Name: National Health, Wellbeing and Human Sustainability Conference 2025
Start: 2025-04-30T09:00:00+0100
End: 2025-04-30T17:00:00+0100

About the conference

The Work Health Hub, from the University of Derby, is proud to be hosting its first Health, Wellbeing and Human Sustainability National Conference.

Our purpose is to build a culture that nurtures and protects the positive health and well-being of each and every one of us because everyone should be able to bring their whole self to work.

There is nothing more important than the people within an organisation. They drive everything associated with a business, including income, innovation, productivity, brand, adaptability, retention, and risk. Despite this, organisations are still falling short when it comes to prioritising their wellbeing.

Organisations are missing the value of investing in their staff and creating cultures within which they can thrive.

Companies that are embracing this concept are helping their employees become healthier, more skilled, and more connected to a sense of purpose and belonging, and they’re also supporting the suppliers and communities where they operate. These organisations are reaping the rewards with more loyal staff, higher productivity, better engagement and retention of staff.

The 2025 National Health, Wellbeing and Human Sustainability Conference brings together Practitioners in the fields of health, well-being, business growth and human sustainability to shine a spotlight on some of the key issues employers must consider when building a sustainable workforce.

Click here to find out more about the Work Health Hub

What will I get from the conference?

An action plan for how to embed key learning into your organisation
The opportunity to book a free consultation, with the Work Health Hub, to support your well-being journey
Membership to the Work Health Hub for a year
The opportunity to network with other like-minded people who want to prioritise wellbeing
Access to a range of Practitioner’s in the field of health and well-being

Keynote Speaker - Mike McCarthy

Mike McCarthy has worked as a journalist in newspapers, radio and television for almost 40 years as a producer, reporter and presenter.  His assignments have included the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, terrorist attacks on the Boston marathon, the Canadian parliament in Ottawa and the Manchester Arena in the UK.  His range of stories stretches from politics in Washington DC to rioting in Athens, demonstrations in Gaza, floods in the UK and sporting triumphs across Europe.

Mike has interviewed almost all UK prime ministers since the 1970s including Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair.  He also once had the privilege of meeting and interviewing boxing legend Muhammad Ali.

He covered and was deeply affected by the Hillsborough Disaster in which 96 football fans lost their lives in 1989. 

Mike says:  “It made me much more aware of how interested parties can try to form a distorted narrative and that, unless we are very careful, history can be shaped by dishonesty.”

Mike lives in Yorkshire with his wife Glenys. In February 2021 his son Ross took his life aged just 31. In his farewell letter he asked his family to campaign for better mental health services and Mike is trying to honour Ross’s request by setting up a charity called Baton of Hope and working for men’s mental health charity, Talk Club.

Black and white image of a man smiling at the camera, standing outside

Vulnerability makes us human after all, and we shouldn't be afraid to show it.

Mike McCarthy

Former TV journalist and Co-founder of charity Baton Of Hope

Panel Speakers

Ryan Haynes

Financial Wellness at Work: Supporting Employee Peace of Mind

With over a decade of experience in football, including roles at Derbyshire FA where he served as Football Operations Manager and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Officer, Ryan Haynes brings expertise to his role as a Financial Planner.

Ryan delivers personalised financial advice tailored to clients’ needs. He focuses on ensuring clients have necessary protection and financial support through all life stages, from starting a family through to facing sudden illness. Ryan’s approach encompasses long-term objectives such as savings, investments, and retirement planning, aiming to demystify financial jargon while serving as an extension of his clients’ support network.

Outside work, Ryan enjoys time with his wife and two sons, referees semi-professional football matches, plays Padel, and volunteers with community initiatives including the Derbyshire FA Strategic Inclusion Advisory Group and the Personal Finance Society East Midlands Committee.

Committed to integrity and client satisfaction, Ryan helps individuals and families achieve financial aspirations with empathy and expertise.

Dr Alexandra Morgan

The changing landscape of business

Given the backdrop of rapid technological change, and AI creating both significant opportunities and threats in the modern workplace, Dr Alexandra Morgan explores the place of “being human” in that space. How do we maintain and develop deeply resonant, empathetic and compassionate human relationships alongside workplace changes that can frequently feel dehumanizing? Dr Morgan will challenge us to connect better with each other for the benefit of positive workplace cultures, creating inclusive spaces and making sure everyone in an organisation has a voice.

About Dr Alexandra Morgan

With a Doctorate in International Communication, Dr Alex Morgan has coached and developed senior executives for over 25 years. She ensures leaders have a positive and productive impact on their organisations, through developing their executive presence, leadership approach and communication capability with a particular skill in improving communication across cultures and international boundaries. Enabling positive workplace cultures helps leaders create great places to work through inclusion, dignity, respect and well-being initiatives.

To find out more information, please visit Dr Alexandra Morgan

Gary Parsons

Empowering Leaders to Build Wellbeing from the Top Down

Discover how empowering leaders to focus on their own well-being creates a ripple effect, transforming workplace culture and boosting performance from the top down.

About Gary

Gary helps leaders prioritise their mental health and well-being to achieve sustainable success. He runs impactful workshops, mentors executives, and speaks on breaking the stigma of mental health in leadership, encouraging authentic, self-aware leadership for better business and personal well-being.

To find out more information, please visit Gary Parsons: Leading Minds, Shaping Futures

Workshop Sessions

Throughout the Health, Wellbeing and Sustainability Conference, you will have the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops that are all designed with health, well-being, business growth and human sustainability in mind.

Each session will run for approximately 45 minutes. Please select a maximum of one workshop in each session.

Please see below for more information about the workshop content and workshop presenters.

Session One

Thriving Together: The Vital Role of People Leaders in Human Sustainability

Presented by CAPE Coaching and Development

Whilst few of us would disagree with the concept that businesses thrive, when their people do, there is a stark difference between what we know is important and what we do about it.

Human sustainability means creating a cycle where organisations provide more value to their people and society than they take away, which in turn benefits the organisation. Despite its importance, many businesses struggle with implementing it due to its perceived complexity and lack of clear measurement.

This often leads companies to take more from employees than they give back, and business performance suffers as a result.

During this workshop experienced business leaders, and award-winning leadership development facilitators, Naomi and Lynsey from CAPE Coaching & Development Ltd, will help you to:

Understand why human sustainability is an important challenge, and why your people leaders are key to the answer
Simplify complex concepts for your company
Learn practical steps to implement immediately

To find out more about CAPE coaches, Lynsey Kitching and Naomi Regan, please visit CAPE Coaching and Development

Food and Your People

Presented by SimpliciB

Would you like to support your employee's well-being by making better food choices?

In this session, you will learn how employees' eating habits and what they eat can have a significant impact on their performance, effectiveness, quality of work and retention.

Research shows the impact this has in the workplace is that employers will lose approximately 25% in staff productivity EVERY MONTH due to poor food choices, not to mention the impact on mental health and well-being.

About SimpliciB

Becky founded her Food Education & Awareness business in 2020. Her mission is to empower people to have to confidence to cook and eat nice meals no matter the time, budget or skill.

“I want to help everyone from child to adult have a better understanding of their food choices and how this links to food waste, food cost and very importantly, how the food they eat and eating habits have a direct link on how you feel, from mood to mental wellness.”

To find out more about Becky Brown, please visit SimpliciB

Building Sustainable, High-Performing Workforces: A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing and Resilience

Presented by Vanessa Pozzali & Dr. Tarek Jomaa, Synthosys Co-Founders

Lasting organisational health begins with culture. Wellbeing initiatives falter in environments where toxic dynamics linger, just as traditional resilience models often fail to support high-performing teams facing today’s relentless demands. At Synthosys, we unite these elements to drive meaningful transformation. Drawing on diverse expertise and insights from elite motorsport—where agility, cohesion, and adaptability are key—we show how cultivating genuine value, support, and resilience builds a foundation for sustainable high performance. Join us to uncover practical strategies that empower teams to thrive under pressure and create workplaces where lasting well-being and peak performance go hand in hand.

To find out more about the Synthosys founders, Tarek Jomaa and Vanessa Pozzali, please visit Synthosys

Compassionate Employers Programme

Presented by Hospice UK

Lucy Carpenter leads the Compassionate Employers Programme at Hospice UK, a well-being initiative that equips organisations with the tools and knowledge to support employees through grief, dying, and caregiving.

In her presentation, Lucy will guide us through the importance of providing support during life's most vulnerable moments. Attendees will gain insight into the common effects of grief, and how it can manifest in the workplace, and learn strategies for navigating these sensitive conversations with compassion and understanding.

Unpacking the Roots: Transforming unhelpful behaviours into Leadership and Wellbeing

Presented by Coaching with Christianne

This workshop delves into the profound impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how these early life events shape behaviours in the workplace. Through two insightful case studies, participants will learn to look beyond surface-level actions to understand the underlying causes. The session will explore how to build meaningful connections that support individuals in making positive changes. Additionally, we will examine the effects of ACEs on the nervous system and the body, providing practical tools to promote healing and resilience. This workshop is ideal for leaders, managers, and well-being advocates seeking to foster supportive environments that encourage growth and well-being.

About Christianne

Christianne is a Narcissistic Trauma Informed Coach, Hypnotherapist, and Brainspotting Practitioner with two years of experience in helping individuals uncover the root causes of physical and mental health challenges.

For more information about Christianne, please visit Coaching with Christianne

Session Two

Leading by example – what you can do as a manager to prevent harassment in the workplace

Presented by J2 People

A session delivered by J2People, aimed at line managers, to understand the concepts of harassment and sexual harassment and the positive steps they can take to prevent and address workplace harassment.

About J2 People

People are the heartbeat of any organisation; it’s in our name and fundamental to how we operate. At J2People, our core philosophy is that if you put your people first, success will follow. We believe in Positive People – approaching people leadership with trust, openness, maturity and compassion. This principle is embedded into everything we do – our approach is one of collaboration and open communication, enabling everyone to participate with knowledge and understanding.

For more information, please visit J2 People

Mental Health First Aiders in the Workplace: do we really need them?

Presented by MHFAiders

Whether you already have Mental Health training in your organisation or are still considering it, this session is for you. MHFA England training is a key component for creating a safe, healthy workplace where the mental health and physical health of employees are valued equally. It gives people the tools to support their own mental health and that of their colleagues and encourages them to access timely support when needed.

This session will explore the benefits of having trained resources in your organisation, how to promote and use their skills effectively and how MHFAiders can support your organisation's overall wellbeing strategy.   

About Ann Pemberton

Ann’s wealth of experience in the learning consultancy, training design and delivery arena stems from a training background gained in both the financial services and construction industries. Her passion is to help people to develop their skills and abilities and to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

For more information about Ann Pemberton, please visit MHFA England

Cultivating generative cultures for human growth, transformation and flourishing

Presented by Dr David Patton

Research shows that populations that have been positioned as marginalised and vulnerable have cultivated cultures, lifestyles and pathways to happiness and success that produce quality of life and well-being ratings that are higher than those found in the general population.  Similarly, Lived Experience Recovery Organisations have created organisational cultures that produce sustained pathways of staff growth and human flourishing.  This interactive workshop will showcase some of the values, beliefs, and practices that help generate a culture of flourishing and together we will consider if and how this may translate to the workplace.

About David Patton

Dr David Patton is an Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Derby’s Social, Cultural and Legal Research Centre. Dr Patton’s research centres on the lived experience of people recovering from addiction and rehabilitating from offending histories.

For more information about David Patton, visit Dr David Patton

Would you ever talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself?

Presented by Mindset

Each of us carries a unique story and personal map and identity of the world created from our experiences, beliefs, and learned behaviours. But have you ever noticed how harshly we sometimes speak to ourselves? Would you talk to a friend that way? Our self-talk often defines how we think, feel and act. In this workshop, we will delve into ways we can change our internal dialogue, so it becomes more supportive.

For more information, please visit Amanda Daly

Developing a Vision and Strategic Plan for Human Sustainability in Your Organisation

Presented by The Pathway Communication Company Ltd

A vision for how to implement human Sustainability in your organisation is imperative to ensure you achieve your goals and bring your stakeholders along with you.

In this interactive workshop, you will create a personalised vision for what you want to achieve in your organisation and then write a plan of how to implement it. You will leave the session with notes ready to present to stakeholders to ensure all you have learnt today will be actioned in your organisation.

About Jacqui Hanbury

Jacqui has worked in corporate business for many years and has written many visions and plans – and implemented them too!

In 2007 she started her own business and works with large and small organisations helping them to thrive. Jacqui is regularly asked to facilitate events as organisations develop their vision, mission and values and then put a strategy into place for the whole organisation. She then works with the senior team to communicate this vision and strategy to the organisation – releasing the power of the whole company working towards one goal.

To find out more information about Jacqui Hanbury, please visit The Pathway Communication Company Ltd

Session Three

Supporting Recovery: Empowering Employers to Address Substance Use Disorder in the Workplace  

Presented by the The Kelsey Family CIC

Join Steph from Kelsey Family CIC for a 45-minute workshop on Substance Use Disorder, designed for employers. Learn how to recognise signs of substance use struggles in staff, understand the importance of empathy and support, and explore effective strategies for fostering a supportive workplace environment. Equip yourself with the tools to make a positive difference for your employees and cultivate a culture of understanding and recovery. 

About Steph Kelsey

Steph is dedicated to empowering people to reach their full potential. Concentrating on positive psychology counselling Steph has a deep understanding of the unique challenges individuals face. With a background in business development and following a lived experience situation, Steph created The Kelsey Family CIC which provides a safe and supportive space for anyone affected by addiction, either directly or indirectly to explore their emotions, overcome obstacles, and cultivate resilience.

For more information about Steph Kelsey, please visit Kelsey Family CIC

Bridging the Divide: Empowering Solutions for Men's Mental Health

Presented by Tough to Talk

This session offers an introduction to the unique mental health challenges that men face and provides actionable strategies to prevent these challenges from escalating into severe issues or suicidal thoughts.

Open to both men and women, the workshop equips participants with the insights and tools necessary to effectively support men's mental health.

Attendees will delve into societal factors impacting men's mental health, learning to recognise early signs of distress and fostering supportive environments at both individual and organisational levels.

Workshop Outcomes:

Develop a deep understanding of the gender mental health gap and its implications for men, enhancing your ability to address these challenges effectively.
Master the ability to recognize early signs of distress in men and apply practical strategies for timely intervention and support.
Gain the expertise to advise organizations on implementing effective communication and support strategies, fostering a more inclusive workplace culture prioritizing men's mental health.

About Steve Whittle

Steve Whittle is a renowned figure in the fight against male suicide, known for founding the charity 'Tough To Talk'. As a seasoned speaker, author, and presenter, he focuses on male suicide prevention and men's mental health crises. His journey is deeply personal, having faced the male suicide crisis firsthand, which fuels his dedication as an assessor and tutor in suicide prevention training.

For more information about Steve Whittle, please visit Tough to Talk

Management Skills Inspired by First Nations Traditions

Presented by Wellbeing International Ltd

What will be covered:

The Science of Stress
Communication Skills
The Art of the Pause

Outcomes:

How to Increase Your Energy Naturally
Simple Steps to Be a Better Manager or Leader
New Leadership Skills

About Kate Pigeon-Owen

Having worked in London as a manager in the corporate, statutory and voluntary sectors, and after running her own Stress Management Company, Kate took a leap of faith and moved to the Norfolk/Suffolk borders where, in 2016, she launched Wellbeing International Ltd.

Kate has invited a selected group of dedicated, highly qualified experts who share her enthusiasm, to join her in helping small to medium-sized businesses establish their own Wellbeing Programmes. Wellbeing International offers a variety of Capsules, Training, gender-neutral Workshops and Retreats on the web and face-to-face covering topics from Parenthood, Sleep, Breathwork and Resilience, to Menopause.

Fascinated and led by science Kate believes that her considered blend of both a researched and holistic approach to a team’s wellness, plus her warmth, understanding and empathy for the individual, are the key to her success.

To find out more about Kate Pigeon-Owen, please visit Wellbeing International Ltd

Transformational improvements with Management Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (MKTP)

Presented by the University of Derby

Management KTP (MKTP) is a programme part-funded by Innovate UK, designed to inject significant management expertise into organisations.

Join the University of Derby for a 45-minute workshop designed to help employers understand how MKTPs can support your organisation to evolve, deliver growth and support your journey towards human sustainability.

During the workshop academic experts, Amanda Lee and Tony Anosike and MKTP associate Roksana Zavoronkova will share their experience of the scheme and how they have collaborated to introduce strategic management activities that enabled lasting changes and transformed company culture and recruitment processes at Bloc Digital Ltd.

To find out more information about this part-funded grant, please visit Knowledge Transfer Partnership