The UK's Good Work Pledge – an employer commitment to workplace wellbeing for employees – has come under the umbrella of CIMSPA.

Created and launched by Lindsey Simpson and Katie Lewis co-founders of Workplace Mental Wealth Ltd in 2021, The Pledge was established to enable companies to 'publicly commit and take action towards providing good work environments that support mental wellbeing'.

The Good Work Pledge was launched on the back of findings in the 2020 UK Workforce State of Mind Survey, conducted and owned by Workplace Mental Wealth, which found that most employers in the sector could do more to support the mental wellbeing of their teams and meet legal requirements.

CIMSPA CEO, Tara Dillon, said: “We're a service industry and our people remain our greatest asset. Lindsey and Katie have done a brilliant job of shining a light on the mental health of the workforce in the physical activity sector.

"The Good Work Pledge is a powerful tool to unite employers under a shared ambition to create environments that enable everyone to thrive," said Dillon. "This is why we're very pleased to take over the management of The Pledge with the aim of growing its influence and prestige.

"In order to grow and prosper, we need to look after each and every one of our people – both employed and self-employed – ensuring they have what they need to be the best they can be," she said.

Lewis said: “Taking action to ensure good workplace mental health makes sense commercially, legally and on a human level. However, our three UK Workforce State of Mind Survey surveys all suggest that many employers could do more. For example, the 2023 Survey found less than half employers surveyed had a wellbeing strategy and overall, 71 per cent said they would welcome support and advice from an industry body to shape their approach and
share best practice.

“We're delighted CIMSPA is committed to driving the initiative forwards," said Lewis. "With CIMSPA officially recognised as a Best Companies three-Star World Class company and awarded #1 best company to work for in the not-for-profit sector, Tara Dillon, CEO has created a supportive culture, making CIMSPA the perfect new home for The Pledge.”

Simpson, said: “During our research, we surveyed thousands of individuals and hundreds of companies in the fitness and active leisure sector to identify the issues, map the landscape and understand what needs to be done around prevention, protection and support at work."

She also explained that the industry has work to do before the team believes there will be a need for another full survey, saying: "We’re immensely proud of what we’ve achieved so far, but it’s time for more action on the part of operators before we survey again. As a result, we'll be taking a break from the survey this year to enable the sector to embrace our recommendations and implement meaningful change, emulating the inspiring organisations that are already taking a strategic approach to workforce wellbeing.”