FAQs
What is the Leeds Mindful Employer Network?
The Leeds Mindful Employer Network is a community of employers working together to create mentally healthy workplaces.
Our members come from organisations of every size and sector, including private businesses, charities, public sector organisations, education, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing and many more.
Through events, webinars, resources, case studies and collaboration, we bring employers together to learn from one another, share practical ideas and explore what works in practice.
Whether you're just getting started or building on years of experience, the Network provides opportunities to learn, connect and keep moving forward.
How do the Leeds Mindful Employer Network and the MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter work together?
The Leeds Mindful Employer Network and the MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter complement one another, but they have different purposes.
The Network is a local initiative that helps employers learn, connect and develop through communications, events, webinars, best practice sharing, practical support and collaboration.
The MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter is a national public commitment to workplace mental health. It enables organisations to demonstrate their commitment while continuing to learn and improve over time.
Many employers choose to engage with both, but you don't have to. Some start by joining the Network, while others decide to become Charter Signatories when the time is right for their organisation.
Why should we join the Network?
Creating mentally healthy workplaces isn't something organisations have to do alone.
Joining the Network gives you opportunities to learn from employers who have already tested ideas, overcome challenges and are willing to share what they've learned. Rather than starting from scratch, you'll hear practical examples of what works, discover approaches you can adapt to your own organisation and stay connected with the latest thinking around workplace mental health.
Members regularly tell us they value the opportunity to:
hear practical examples from employers of different sizes and sectors
take away ideas they can adapt and apply in their own workplace
keep up to date with evidence, research and emerging good practice
connect with other employers and build valuable professional relationships
access expert speakers, trusted resources and local support
share their own experiences and help shape future workplace practice.
Whether you engage regularly or simply dip in when a topic is relevant, the Network is here to support you.
What does being a member of the Network involve?
There's no single way to be part of the Leeds Mindful Employer Network.
Some employers simply keep in touch by reading our monthly newsletter or following us on LinkedIn. Others attend webinars or in-person events when the topics are relevant to them.
Many members become more involved by sharing good practice, contributing case studies, speaking at events, taking part in campaigns or joining our Employer Steering Group, helping to shape the future direction of the Network.
You can engage as much or as little as works for your organisation. Whether you're looking to learn, share your experiences or simply stay connected with what's happening, you'll always be welcome.
Is the Network suitable for organisations like ours?
Almost certainly.
There isn't a typical Network member.
Our members range from micro businesses and charities to large employers across the public, private and third sectors.
Every organisation is different, but they all share one thing in common: a commitment to creating mentally healthy workplaces where people can bring their whole selves—and their best work.
One of the Network's greatest strengths is bringing together organisations with different experiences and perspectives. Often, the best ideas come from unexpected places.
We're only just getting started with mental health at work. Is the Network still for us?
Absolutely.
You don't need to have everything in place before joining the Network.
Many employers join because they're looking for ideas, practical support and opportunities to learn from others as they develop their approach.
There are no minimum standards to meet and no expectation that you've got everything figured out. The Network exists to support organisations wherever they are on their journey.
We already do a lot around workplace mental health. What would we gain from joining?
Many of our members were already doing great work before they joined the Network.
They joined because they wanted to stay connected with new ideas, hear what other employers were doing and continue building on what was already working well.
The Network also encourages employers to look beyond individual wellbeing initiatives and explore the wider factors that influence mental health at work, including leadership, culture, communication, workload, job design and employee voice.
Even organisations with well-established approaches tell us they leave Network events with fresh perspectives, practical ideas and valuable new connections.
Who from our organisation should get involved?
Anyone with an interest in creating a mentally healthy workplace is welcome.
The Network is for business owners, senior leaders, managers, HR professionals, wellbeing leads, health and safety colleagues, EDI professionals, team leaders, Mental Health First Aiders, Wellbeing Champions and employees who want to make a difference.
Creating mentally healthy workplaces isn't the responsibility of one person, one team or one department. Many organisations involve colleagues from different roles, helping ideas spread across teams and making it easier to turn learning into action.
We don't have a dedicated HR or wellbeing team. Is the Network still for us?
Yes.
Many of our members are small organisations where responsibility for people sits alongside many other roles.
You don't need specialist knowledge or a large budget to benefit from the Network. Our focus is on sharing practical, achievable ideas that organisations of all sizes can adapt to suit their own workplace.
Do we have to be based in Leeds?
Not necessarily.
We welcome employers from Leeds and across West Yorkshire.
Most of our events, partnerships, resources and signposting focus on Leeds and West Yorkshire, so organisations with a connection to the area are likely to get the greatest benefit. This might mean your employees live or work in Leeds, or that your organisation delivers services within the city.
If you're unsure whether the Network is right for your organisation, we'd be happy to have a conversation.
How much does it cost to join the Network?
Nothing. Membership of the Leeds Mindful Employer Network is fully funded by Leeds City Council Public Health, making it free for employers across Leeds and West Yorkshire.
Our aim is to remove barriers so organisations of all sizes and sectors can benefit from practical support, shared learning and collaboration.
What makes the Leeds Mindful Employer Network different?
The Leeds Mindful Employer Network brings together employers from organisations of every size and sector to learn from one another, share practical experiences and create healthier workplaces.
Everything we do is shaped by the needs of local employers and underpinned by trusted evidence. Alongside practical local support, members can also access the wider opportunities and resources available through the MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter.
Rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions, the Network focuses on sharing real experiences, practical ideas and evidence-informed approaches that employers can adapt to suit their own organisation.