Improving Governance of Psychosocial Safety
Description
In this conversation, Chris Jones, Wade Needham and Todd Hopwood will explore the current state and future direction for improving governance of psychosocial safety at work. They will examine the role of organisational leadership in upholding mental health standards and the integration of psychological safety into broader corporate governance frameworks. Chris, Wade and Tom will also discuss emerging trends and challenges in Australia, New Zealand and further abroad. Expect to obtain practical guidance for improving governance of psychosocial risks necessary to foster workplaces that protect and promote worker mental health.
Chris Jones
Director Global Health, Safety & Wellbeing
Chris is Director Global Health, Safety & Wellbeing at Fonterra and a Steering Committee member of New Zealand’s General Manager Safety Forum. Chris was project chair and subject matter expert contributor to the development of the Institute of Directors’ and WorkSafe New Zealand’s 2024 ‘Health and Safety Governance Good Practice Guide’, and is a regular speaker at national and international health, safety and wellbeing conferences.
Before Fonterra, Chris spent six years as Chief Safety & Wellbeing Officer for the Department of Corrections. He has also held senior leadership roles in WorkSafe New Zealand, Network Rail (the UK’s railway infrastructure management company), and Nuffield Health (one of the UK’s largest health and wellbeing service providers).
Wade Needham
Director, ESG & EHS
Wade is a human centric, results and data driven leader and enjoys enabling a just transition to a more sustainable and safer work environment for both internal and external stakeholders within a Natural Resources investment portfolio. By bringing together different organizational functions, supply chain partners including financiers, insurers and brokers helps aid alignment to short- and long-term desired outcomes and material ESG factors.
Todd Hopwood
Manager Customer and Business Integrity
Todd has over 25 years’ experience in the local government sector and is a Director of Local Government Professionals NSW. Todd is a leader in governance, customer service and risk management and has been a finalist in the Governance Top 100 for the last three years.
Todd is a passionate advocate for mental health causes and takes a strong position in advocating for management practices that protect and enhance the wellbeing of all employees. Todd has served on the Boards of several mental health and men’s health charities and has been recognised internationally for his mental health advocacy work.