CEOs, directors and HR professionals are being invited to Keele University for a high-profile debate on how workplace happiness drives performance, improve retention and build stronger organisational cultures.
The University Happy Index will take place on Thursday 18 June 2026, from 7pm to 9pm, at The Chapel, Keele University. Places can be booked here.
The event will bring together leading voices from business, leadership and wellbeing to explore why positive workplace culture is increasingly becoming a strategic priority for employers.
Among the speakers is Lord James Timpson, former chief executive of the Timpson Group and author of The Happy Index: Lessons in Upside-Down Management. During his time leading the family business, Timpson helped grow a national retail services group known for shoe repairs, key cutting, dry cleaning and photo services, while championing a distinctive management culture built on trust, autonomy and colleague support.
His approach has attracted national attention not only for its commercial success, but also for its strong social purpose.
Through the Timpson Foundation, the business has created employment opportunities for prison leavers and care leavers, offered support to people on Release on Temporary Licence, and provided practical help such as mental health support, counselling and workplace mentoring.
The company also promotes charitable giving through free services, inviting customers to donate to charity instead. (Timpson Group)
Lord Timpson will be joined by wellbeing expert and best-selling author Dr Andy Cope, whose research focuses on positive psychology, resilience and the role of wellbeing in creating high-performing workplaces.
The panel will be chaired by Keele Vice-chancellor Professor Kevin Shakesheff, who will also be joined by editor of the Wonkhe higher education debate website Dr Debbie McVitty and Professor Stacy Johnson MBE Professor of Critical Inclusive Leadership, University of Nottingham.
Head of Corporate Communications and External Affairs at Keele University, Kirsty Watts-Rollings said: “For employers facing recruitment pressures, skills shortages and rising expectations from staff, the debate will examine why wellbeing is not a soft issue, but a business-critical one.
“The session will offer significant insight for leaders looking to improve engagement, strengthen management culture and create workplaces where people can perform at their best.”
The event is open to business leaders, HR teams and anyone interested in the future of work.
