Peer Learning Forum: The role of line managers in Wellbeing and Inclusion

This is an online event taking place on Microsoft Teams

Audience

Business in the Community (BITC) members who have advisory in their membership package. Our Peer Learning Forums (PLF) are open to all members who have advisory in their membership package – hosted by our issue experts, there are 20 forums a year, covering a range of responsible business areas and enabling our members to discuss challenges, solutions and ideas. This session in particular is aimed at line managers, EDI, HR and Wellbeing professionals who are working to embed effective, inclusive and compassionate leadership across their organisations.

Background

It’s often said that employees join organisations but leave managers. Line managers play a pivotal role in shaping the everyday experiences of their teams – yet their impact on both wellbeing and inclusion is frequently underestimated.

Today, line management is sometimes seen as a distraction from the “real job” rather than a core leadership responsibility. This shift has created gaps in capability, confidence, and consistency – particularly when it comes to supporting diverse needs and wellbeing.

Managers are often the first point of contact when employees face challenges, but they may not always feel prepared to respond – especially when navigating sensitive or complex issues. These can include menopause, neurodivergence, mental health concerns, bullying and harassment, inappropriate behaviours, cultural misunderstandings, or identity-related microaggressions.

Without the right support, managers may feel unsure about how to act, what to say, or where to escalate concerns—leading to missed opportunities for early intervention and inclusive leadership.

BITC’s Workwell Model and Self-Assessment Tool (SAT) highlight the importance of line managers in modelling inclusive behaviours and creating a culture of wellbeing.

About the event

This peer learning forum will bring together BITC members to explore how organisations are enabling line managers to lead with empathy, equity, and inclusion. We’ll discuss practical strategies, share lived experiences and identify opportunities to build consistency and confidence in line manager capability across the employee lifecycle.

About Business in the Community’s Peer Learning Forums

BITC’s Peer Learning Forums provide a confidential environment to discuss common issues, solutions, and good practice. There will be an emphasis on discussion and sharing experiences. All contributions from businesses will be confidential within the group and won’t be shared externally by BITC.

Booking and contact details and further information

• Contact Jessica.hart@bitc.org.uk , Event Coordinator, BITC for any further questions.
• Full joining instructions will be sent before the event.

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