Leeds Mindful Employer Network’s Project Lead, Leigh Staunton, recently caught up with Megan Swan, Operations Manager at Volition, partner of Forum Central. They discuss staff wellbeing and the Forum Central HR Network.
Hi Megan, please tell us a bit about you and your role at Volition
I’m the Operations Manager at Volition, a third sector infrastructure organisation supporting our members – third sector organisations working in Health & Care. We are a partner in Forum Central, the collective voice for Leeds’ third sector in health and care, delivered alongside Leeds Older People’s Forum. We also work in partnership with Leeds City Council and the NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) to manage MindWell, the mental health website for adults in Leeds. We work closely with Voluntary Action Leeds to support third sector organisations to thrive in supporting our communities.
My role oversees operational functions including: the employee journey, running of the office, ensuring our systems and policies enable our team to work effectively and supporting the strategic direction of the organisation. My role also helps nurture a positive, inclusive workplace culture. I see this as the foundation to a thriving organisation and am passionate about supporting people to be able to bring their whole self to work and develop in their role.
Why is mental health important to you (as an individual and as an organisation)?
Mental health matters deeply to me both personally and professionally. It influences every aspect of our lives, so prioritising my mental wellbeing enables me to build meaningful relationships and navigate challenges.
As an organisation, we recognise that supporting our team’s emotional and psychological wellbeing is fundamental, and enables us to support our team to thrive.
What are you most proud of in terms of Volition’s approach to supporting employee wellbeing?
The wellbeing of our staff is central to us and we are committed to creating a workplace that welcomes honest conversations, and that offers flexibility and support when needed. Understanding individual needs is crucial, so that we can offer a wide range of initiatives including monthly wellbeing sessions, working with our members on staff volunteering activities and flexible work arrangements. We make these conversations part of regular check-ins and supervisions so that they are embedded in how we work. Being part of professional bodies such as the Mindful Employer programme ensures that we are continually learning and evolving, which enables us to meet the needs of our team.
Tell us about the Forum Central HR network and who can get involved
The HR Network is open to Third Sector organisations. It meets quarterly and sends a monthly e-bulletin with useful information about resources, training and other staff-related information and activities for organisations to access. It exists to share information and collaborate, as well as being an important space to hear themes from and share good practice across the health and care workforce within the third sector.
Health and care is the focus of the network. However, since much of the emphasis also relates to responding to organisational needs, it may also be of interest to organisations delivering services relating to the wider determinants of health, such as housing, food aid and more.
The network is run in partnership with Leeds Health & Care Academy, which brings so much expertise, strategic insight, and a shared commitment to building a resilient, inclusive workforce.
For someone just starting out in a leadership/management role, what impact could being part of the HR Network have for them?
Being part of the HR network enables someone to connect with experienced peers who can offer guidance and support. It also provides access to shared knowledge and best practices through meetings, resources and regular bulletins, helping to stay updated. Alongside this, being part of the network can bring a sense of belonging, helping new leaders feel less isolated and more empowered to grow. In turn, the impact for the organisation will be that it strengthens its ability to lead, adapt, and care for its people.
What kind of feedback do you receive from organisations in the HR Network?
We have received really positive feedback, highlighting the value of bringing third sector organisations together to share information and bring current issues to work through, as shown by the two quotes below:
“The HR network is a great way for third sector organisations to exchange good practice, discuss challenges and successes. It works because participants are open and honest in a safe environment.”
“The HR network has been super useful to us and the wider third sector in Leeds. The HR Network group, with its regular snapshot polls and information sharing is a really big help.”
Is there anything you offer that non-third sector organisations and businesses could utilise or get involved in?
We have three padlets which have links and resources to support Leeds Third Sector organisations, especially small organisations and those without specialist in-house HR capacity. Whilst aimed at Third Sector, these hold useful information for any organisation. We are also always open to connecting with non-third sector organisations and businesses.
What are your priorities for the next 12 months in terms of mental health at work?
Over the next twelve months, our focus will be on championing mental health as a strategic priority across the sector. This includes sharing training for managers and staff on creating a positive workplace culture and compassionate leadership and equipping them to identify early signs of stress, anxiety, and burnout. Alongside this, we aim to strengthen peer support initiatives and foster open dialogue to reduce stigma, ensuring mental health is not just acknowledged but embedded at the heart of organisational wellbeing strategies.
You’ve recently joined the Steering Group Employer Committee for the Leeds Mindful Employer Network. What drove this decision to get more involved strategically in our work?
I am really looking forward to being part of the Steering Group for the network as I am hoping to make a meaningful impact, bringing a third sector perspective, as well as gaining insight and learning from other organisations.
What would you say to other local businesses considering joining the Leeds Mindful Employer Network?
It’s a fantastic network which offers a range of resources and events that can support your organisation, so it is definitely worth connecting with.
A big thank you to Megan for contributing to this blog.
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