Should mental health first aiders be mandatory across workplaces?
Should mental health first aiders be mandatory across workplaces?
The range of stakeholders involved with workplace mental health — employers, trade unions, support providers, mental health first aiders and employees themselves — are being asked for their feedback on the approach for a public consultation being run by MHFA England.
‘Set the standard: mandate the change’ will run until Wednesday 10 December, providing an opportunity to offer feedback on the MHFA scheme and approach via an online form. The evidence is being gathered, in principle, to support the MHFA’s case that the provision of mental health first aiders should be mandatory.
Evidence-based standards for 2026
The consultation material is due to be used as the basis for best practice standards to be published next year.
“Over the last 18 years, we have seen time and again how mental health first aid saves lives and reduces stigma. For it to be truly effective, workplaces must fully embed it and take a whole-organisation approach. Workplaces have the power to transform the nation’s mental health,” said Sarah McIntosh, chief executive of MHFA England.
“These standards are about setting a new benchmark, embedding prevention, early intervention, and culture change into every workplace. Getting feedback via the consultation is vital to the future of workplace mental health.”
No single answer
EAPA UK chair, Karl Bennett said: “Clarity on the nature and role of MHFAs is critical — and it will be important that the consultation evidence isn’t only used to argue for mandatory adoption, but also to highlight the need for caution.
“MHFAs have been a positive development in raising awareness of the importance of employee mental health and making it easier for staff to have a first conversation about their concerns, and to be signposted to advice, resources and professional support. But MHFAs have only been equipped with the training to provide that initial signposting and nothing more. MHFAs can only ever be one element in a package of measures that provide preventative and reactive support.”