Workplace Health and Wellbeing Masters' Unconference 2026

• A day to reconnect, learn from each other, and talk honestly about workplace health and wellbeing.

We’re bringing everyone back together again, for 'Unconference 2026'. After the success of last year's event, we're back - and we're bigger and better! We listened to your feedback and we're bringing you MORE time to connect with each other! We've also reduced the time between the afternoon and evening sessions. 

Open to all current students and alumni of the Nottingham MSc in Workplace Health & Wellbeing, come and join us for another relaxed, practical, genuinely useful Unconference.

Agenda

11:00–12:00 – Alumni & Year 3 Students

We’ll start the day at 11am with an informal, small‑group session just for Alumni and Year 3 students.

This part of the day is all about talking openly about what you’re seeing right now in workplace health and wellbeing. Using small informal groups, for facilitated conversations that help you think things through and hear how others are navigating similar topics.

12:30 - 13:30 Lunch

There’s a natural break after the morning session. You’ll have time to grab some lunch from the Portland Building or anywhere else nearby before we bring everyone together for the main afternoon part.

13:00 – Keynote: Prof. Neil Coulson

After lunch, all attendees come together for our keynote session.

We’re delighted to welcome Professor Neil Coulson, Professor of Health Psychology at the University of Nottingham, who will be speaking on:

Online Support Communities for Workplace Health & Wellbeing

Neil’s research in digital peer‑support spaces is incredibly relevant to the challenges organisations are facing right now, and this session will give you a lot to think about in terms of employee connection, behaviour, and support.

15:00 - 15:30: Tea break

15:30 - 17:20 Alumni Panel - " When workplace wellbeing leaves the textbook and meets organisational pressure"

Join three MSc Workplace Health and Wellbeing alumni for an engaging panel discussion exploring what happens when evidence-based practice meets the realities of leadership, organisational culture and competing priorities. Through practical insights, honest reflections and audience Q&A, discover the lessons they've learned since graduating and how workplace wellbeing is evolving in practice.

The panel:

• Dr Judith Grant is a Chartered Psychologist, workplace wellbeing strategist and Director of The Wellbeing Exchange. With experience spanning consultancy, leadership coaching and organisational wellbeing strategy, she helps organisations bridge the gap between research and business practice. Drawing on both academic expertise and senior leadership experience, Judith brings a practical perspective on creating sustainable approaches to workplace wellbeing.

• Rachael Haynes is Co-Founder of Big Picture Lab and a workforce performance strategist with more than 30 years' experience helping organisations improve leadership, culture and performance. Her work focuses on understanding the human experience of work and how psychosocial risk, leadership behaviour and organisational culture influence sustainable performance. She brings extensive cross-sector experience and a systems-thinking approach to workplace wellbeing.

• Charles Alberts is a workplace wellbeing, employee experience and benefits leader with extensive experience developing wellbeing strategies for global organisations. Formerly Global Head of Wellbeing and People Experience at Clifford Chance, and previously leading wellbeing solutions at Aon, Charles has worked with organisations to embed wellbeing into leadership, culture and business performance. He brings a practical perspective on translating wellbeing strategy into meaningful organisational change.

Hosted by: 

Debbie Kleiner, Founder of Wellbeing in Work, will lead an honest, engaging discussion exploring what happens when workplace wellbeing leaves the textbook and meets the realities of organisational life.

17:20 - 17:30 Wrap Up and Move to the Orchard Hotel

We’ll finish the Unconference around 17:30, and then head straight over to The Orchard Hotel on campus. This is where attendees can enjoy relaxed networking over food and drinks - there is plenty of time to catch up with old friends and meet new faces from across the MSc community.

Important Info

• The Masters' Unconference is wholly volunteer organised - ticket sales cover the costs of the event only, and no profit is made.
• Open to: Current MSc students and alumni only
• Evening venue: The Orchard Hotel
• Accommodation: Please book directly with the hotel
• Tickets: Non‑refundable