About the Award

Award Criteria

There are 6 levels to the Award – Foundation, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Continuing Excellence and Maintaining Excellence, with appropriate criteria at each stage to build into an Award Portfolio. Organisations are given up to a year per level, but there is flexibility for those who need it.

Evidence indicates that it takes a period of time to effectively establish the infrastructure that will engage employees in adopting behaviours / lifestyle changes.

This is why ALL employers are required to begin at Bronze and progress systematically upwards through the levels (It is not mandatory to complete the Foundation level before signing up to complete Bronze level - see below). Every employer/ organisation who signs-up to participate in the Award scheme is supported by a dedicated Health Improvement Specialist.

Foundation - a discrete “pre-Bronze” level for any organisations who are new to workplace health and wellbeing or have limited capacity and feel they would benefit from a lighter-touch introduction. It is not mandatory to undertake this before signing up to Bronze.

Bronze - The Bronze level lays a firm foundation to build a healthier workplace.

Silver - The Silver level of the Award builds upon the basics of the Bronze level and rewards organisations that take a more holistic view of the workplace.

Gold - This level builds upon the Silver level and requires companies to look outside their own organisation and promote health within the wider community.

Continuing Excellence - This recognises the importance of organisations sustaining the progress they have made during their participation in the Award and encourages them to use their experience to support others.

Maintaining Excellence - Achieved by employers who have been engaged with the Award for long enough to have achieved a pass at all levels via the completion of a criteria document, portfolio and full workplace assessment.

Ambassador Status - Organisations are eligible for Ambassador Status on achievement of Maintaining Excellence and with the recommendation of their designated Workplace Health Improvement Specialist. This is then passed through to the BHAWA Verification Panel for endorsement.

"We knew the award would give our business some structure, accountability and credibility to our health and wellbeing strategy.

The award itself helps us stay focused and the data we receive from our annual survey is invaluable in helping to shape campaigns that really matter to our workforce".

- Robson Laidler Accountants Limited, Newcastle and County Durham, Maintaining Excellence Level achieved 2024

We joined the scheme to help us improve the health & wellbeing of our workforce not only at work but also at home. The campaigns and areas that we cover are varied and we try to include the workforces family and friends wherever possible.

The award is very well structured there is lots of information on the BHAWA website and we have lots of help at support. It has ensured that our organisations' Health & Wellbeing agenda is structured and well thought out.

- North East & North Cumbria ICB ,

"Our employees are our biggest asset, and we wanted to offer something that made a positive difference to their health and wellbeing.

The Award benefits businesses of any size. The structure it provides means employee wellbeing becomes embedded in your business as you work through the award levels.

Employees notice the improvements. Training and networking opportunities give great ideas for campaigns. And it is free!"

- Newcastle Carers, Newcastle, Maintaining Excellence Level achieved 2024

"Better Health at Work Award has truly transformed our workplace culture. It has inspired us to prioritise employee wellbeing; boosting morale, productivity, and engagement. The support and guidance provided is invaluable. We’re proud to champion health and wellbeing thanks to this outstanding initiative.

A highly recommended program for any forward-thinking company.

We value the recognition and support the award offers. The guidance from Grace and Craig is second to none. We've also built valuable contacts through the award, which has brought real benefits to the company and strengthened our focus on employee wellbeing".

- Walker FIltration, Sunderland, Bronze Level achieved 2024

We wanted to help and support our employees by giving them access to tools, resources and information to improve their health – physically and mentally, both in the workplace and in their personal lives.

We have really enjoyed participating in the award over the years. It allows the team of Health Advocates to show our creative side and brings people across both sites together, fostering a sense of community within the organisation. It also shows our employees that we care for their wellbeing by focusing on the topics that matter to them most.

- Seqens Custom Specialties , Middlesbrough

"Our goal was to promote a happy, healthy and engaged inclusive workforce by raising awareness, providing education and signposting employees to services and programmes whether in person or online, to help them maintain or enhance their health and wellbeing in both work and home environments.

The award enabled Nexus to gain recognition as an exceptional organisation in offering health and wellbeing support for staff and be recognised as an ambassador for other organisations in the North East".

- Nexus, Newcastle, Maintaining Excellence Level achieved 2024