Our Movers and Shakers articles highlight who’s moving up, out or across in the rapidly evolving world of workplace culture, employee health and wellbeing. Here’s a selection of just a few of the many “movers and shakers” that grabbed my attention in August and September 2026…
Phillip Harris
First up is Phillip Harris, who has moved to multinational development and construction company Skanska after more than four years with international infrastructure firm Balfour Beatty, including a period working on HS2. He takes on the role of Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing Risk Management.
Through initiatives such as Mates in Mind and the Considerate Constructors Scheme, the construction sector has recognised the importance of supporting both mental and physical health, and in some respects is streets ahead of other sectors. Back in 2020, we highlighted Skanska’s progressive approach to supporting the mental health of older construction workers in this article.
Tim Ackroyd
Next is Tim Ackroyd. After more than 18 years with top-five consultancy firm Deloitte, in roles including Head of Wellbeing & Engagement and, most recently, Senior Manager, Mental Health and Working Well, Tim has announced on LinkedIn that he is leaving the firm. In his most recent role, he led the development of a global strategy and work programme to support mental health across 165 countries.
He wrote: “Farewell Deloitte! 18 years, 5 roles, 2 countries. From researching high net worth individuals, and interviewing C-suite leaders of global businesses to developing human potential and championing mental health and wellbeing. I even shook the hands of Royalty, helped design a building, and survived a triathlon wearing Deloitte Lycra along the way.”
Tim has yet to announce where he is heading next, but told us it’s an exciting new role and a new challenge. Watch this space…
Caroline Keefe
Caroline Keefe is the next Mover & Shaker who caught my eye. After nearly eight years with UK-based chemicals company Synthomer, where she was first Group Pensions and Reward Manager and then Global Pensions & Benefits Director, Caroline has taken on the role of Head of UK Pensions & Benefits at HSBC.
Announcing the move on LinkedIn, Caroline simply stated: “I’m pleased to share that I’ve started a new position as Head of UK Pension & Benefits at HSBC!”
Benefits and Reward professionals are often seen as the holders of the purse strings when it comes to health and wellbeing budgets. But the approaches that work best are those where different departments work together to embed healthier work, stronger cultures and, ultimately, better business.
That joined-up approach is explored in our article summarising the key recommendations from the most recent Keep Britain Working update, A National Growth Opportunity.
Joined-up approaches that deliver real impact will also be a key theme of our Make a Difference Leaders AGM & Leadership Forum, taking place at the British Library on 19 October. Bringing together leaders from a range of sectors, organisation sizes and functions, the event is designed to share best practice and explore how employers can make a real difference to workplace culture, employee health and wellbeing. You can find full details and register your interest in attending here.
Charlotte Poffley
Illustrating the diversity of our network, next up is Charlotte Poffley. During her nine years with Twinings, the tea and other beverages company, Charlotte progressed from HR Administrator to International DEI, Wellbeing & Talent Projects Lead. She has now moved to Canon EMEA, where she takes on the role of EMEA Talent, Career Development & DEI Lead.
The link between Talent, DEI, Employee Experience and Wellbeing is increasingly being recognised as fundamental to successful workplace strategies. You can read about 13 practical ways to build on the intersection between DEI and Wellbeing in this article.
Anwen Cooper
Last but certainly not least is Anwen Cooper, who has taken on the role of Campaign Director at the 4 Day Week Foundation, where she will lead the UK’s national campaign for a four-day, 32-hour standard working week, with no loss of pay.
Writing about her appointment on LinkedIn, Anwen said: “Over the coming months, within my new role, I’ll be partnering with people across the UK to influence policy, and support our national and local governments, trade unions, partners, public sector organisations and private businesses to adopt proven, evidence-based ways of working that create a genuine win-win-win for people, organisations and our economy.”
A key part of her role will be exploring how work can be redesigned to create future-fit organisations where people, performance and productivity thrive together.
You can read a case study of how Atom Bank has approached implementing a four-day week in this article.
We wish all of our August and September Movers and Shakers the best of luck as this new chapter of their lives begins.
