We are incredibly excited to share that our HR Lead, Darren Fox, has been shortlisted for the Most Inspiring HR Leader of the Year award at the Great British Workplace Wellbeing Awards 2025. This is a remarkable accomplishment, particularly for a small third sector organisation like Harmless, that works in the challenging field of suicide prevention with limited resources.
Darren’s dedication to fostering a supportive and thriving workplace culture has been instrumental in our success. He has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure that our staff feel valued, empowered, and resilient in the face of the demanding and often emotionally taxing nature of our work.
In a sector where resources are often stretched thin, Darren has demonstrated exceptional leadership and innovation in developing and implementing our wellbeing strategy, and has been the driving force behind initiatives such as:
- Prioritising Mental Health: Recognising the importance of mental wellbeing for all staff, Darren has been instrumental in providing access to confidential therapy sessions.
- Encouraging Reflection and Growth: Darren has championed regular supervision and reflective practice, creating a safe space for staff to process their experiences and develop coping mechanisms.
- Embracing Work-Life Harmony: Darren has been a key advocate for our standard 4-day working week and flexible working arrangements, demonstrating a commitment to a healthy integration of work and personal life.
- Providing Immediate Support: Darren has played a crucial role in establishing defusion processes for staff members who experience a traumatic encounter, ensuring immediate access to support and resources.
Darren’s commitment to staff wellbeing goes beyond these initiatives. He understands the unique challenges faced by our team members working in suicide prevention and has been proactive in addressing the potential impact on their mental health. He spearheaded the implementation of our 4-day working week, recognising the importance of work-life balance in mitigating the specific risks associated with this field.
Furthermore, Darren has been actively involved in our internal research project focusing on Health and Safety in HR practices within our niche workforce. This project reflects our commitment to understanding the specific needs and challenges of our staff and developing evidence-based solutions to enhance their wellbeing and resilience.
To be shortlisted alongside HR leaders from powerhouses like Costa and Netflix is a testament to Darren’s exceptional skills and dedication. It highlights the impact that a passionate and committed HR leader can have, even in a small organisation with limited resources.
We are incredibly grateful for Darren’s contributions to Harmless. His leadership has been essential in creating a workplace where our staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to make a difference in the lives of those affected by suicide.
We would like to congratulate all the nominees and wish Darren the very best of luck at the awards ceremony!
