Free Leeds Conference to help employers protect workplace wellbeing

Employers across Leeds and West Yorkshire are invited to book free places at a major workplace wellbeing conference taking place this May.

The Leeds Mindful Employer Network’s free conference will be held on Wednesday May 20, bringing together employers from across sectors for a full day of practical learning, discussion and networking focused on supporting mental health at work during times of uncertainty, instability and change.

Hosted at Leeds Beckett University’s Carnegie School of Sport, the conference runs from 9am to 4:30pm, is free to attend, and includes a selection of wellbeing sessions.

The theme for this year’s event, “Workplace Wellbeing Through Uncertainty, Instability and Change”, has been shaped by real conversations with employers facing ongoing pressure, workforce change and increasing complexity across the modern workplace.

The conference will explore practical, real‑world approaches that employers can use immediately in their organisations.

Sessions will cover topics such as: supporting mental health in a high-pressure environment; leading people through organisational and structural change; creating connection across remote and hybrid teams; financial wellbeing; the impact of artificial intelligence on employee wellbeing; alongside other real workplace wellbeing challenges.

Delegates can choose the sessions most relevant to them, building a bespoke programme for the day from a mix of talks, panel discussions and workshops.

Alongside learning sessions, attendees will benefit from wellbeing activities, networking opportunities and peer discussion, creating space to connect with other employers navigating similar challenges.

Leigh Staunton, Project Lead for the Leeds Mindful Employer Network at Leeds Mind, said: “When we get workplace wellbeing right, we’re supporting everything from day-to-day mental health, all the way through to suicide prevention.

"But we know in these uncertain times that many employers are juggling priorities, are often low on resource, and it’s difficult to balance workplace wellbeing alongside business obligations.

“That’s why our conference is so important. We want to give employers the tools to embed wellbeing into the fabric of their organisation.”

The conference is open to organisations of all sizes and sectors, and is particularly relevant for: employers and business owners; HR, people and wellbeing leads; managers and team leaders; equality, diversity and inclusion professionals; and anyone responsible for supporting staff wellbeing.

Leigh continues: “The Leeds Mindful Employer Conference 2026 is made up of a great line-up of speakers and panellists and is made possible thanks to our working partners Leeds Mind, Leeds Beckett University, Leeds City Council and Voluntary Action Leeds, as well as steering group members.”

Lunch and refreshments are provided, and the venue is fully accessible.

Tickets are free of charge but must be booked in advance via Eventbrite. Attendance is capped, with a maximum of four delegates per organisation.

When booking, attendees will also have the option to make a voluntary donation to Leeds Mind, helping to fund vital mental health services across the local community.

Register for your free ticket here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leeds-mindful-employer-network-free-conference-2026-tickets-1982897655265