Leeds Mindful Employer Network
Evaluation completed May 2026
Webinar: Tackling economic inactivity – local action on mental health and employment
Learn more about the Leeds Mindful Employer Network and other workplace mental health initiatives in this Health Foundation Webinar
Leeds Mindful Employer Network Evaluation – video (06:13 minutes)
A video for employers in Leeds interested in finding out more about the Network, and other councils who may be interested in setting up a similar programme.
At a glance
The Leeds Mindful Employer Network supports local employers in promoting positive mental health in the workplace. It is a space where local employers can find resources and support to champion mental health and wellbeing in their organisation. For example, the Network organises networking events themed around relevant workplace wellbeing topics. It is the first network of its kind in the UK.
The evaluation looks at how different types of employers make use of the Leeds Mindful Employer Network, for example how they translate Network resources into action. The evaluation also looks at the perceived impact of the Network. Results from the evaluation will be helpful to understand how the Network could be tailored and improved to increase engagement and impact.
What does the evaluation mean for Local Government?
The Leeds Mindful Employer Network supports employers to improve mental wellbeing in the workplace. The evaluation will help Leeds City Council understand the perceived impact of the Network and whether it reaches disadvantaged communities, e.g. people in low-wage or insecure work or people with mental health issues or disabilities. The evaluation will show how to improve engagement with employers and increase network membership. It will also assess what works best to improve employee’s mental health.
These insights will help Leeds City Council decide how to run the Network in future.
The evaluation will offer insights for other local governments considering setting up a mental health network for local employers.
How are the public involved in this evaluation?
We have established an Evaluation Steering Group which consists of Leeds-based employees and people from local groups and communities. The Evaluation Steering Group will shape the evaluation by providing local context and insight. It will advise on things like recruitment methods and incentives for those taking part. It will help identify the most relevant findings for different audiences and the best ways to communicate these.
Evaluation Details
What is the Leeds Mindful Employer Network?
The Leeds Mindful Employer Network is a space for employers in Leeds to exchange information, receive support and talk about staff wellbeing. The focus is on how to improve mental health in the workplace and support a healthier, happier workforce.
The Network was set up in 2013 by Leeds City Council and is run by the charity Leeds Mind. It is currently the only network of its kind in the UK.
The Network does many things:
- provides free information and guidance on wellbeing at work
- brings employers together through online and in-person events
- helps employers get support from specialists and from each other
- encourages positive mental health
The Network is guided by a steering group of local employers. The steering group provides ideas and recommendations on how the Network is run, so that it is helpful and relevant to employers.
Why is an evaluation necessary? What do we know, what do we not know?
The Leeds Mindful Employer Network has been evaluated in the past to see what was working well and where improvements could be made.
The current PHIRST evaluation will be larger and provide more information. The PHIRST evaluation will look at the different ways employers use the Network. It will investigate what makes the Network successful, what could be improved, and which activities make the biggest difference to employees and employers.
The findings will support Leeds City Council to improve the Network. For example: how the Network can better engage with employers so that the Network has more active members; how the Network can attract members from more diverse areas.
What are the main research questions?
We worked with Leeds City Council, Leeds Mind, employers and Network members to decide on the key evaluation questions that should be answered:
- How do different employers in the Network make use of the Network? For example, how do employers use all the guidance and support that the Network offers?
- Do employers and employees think the Network makes a difference?
- How can the Network be improved? For example, how can the Network reach more employers?
How will we answer these questions?
The research includes two parts:
Survey
We will distribute an online survey to employers in the Network. This will ask how employers make use of the Network. For example, what events they have attended, and what difference these have made. Employers who take part in the survey can also volunteer for follow-up interviews.
Interviews and Focus Groups
We will run interviews and focus groups with a range of employers and employees from the Network. We will ensure attendees come from diverse backgrounds and different industries. Sessions will explore attendee’s views on the Network and whether they think it makes a difference. We want to explore views from people working in different industries, and people from diverse communities.
What happens with the results of the evaluation?
The findings will help Leeds City Council understand whether the Leeds Mindful Employer Network makes a difference, and how it can be improved. The results will be used to better engage with current Network members and expand the reach of the Network. Results will also help inform future approaches for mental health support in the workplace. They will be shared with local employers, policymakers, charities, mental health networks and other councils.
Local Government / Partner(s)
Leeds City Council:
Laura Hodgson, Head of Public Health (Public Mental Health)
Ryan Rothery, Health Improvement Specialist (Public Mental Health)
Donna Whitelock, Advanced Health Improvement Specialist (Public Mental Health)
Leeds Mind:
Leigh Staunton, Mindful Employer Project Coordinator, Contact: mindfulemployer@leedsmind.org.uk
PHIRST Elevate Research Team
Dr Divya Sivaramakrishnan, Dr Jillian Manner, Dr Sarah Janac
Contact: phirst@ed.ac.uk