The Level 5 Advanced Certificate in Strategic Wellbeing Leadership
Course Overview
The Level 5 Advanced Certificate in Strategic Wellbeing Leadership is the UK’s only nationally accredited, foundation degree level qualification for workplace wellbeing leaders.
It equips you with the knowledge, skills, confidence and practical tools to embed wellbeing as a core business priority, measure impact and influence at every level.
Delivered online through live masterclasses, real-world assignments and expert mentoring, the programme helps you turn intent into evidence-based action that drives lasting cultural change.
Accredited by Open College Network Credit4Learning and recognised by the iOH (The Association of Occupational Health and Wellbeing Professionals), with one year’s free iOH membership included.
Register your interest and download the free brochure
Enrolment is now open for the Level 5 Certificate which starts in early April 2026. Enter your details below and we will send you the enrolment form.
Across six live masterclasses, you’ll learn to:
- Build data-driven wellbeing strategies that influence leadership and deliver ROI
- Plan and evaluate wellbeing campaigns that embed long-term culture change
- Strengthen line-manager confidence in wellbeing and mental-health conversations
- Align wellbeing with legal frameworks, risk assessments and business goals
- Current Wellbeing Leads
- Other professionals leading on strategic wellbeing at work
- Professionals seeking an accredited, nationally recognised qualification to progress their career
Your Level 5 Advanced Certificate in Strategic Wellbeing Leadership is assessed in two stages. Over the course of the training, your Units and Action Plan will be assessed, giving you constructive feedback and added mentoring.
Once this has been completed, you will have a final assessment involving a 10 minute strategy presentation on employee mental health support and wellbeing in the workplace.
Your final assessment mark provides you with a Pass, Merit or Distinction.
The Pass–Merit–Distinction grading system is used to provide:
Clarity of learner achievement
It gives learners a more detailed picture of how well they’ve met the learning outcomes—not just whether they’ve passed, but how effectively they’ve demonstrated understanding, application, and impact.
Recognition of excellence
A “Distinction” recognises learners who go above and beyond minimum expectations—showing deeper insight, critical thinking, and strategic application. This is particularly important for a professional certification where learners are preparing for leadership roles or to continue learning on to a Masters.
Alignment with national standards
Our assessment approach aligns with the broader Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) using tiered grading for transparency and quality assurance.
Breakdown of Grades
| Grade | Description |
|---|---|
| Pass | Met the learning outcomes and criteria to a satisfactory standard |
| Merit | Strong application, clear insight, and well-developed workplace relevance |
| Distinction | Outstanding critical thinking, strategic insight, and real-world impact demonstrated |
Is the Level 5 Advanced Certificate in Strategic Wellbeing Leadership accredited?
Yes, our Level 5 Advanced Certificate in Strategic Wellbeing Leadership is a nationally recognised qualification, accredited by OCN Credit4Learning, and is mapped to national standards. At 370 guided learning hours the course is the equivalent learning hours to a Foundation Degree.
If I need help will I be able to ask questions?
Yes, during the course we will offer monthly mentoring sessions and all live Masterclasses have time for Q&A sessions. You can also ask your tutors questions anytime via email or your class Whatsapp Community.
Will my employer pay for it?
Employers are not legally required to cover the cost of the Diploma, however if they wish to improve mental health and wellbeing in the workplace and provide professional development for you in your role, they may wish to invest in your development.
Under UK employment law, full-time employees have the right to request time off for training or study at work, so you can request this time off if you can show that the mental health training will benefit your employer’s business.
How is it taught?
The Level 5 Advanced Certificate in Strategic Workplace Wellbeing is taught through a blend of 5 live Masterclasses, a Group and 121 Mentoring Session, Subject Matter Expert Partner Conference, 12 self-directed learning units, and the delivery of Strategy and Action Plan.
The Diploma itself lasts for 12 ,months, where you’ll learn and apply the most effective strategies for improving employee mental health and wellbeing.
More FAQ’s here
Join the waitlist above and we will notify you when you can enrol on the Level 5 Advanced Certificate in Strategic Wellbeing Leadership.
WEEK 1 / MASTERCLASS 1
Wellbeing Strategy Mastery
- Crafting your strategy
- Constructing wellbeing pillars
- Implementing a culture change framework
- Aligning wellbeing with business agendas
- Forming four strategy team of collaborators
- Mastering data collection
- Securing senior leader sponsorship
WEEK 2 / MASTERCLASS 2
Action Plan Excellence
- Crafting your action plan
- Strategic decision-making
- Navigating legal requirements
- Preventing work-related stress
WEEK 3 / MASTERCLASS 3
Empowering People Managers for Wellbeing Excellence
- The Manager’s role in Wellbeing Culture
- Exploring workplace desirability
- Essential skills & tools for People Managers
Empowering wellbeing leaders at
“We’ve reduced our mental health-related sickness absence by 41% in just 12 months. Seeing that impact in real numbers has reinforced just how vital a structured wellbeing strategy is for both our people and the business.”
Hayley Cheel
HR Manager
Adient
Watch the recent Open Day
Features of the course
Developing you to make a measurable impact on workplace wellbeing
Live Masterclasses Interactive online sessions led by Emily Pearson – join live or catch up on demand.
Expert Partner Conference Exclusive access to live Q&A sessions with workplace wellbeing experts.
Student Community Join a supportive network of peers and professionals sharing real-world insight.
1-to-1 Mentorship Monthly mentoring with experienced wellbeing leaders to help you apply learning in your role.
Flexible Study Time Complete the qualification in up to 18 months, at a pace that fits your professional life.
🏆 Wellbeing Provider of the Year 2025
We’re proud to share that the Wellbeing Lead Academy has been named Wellbeing Provider of the Year at the This Can Happen Global Awards 2025.
This recognition reflects the impact of our accredited Career Pathway for Wellbeing Leads and the organisations we support across the UK. It’s a testament to our learners, our partners, and the growing community of wellbeing leaders driving real culture change in their workplaces.
Designed for People Who Lead Wellbeing at Work
If you’re ready to move from reactive initiatives to strategic leadership, this programme is for you.
This programme is ideal for professionals responsible for developing and embedding wellbeing strategies within their organisations – or those looking to step into that role.
HR & People Leaders
integrate wellbeing into your organisation’s culture and KPIs.
Health, Safety and Occupational Health Professionals
Extend your expertise to strategic wellbeing leadership.
Dedicated Wellbeing Leads
Gain a credible qualification and framework to strengthen your impact.
“The Wellbeing Lead Course flipped what I thought I knew about workplace wellbeing upside down with a new level of insight.”
Lisa-Sian Eagles, Wellbeing Manager
Kuehne & Nagel
Developed by a mental health and wellbeing expert.
Emily Pearson a thought leader in the field of workplace wellbeing
Emily Pearson a thought leader in the field of workplace wellbeing Emily Pearson is a thought leader in the field of workplace mental health and wellbeing.
With 25 years of experience working in the Health and Social Care Sector as a practitioner and educator, Emily has spent the past 9 years helping HR professionals and Wellbeing Leads to develop and deliver impactful mental health and wellbeing strategies.
Emily has led innovative interventions in the workplace wellbeing sector, including mental health training programmes such as the The Certified Wellbeing Leader™ Progression Framework, ManBassador Programme and the Level 3 Preventing Work-related Stress & Supporting Mental Health course.
Her expertise positions her as a sought-after figure in the field, often featured in prominent HR publications, radio shows, and as a keynote speaker at mental health wellbeing conferences.
One of her career highlights was her involvement in the development and pilot team of Mind’s Blue Light Programme. This initiative played a pivotal role in supporting thousands of staff and volunteers within the UK’s police, search and rescue, fire, and ambulance services. By actively challenging mental health stigma and fostering positive changes in their approach to wellbeing and mental health in the workplace, the programme made a significant impact on the lives of those it served and the culture of the authorities embedding the programme.
Solving a CEO’s Blind Spot: Human Sustainability
Why do successful organisations still burn out their best people? Emily Pearson reframes wellbeing as a leadership and governance issue, not a people initiative. For leaders who want sustainable performance, not short-term output.
Explore the book at www.emilypearson.co.uk
