A Burton-based mental health organisation has been recognised for its pioneering approach to employee wellbeing. The Listening Centre has won the Health & Wellbeing Award at Keele University’s Breaking the Mould Awards, which celebrate businesses that challenge convention and drive innovation across the region.
The award recognises The Listening Centre’s distinctive approach to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) provision, which prioritises clinical autonomy, tailored therapeutic matching, and person-centred care over the rigid, one-size-fits-all models that dominate the industry.
This award validates everything we’ve built over 23 years. We’ve never agreed with the conveyor-belt approach to workplace mental health—strict session limits, standardised CBT regardless of individual need, poor outcomes. We’ve always believed people deserve better, and our results prove it works.
A Different Approach to Workplace Wellbeing The Listening Centre operates as an independent EAP provider across the Midlands, working with 30+ affiliate counsellors who integrate therapeutic approaches based on what each person actually needs.
The organisation’s model includes tailored counsellor matching, clinical autonomy to extend sessions when necessary, and evening and weekend appointments. With a 96% client retention rate, 3% missed appointment rate (compared to 16-27% industry average), and 99% client recommendation rate, this approach demonstrates significant measurable impact.
The Keele University award adds to increasing recognition for The Listening Centre:
Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Business of the Year 2025 BACP cited The Listening Centre as the “gold standard” for EAP ethical practice during BBC Radio 4’s ‘File on Four‘ investigation (March 2024) Excellence in Customer Service Award (Greater Birmingham Chambers, 2024) Sharon McCormick received ‘Inspirational Impact’ recognition at Lichfield District Council’s 2024 Beacon Awards For more information, contact us.
