Changing the Narrative: Redefining Wellbeing as ‘Workplace Fulfilment’ Conference

Leaders are navigating rising pressures, shifting expectations, and a complex narrative about what it truly means to support staff. In this climate, “wellbeing” risks becoming diluted, oversimplified or even misused.

Our inaugural Changing the Narrative: Redefining Wellbeing as ‘Workplace Fulfilment’ Conference brings together school leaders, practitioners and experts for a refreshing, evidence‑informed rethink. Rather than chasing quick fixes, we’ll explore what genuinely enables staff to thrive, both in their roles.

This one‑day conference, led by Dr James Lane and Jen Brodkin and hosted at HEP’s Training Rooms on 3 February, reframes wellbeing as workplace fulfilment: a model grounded in clarity, intentionality and research. 

Through practical frameworks and reflective discussion, delegates will examine how the current context is shaping staff experience, why “weaponised wellbeing” is emerging, and how leaders can move beyond surface‑level interventions to create meaningful, sustainable impact.

You’ll leave with deeper insight into how purpose, motivation, organisational culture and human psychology intersect and the confidence to lead with greater awareness, alignment and authenticity.

James began his teaching career in Australia in the 90s before moving to England in 1997 to teach in a Hertfordshire primary school. Over the last twenty years, he has held headship in four challenging and diverse London schools and now serves as Executive Headteacher of St Francis de Sales Catholic Federation in Tottenham and St Joseph’s Catholic Primary in Hendon. His leadership has been described by Ofsted as “assured and visionary” and “inspirational”. He is committed to ethical, inclusive leadership and improving outcomes for children and families in disadvantaged communities. James is also writing a book on Workplace Fulfilment and Staff Wellbeing. 

Jen has built a distinguished career as a headteacher and leadership coach with a strong record of driving school improvement and cultivating effective, resilient leadership teams. She has extensive experience across diverse school settings, and is known for creating positive, sustainable working cultures where staff feel supported, motivated and able to thrive.

A Masters-level coach, Jen specialises in helping school leaders enhance their professional performance, navigate challenging situations, strengthen their confidence and rediscover their sense of purpose. She works closely with leadership teams to align their practice with school priorities while championing staff wellbeing as an essential pillar of whole‑school success.

Wellbeing in schools is too important to be left to trend, pressure, or guesswork. Redefining it as workplace fulfilment gives leaders a clearer, more grounded way to support the people who make schools work – and to do so in ways that are ethical, sustainable, and evidence-based.

This conference is an opportunity to pause, rethink, and return stronger. If you’re ready to move beyond box‑ticking and embrace a more intentional approach to staff motivation, culture, and professional purpose, then this day is designed for you.

Join us, challenge the narrative, and be part of shaping a future where wellbeing is not an add‑on but a shared, meaningful, and fulfilling experience for everyone in your school community.

Jonathan is the Lead for Communications and Content at HEP. He has a passion for storytelling and has previously worked as a journalist and communications advisor in New Zealand.