Mental Health First Aid England (MHFA England) has launched a public consultation on its draft Workplace Mental Health First Aid Standards, coinciding with World Mental Health Day.
The proposed standards set out, for the first time, a framework for organisations to embed Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) as part of a broader, evidence-based approach to workplace wellbeing.
Poor mental health remains the leading cause of long-term sickness in the UK, accounting for more than half of those out of work due to health conditions. According to MHFA England, the total cost to employers is estimated at £51 billion a year.
Research suggests that early, organisation-wide interventions such as culture change and awareness training can offer a return of £6.30 for every £1 invested.
The draft standards align with government efforts to tackle economic inactivity through workplace support. The forthcoming *Keep Britain Working* review — due later this year — is expected to highlight mental health as central to improving participation and productivity.
Sarah McIntosh, Chief Executive of MHFA England, said that while most people spend a third of their lives at work, support for mental health remains inconsistent and too often reactive. “Over the last 18 years, we have seen time and again how Mental Health First Aid saves lives and reduces stigma. For it to be truly effective, workplaces must fully embed it and take a whole-organisation approach.”
The consultation sets out nine proposed areas for best practice, including governance and strategic commitment, MHFAider training and support, wellbeing and debrief structures, and integration of mental health into wider workplace policies and culture.
MHFA England, the sole licensed provider of Mental Health First Aid in England, has trained more than 800,000 MHFAiders® across 20,000 workplaces since 2007. Last year, it launched the Association of Mental Health First Aiders® — a professional membership body providing continued learning and resources for those in the role.
Development of the new standards has involved collaboration with organisations including the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors, the Royal College of Nursing, Business in the Community, Social Enterprise UK, and the Association of Colleges.
McIntosh added: “Workplaces have the power to transform the nation’s mental health. These standards are about setting a new benchmark — not box-ticking, but embedding prevention, early intervention, and culture change into every workplace.”
The consultation, part of MHFA England’s *Set the Standard: Mandate the Change* campaign, runs until 10 December 2025. Responses are invited from employers, employees, MHFAiders, instructors, and stakeholders across sectors.
Full details and the draft standards are available at mhfaengland.org/set-the-standard.
