HR Forum: Mental Health Awareness Week

Focusing on the most pressing topics for HR professionals.

Marking Mental Health Awareness week 2026, Oxfordshire County Council will be joining the Milton Park HR Forum to introduce the upcoming Thrive at Work Oxfordshire programme, a countywide initiative designed to support healthier, happier workplaces. They’ll share what’s launching, what support will be available, and how organisations across Oxfordshire can get involved and benefit.

The ‘Thrive at Work Oxfordshire’ programme will consist of the following offers, which will be free to all Oxfordshire workplaces:

• A structured framework guiding workplaces through four key pillars of workplace health, wellbeing and inclusive employment, leading to certification upon completion.
• A suite of topic-based training webinars.   
• A comprehensive employee survey providing workplaces with insight into the health and wellbeing needs of the workforce, including priorities for action.   
• A range of guidance notes, policy templates, and other resources.  
• Tailored advice, support, and guidance
• A health MOT service for all employees

Speakers

Sarah James – Public Health Programme Lead Workplace Wellbeing OCC

Sarah James began her career as an adult nurse at a London teaching hospital before moving into environmental health, where she spent 25 years working as an Environmental Health Officer and Manager. During this time, she also completed a Postgraduate Diploma in Occupational Health, strengthening her expertise in workplace health, prevention, and wellbeing.

Sarah went on to achieve a Distinction in her Master’s degree in Public Health Practice, which led to her appointment as Public Health Principal for Children and Young People at Central Bedfordshire Council.

In 2020, Sarah joined Milton Keynes City Council as Public Health Principal for Workplace Health and Worklessness, where she played a key role in supporting employers during the COVID‑19 pandemic and led the Workplace Health team across Milton Keynes, Bedford Borough, and Central Bedfordshire.

In February 2025, Sarah took up the role of Workplace Wellbeing Programme Manager at Oxfordshire County Council. In this role, she focuses on improving the health and wellbeing of the working‑age population by influencing workplace practices and working collaboratively with organisations and partners to deliver effective information, support, and services.

Jared Fellows – Public Health Practitioner OCC

Jared began his career in the hospitality sector, managing high‑volume restaurants and cafés in central Oxford. He later transitioned into the charity sector, joining Crisis UK as a Training Manager, where he supported individuals with lived experience of homelessness to access training and employment opportunities within the hospitality industry.

In his late twenties, Jared retrained and achieved a first‑class degree in Nutrition from Oxford Brookes University and became an Associate Nutritionist. He subsequently held a range of health and wellbeing roles including Partnerships and Engagement Manager for the local weight management service and a Senior Health and Wellbeing Coach for the UK’s leading weight management programme for men.

Jared joined the Public Health Team at Oxfordshire County Council in 2023 as a Health Improvement Practitioner, initially working within Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, before moving into the Workplace Wellbeing Team in February 2025.