Health and Wellbeing Champions are one of the most valuable resources an organisation can have. They bring energy, authenticity, and peer-to-peer influence to wellbeing initiatives, helping to make wellbeing visible and meaningful across every level of the business. Whether your organisation is just beginning its wellbeing journey or already has a mature program in place, champions can play a vital role in keeping wellbeing alive and relevant day to day.

Champions can make a difference in many ways: leading wellbeing campaigns, supporting awareness events, encouraging participation in health initiatives, signposting resources, or simply checking in with colleagues who may need support. They are the bridge between leadership intent and everyday employee experience, translating strategy into action and helping to build a culture where wellbeing truly matters.

Establishing a champion network, however, is the easy part. The real challenge is keeping it functioning, visible, and sustainable over time. Many organisations launch networks with enthusiasm, only to see them lose focus, energy, and engagement as time goes on. Without clear structure, ongoing support, and recognition, even the most committed champions can struggle to stay connected and effective. It’s a challenge faced by almost every organisation that starts down this path.

Having built and led a large and diverse wellbeing champion network within ESB, I understand both the opportunities and the pitfalls. Through years of reflection, iteration, and hands-on experience, I developed a Champion Success Model, a practical, adaptable system that helps organisations create networks that last. This model focuses on structure, communication, empowerment, and purpose, ensuring champions have what they need to stay active, aligned, and supported.

I work with organisations to assess their current setup, identify strengths and challenges, and co-design a sustainable system that fits their culture and resources. Whether you’re setting up your first network or revitalising an existing one, I can help you establish a group of champions who are confident, connected, and capable of driving real cultural change.

With the right structure and support, your champions won’t just promote wellbeing, they’ll embed it into the everyday life of your organisation.