Professional Framework for Workplace Wellbeing Launched by Affinity Health at Work

The following is an abridgement of an article originally published by IOSH Magazine.

Framework Development

The Affinity Health at Work Research Consortium, in collaboration with the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), the Society of Occupational Medicine (SOM), and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), has developed a new Professional Framework for Workplace Wellbeing.

According to Affinity Health at Work research consultant Sophie Walker, the framework was created to address practitioner uncertainty regarding effective practice and employer challenges in recruiting capability and governing wellbeing activities.

Framework Details

The evidence-based framework defines competent wellbeing practice across 45 areas of knowledge, skills, and professional factors. Walker stated the framework reframes wellbeing practice as a strategic organizational capability grounded in prevention, psychosocial risk management, behavior change, evidence, and evaluation.

For health and safety professionals, the framework articulates how psychosocial risk management, work design, and organizational culture integrate into workplace wellbeing practice.

"Ultimately, our hope is that this framework helps wellbeing move from something people and organisations do to something they are genuinely capable of delivering well – because the right skills, knowledge and professional standards are in place," Walker said.

Launch and Implementation

A research report detailing the framework and a self-assessment profiling tool for practitioners will be published on 18 March 2026.

Affinity Health at Work is collaborating with professional bodies and qualification providers to explore how the framework can support professional standards and the development of specific training pathways.