Workplace Wellbeing Awards: previous winners

Karen Campbell-White, Deputy Director, Office of National Statistics

For having the drive and excellence of leadership in the workplace. Striving for inclusion, going above and beyond to create a safe space for colleagues to share their personal experiences. Karen’s achievements did not go unnoticed.

Special commendation: Peter McCurry, Human Resources Director, Network Rail 

Greg Baldwin, Managing Director, Highway Traffic Management

For raising awareness of how important mental health is, getting involved with staff out on the road as well as in the office. Greg was selected as winner not only for his achievements in the company, but within the wider industry. 

Special commendation: Margaret Mousley, Deputy Director, HM Revenue and Customs

Justine Hodgkinson, CEO, Advocacy Focus

For transforming Advocacy Focus' culture into a friendly and supportive environment. Justine continually works to raise awareness of female health issues and has created a focus feedback group for members of staff going through the menopause and perimenopause. 

Special commendation: Simon Humphries, EU Transition Manager for Future Farming Programme, Natural England

Lara Pechard from Norwich School

For championing mental health, paving the way for a higher level of open discussion and awareness of personal and difficult periods experienced by pupils and colleagues.

Gail McCourt from RBC Wealth Management

For her strategic focus on driving better business outcomes through wellbeing leading to safer, healthier, more productive and happier staff.

Richard Davies, HR Business Partner, BAM Nuttall

For going above and beyond in supporting staff who experience poor mental health. Including taking time to visit them in hospital and supporting them to come back to work and researching their mental health needs. An unsung hero.  

Special commendation: Ann McCormack, Head of Business Performance, British Council 

John McCabe, Litigation Manager, HM Revenue and Customs

For making every effort to support, engage and connect, promote wellbeing and highlight the importance of maintaining good mental health. Their humanity and genuine concern is very apparent and they regularly check in with colleagues who live alone and are isolated.   

Special commendation: Nikki Dowell, Head of Patent Examining Group EX05, Intellectual Property Office

Brian Standen, Field Manager, EDF

For always being proactive in his support, calling staff when they need help and advice. Brian's mental health attitude promotes 'thinking outside the box' which in turn helps his staff solve issues that are not standard. With Brian's help it is done in a safe way. 

Special commendations

• David Clayton, Head of Funding Communications and Support Unit, Education and Skills Funding
• Sarah Bastan-Hagh, Senior Manager ITT Candidate Experience, Department for Education

Gary Hage from Nationwide Building Society

For listening in just the right way, never asking too much, but always providing a caring ear. And for bringing their consideration for employee wellbeing to the forefront of everything.

Neil Longden from the Environment Agency

For creating an environment that sends a powerful message to everyone that nothing is more important than our mental health.

Natalie Dinnick, Wellbeing Lead, Companies House

For being so open and honest about their own experiences, and using this to connect with staff members who may be struggling. For offering care and empathy to everyone who needs them, and organising for mental health training across the organisation. 

Special commendation: Callum Kennelly, Partnerships Manager, Incubeta

Liam Payne, Research Manager, Radioactive Waste Management

For establishing and leading the RWM Mental Health and Wellbeing team to raise awareness, open conversations and ensure support is in place at RWM. Liam has a passion for ensuring everyone is not negatively impacted by work. He leads the mental health and wellbeing team alongside a technical research ‘day job’.

Special commendation: Phil Coleman, Technician, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales

Katrina Parsons, HR Manager, LSI Architects

For being the driving force behind LSI's initiative to prioritise mental health and place greater emphasis on the concept of wellbeing. Katrina has a passion for raising the profile of mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. 

Special commendation: Natassa Hemmings, HR Manager, Hoare and Lea

Roxanne Thorpe from Mount Anvil

For improving attitudes towards mental health, increasing employee awareness and knowledge, making changes to policies and procedures, running training and campaigns, presentations and events.

Read Roxanne's blog

Emily Garnett from Morgan Sindall

For being a driving force regarding mental health and wellbeing, using her own personal experiences to reach out to everyone.

Highly commended: Gwen McLeod, Senior Equality, Diversion and Inclusion Consultant, British Council  

Donna Smith, National Resourcing Manager, Isio

For setting up the mental health network, introducing a timetable of events, organising the “This Is Me” campaign and becoming a voice for mental health and wellbeing.

Special commendation: Andrew Cartwright, Engagement and Training Manager, Focus Solutions

Paul Ryan, Scientist, AWE

For talking openly about his own experiences with OCD to audiences at all levels within the organisation. Paul has had an impact across the company, hosting exercise group and chat sessions which are having a huge impact within the business. 

Special commendation: Katie Pether, Recruitment Lead Digital, Department for Education 

Karen Cooke and Edmund Walsh from Hargreaves Lansdown

For being instrumental in changing the culture and stigma surrounding mental health, changing and developing policies and helping all levels of the organisation understand what this means.

Jessica Carmody from KPMG

For promoting mental health within the business, leading fantastic workshops and events, sharing her personal story and inspiring senior leaders to get involved.

Employee Champion: Heidi Kirkby

Heidi Kirkby, Wellbeing Coordinator at HMRC Benefits and Credits, won our Employee Wellbeing Champion award for her work raising awareness and changing attitudes towards mental health.

Read Heidi's story

Senior Wellbeing Champion: Carole Black

Carole Black, Assistant Headteacher at Dr. Challoner's Grammar School, won our Senior Wellbeing Champion award for leading the way in making wellbeing a priority for staff and students.

Read Carole's story