicants, customers and partners that creating a mentally healthy workplace matters to your organisation. Many organisations also find it supports recruitment, strengthens employer reputation, contributes towards procurement and tender opportunities, and demonstrates social value.
We're already supporting mental health at work. Why sign the Charter?
Many organisations choose to sign the Charter because they want to make their commitment visible.
Becoming a Charter Signatory demonstrates to employees, job applicants, customers and partners that workplace mental health is important to your organisation. It can also support recruitment, procurement and tender opportunities, while reinforcing your organisation's values and commitment to creating a positive workplace culture.
For many employers, signing the Charter is a natural next step after putting good practices in place.
Do we need to have everything in place before signing the Charter?
Not at all.
You don't need to have all the answers before becoming a Charter Signatory.
The Charter recognises organisations that are committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces, wherever they are on that journey. Signing demonstrates your commitment to continuing to learn, develop and improve over time.
How will we know if we're making progress?
As a MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter Signatory, you'll be invited to review your commitment every two years.
The review isn't an inspection or audit. Instead, it's a self-assessment designed to help you reflect on your organisation's current practices, celebrate the progress you've made and identify opportunities to continue strengthening your approach.
As part of the review, you'll receive tailored feedback highlighting what's working well, along with practical support and advice to help you address any areas where you'd like to make further progress.
Is the MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter an accreditation or award?
No.
The Charter isn't an accreditation, award or quality standard.
Instead, it's a voluntary public commitment to creating a mentally healthy workplace and recognising that supporting mental health is an ongoing journey, not a destination.
How much does signing the MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter cost?
Organisations are asked to pay an administration fee when they sign the MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter and again when they renew their Charter Signatory status every two years.
This isn't a subscription or membership fee. It helps MINDFUL EMPLOYER continue to administer, maintain and develop the Charter, supporting employers who have made a public commitment to workplace mental health.
The cost varies according to the size of your organisation. Full details of current pricing, along with information about applying and renewing, can be found on the MINDFUL EMPLOYER website.