Webinar: How can employers support action on healthier working lives?
This webinar brought together employers and employment experts to discuss how to support healthier working lives – and the role employers can play, with the right backing from government, in helping people stay in work when health issues arise.
It followed the publication of the final report of the Commission on Healthier Working Lives, supported by the Health Foundation. It has since been followed by the first report from the 'Keep Britain Working' review, led by Sir Charlie Mayfield.
The event was a chance to hear more about the Commission’s findings and the practical steps employers can take to support health at work – including through job design, flexible working and line management. Speakers include Commissioners and other experts sharing real-world experience
Speakers
Peter has been Executive Director for Impact on Urban Health since 2023.
In his role at Impact on Urban Health, Peter brings together the programmes’ funding and partnerships, as well as the work of data, evidence and innovation teams in support of their urban health work. Peter brings a range of experience in senior leadership roles, in organisations including the Youth Endowment Fund and The Social Innovation Partnership. He also previously served as a Councillor in Southwark Council and as Chair of Blagrave Trust.
After undertaking various roles within the financial services industry, Gary joined the Co-operative Group – one of the world’s largest consumer co-operatives – in 2004. As People Director, responsible for pensions, reward, wellbeing, employee relations and policy across the organisation, Gary has been afforded an opportunity to deliver a comprehensive and evolving range of benefits and services to meet the needs of a diverse workforce.
He is also a Non-Executive director for the Co-op’s funeral planning business and undertakes a variety of school and community orientated work with inner city secondary schools.
Gary used his extensive experience to contribute to the early development of the Money and Pensions Service’s UK Strategy for Financial Wellbeing.
Having over 25 years’ experience in Hospitality, Retail, SME and Utilities, Sandra has held a number of Senior Roles from Group Human Resources Director, Head of Employee Relations and Head of Employee Transformation.
Sandra also supports a number of external working groups, Policy Liaison Group and Business for Health, working towards how business can support colleagues with a framework for Wellbeing.
Sandra leads an award winning team - who’s philosophy is ensuring colleagues have the right support when they need it, being passionate about engaging colleagues in their own health, wellbeing and benefits and drive a behaviour change.
Centrica have recently introduced a Healthcare Plan for colleagues, which has been successful in supporting colleagues in accessing treatment sooner and we are working towards introducing more preventative rather reactive services to the Plan.
Christopher is the head of the secretariat for the Commission for Healthier Working Lives.
He is on secondment at the Health Foundation from the Economics team at the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Nicola is the Director of Policy. She leads the TUC's work on boosting employment rights, promoting social and economic policies that benefit working people.
Chair
Anita Charlesworth is a health economist based at the Health Foundation, where she will co-chair the forthcoming commission on NHS productivity. At the Health Foundation, Anita founded the REAL Centre and was director of research for 8 years.
Anita is deputy chair of North-West London NHS Integrated Care Board and a council member of the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). She is a member of DWP’s Labour Market Advisory Board and the Office of Budget Responsibility (OBR) Advisory Panel.
Anita is a member of the Council of the Royal Economic Society and University of Bath, Institute for Policy Research Advisory Board. She is Honorary Professor in the College of Social Sciences at the Health Services Management Centre (HSMC) at the University of Birmingham.
Anita has a background in government and public policy. She had roles as Chief Analyst at DCMS, Director of Public Spending at the Treasury and worked as an Economic Advisor at the Department of Health. Anita was specialist advisor to the House of Lords' Select Committee on the long-term sustainability of the NHS in 2016/17 and a member of the Health and Social Care Select Committee expert panel between 2020 and 2024.
Anita has an MSc in Health Economics from the University of York. She is a Trustee for Tommy’s, the baby charity, and chair of the Office of Health Economics. She was awarded a CBE in the Queen's 2017 Birthday Honours List for Services to Economics and Health Policy. In 2024 Anita was made a fellow of the Academy of Social Science.
