Our experience has shown that workplace health initiatives can be transformative when they are delivered strategically and with empathy. One of the most important lessons we have learned is the power of local champions. Wellbeing ambassadors and charity champions across Amey sites have played a pivotal role in building trust and encouraging participation. Their presence at a local level created a ripple effect, helping to normalise health conversations and foster openness among colleagues.
We also discovered the value of aligning health with our existing safety culture. By integrating cancer awareness into established structures such as Safety Stand Down and Wellbeing Days, we created natural touchpoints for engagement. In September 2025 alone, more than three hundred colleagues attended nurse-led sessions, and 94% reported that they had a better understanding of ways to improve their health.
Another key insight has been the importance of person-centred delivery. Cancer Research UK nurses and health experts have provided tailored, evidence-based information in a compassionate and non-judgemental way. This approach has built trust and empowered employees to take proactive steps for their health, whether that means adopting new positive habits or making an appointment to see their GP promptly with any concerns. As one colleague shared, “Excellent presentation which will encourage more people to use your services and helps explain how to spot cancer.” Another added, “We all know someone who has had cancer – let’s reduce our risk today.” These reflections highlight the unique impact of Cancer Research UK’s delivery style and the confidence it inspires.
Storytelling has also proved to be a powerful tool in breaking down barriers. Personal stories shared through video interviews and podcasts have created emotional connections and reduced stigma. These narratives have inspired others and helped embed wellbeing into the fabric of Amey’s culture.
Strategic collaboration has been essential in enabling scale. Close coordination between Amey and Cancer Research UK ensured that health engagement was not a one-off event but a sustained programme. Early planning and alignment with internal calendars allowed us to maximise participation and maintain momentum. Cancer Research UK’s CAW team also brought structure and strategic insight, using survey data and engagement metrics to refine content and tailor delivery to our diverse workforce. Their expertise helped us embed health conversations into our existing safety culture and create a model that feels both authentic and sustainable.
Finally, data-driven insights have informed our direction. Health surveys and engagement metrics have helped us tailor activities to meet the needs of our employees and demonstrate impact, securing ongoing support from leadership.
While the statistics are impressive – thousands of employees engaged and hundreds of thousands of pounds raised – the true value lies in the lives changed. From employees making healthier choices to families adopting new positive habits, the ripple effect of awareness extends far beyond the workplace.
This partnership is not just about providing information; it is about empowering our teams to take action for their health, have open conversations and make positive changes. At Amey, we put wellbeing at the heart of what we do, and this collaboration is a great example of that commitment. It is about real conversations, real impact and making sure our people feel supported to take care of themselves and each other.
