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Leading Happier Teams

The Leading Happier Teams Programme helps individual participants to create happier, healthier team environments by focusing on wellness, camaraderie, and psychological safety.

Over three months, participants will explore a proven framework, solve real challenges creatively, and learn practical ways to build more positive and resilient workplace cultures.

Registration is now open for cohort 1 starting 23rd July 2025.

Apply to join

Who the programme is for

This programme is ideal for anyone in a leadership role, anyone who manages a team, or anyone who’s been empowered to make a positive difference in their workplace. Whether you’re leading formally or informally, if you’re passionate about creating a happier, healthier team culture, this programme is for you.

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Learning objectives

1. Recognising

Recognise the key factors that influence happiness and wellbeing in teams, including trust and connection.

2. Understanding

Explain the potential benefits of different techniques and how they relate to team culture and performance.

3. Applying

Choose techniques that are relevant to your team and test them in day-to-day practice.

4. Analysing

Explore your team’s current environment to identify strengths and areas where small changes could have a positive impact.

5. Evaluating

Reflect on the effects of the techniques you’ve used and consider what worked well, what didn’t, and why.

6. Creating

Design your own tailored approach for building a happier team, based on what fits your style and team context.

7. Communicating

Share ideas and insights with peers to build confidence, spark new thinking, and broaden your understanding of what’s possible.

8. Embedding

Identify practical steps to keep the momentum going and embed a culture of happiness and care within your team over time.

How does the programme work?

The programme includes four three-hour online workshops led by our wellbeing leads, Robin Davis and Joe Blunden. You can find out more about the content they will cover below.

You will also be able to access a wide range of resources during the programme and connect with other participants throughout.

Workshop dates

1. How happy is your team and why does it matter?

23rd July 2025, 9.30am - 12:30pm

A happier team isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a powerful driver of performance, collaboration, and retention. In this first session, we’ll explore why happiness at work matters more than ever, how it impacts you as a leader, and the simple ways you can start measuring it. You’ll also discover practical ways to uncover what truly makes your team tick, so you can lead with insight, empathy, and impact.

2. The fundamental principles of a happier team

27th August 2025, 9.30am - 12.30pm

What do the happiest teams have in common? In this session, we’ll explore the essential building blocks of team happiness: belonging, trust, open communication, appreciation and more. You’ll learn what really matters to people at work and how to create the kind of team culture where positivity and connection naturally flourish.

3. Key leadership challenges for happier teams

1st October 2025, 9.30am - 12.30pm

Leading a happy team isn’t always easy. In this session, we’ll tackle some of the most common challenges, from navigating difficult conversations to building psychological safety and trust. We’ll explore why civility matters, how to give feedback that lands well, and what to do when team dynamics go off track. We’ll also look at how to look after your own wellbeing, because a supported leader is better equipped to support others.

4. Making improvements that stick

12th November 2025, 9.30am - 12.30pm

In this final session, we’ll help you generate meaningful ideas to boost your team’s happiness, and explore how to test and embed them using the PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) cycle. You’ll learn why some changes don’t last and what to do differently, plus you’ll leave with clear next steps to keep the momentum going and continue building a team that feels more connected, motivated and supported.

What does the programme cost?

This programme is available to staff at both member and non-member organisations. The cost for staff at member organisations is either two tokens or £600 per participant. Staff at non-member organsiations can join this programme for £800 per person.

Apply to join

You can apply to join the programme by completing our short application form.

If you would like any further information about the programme or have any questions, please feel free to email joe.blunden@elect.nhs.uk.

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