Closing the health gap: Creating more inclusive workplaces for all
Free for everyone
Organised by The CIPD Branch in Central London
Free for everyone
Organised by The CIPD Branch in Central London
A panel will highlight the benefits of volunteering as a benefit in your organisation.
Creating an inclusive workplace means recognising that people experience health, wellbeing and work differently. This panel brings together charity partners and wellbeing consultants to explore practical ways organisations can reduce health inequalities and foster a more inclusive culture.
The discussion will highlight how volunteering can be a meaningful employee benefit that supports wellbeing, strengthens community connections and creates opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds to thrive. Panellists will share real-world examples, insights and practical advice on embedding volunteering into workplace strategies, demonstrating how it can enhance employee engagement, improve wellbeing and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable workplace for everyone.
About the speakers
Mark Pavlika, Regional Facilitator for London, Chief People & Purpose Officer
Mark Pavlika is Regional Facilitator for London and has volunteered at the CIPD since 2007. Mark has previously held many branch officer roles, including branch chair, council, vice chair and treasurer.
Mark’s proudest achievement was pioneering the inception and development of the CIPD London in 2013, and he continues to support the region in this role. He now collaborates with the central CIPD team and the seven London branches to improve member reach and advise on and facilitate operational and event strategies.
When Mark is not volunteering for the CIPD, he is Chief People & Purpose Officer at an integrated advertising agency in London. He has affectionately added Pets to his title as the office is dog friendly. Mark is responsible for the people agenda as well as the agency’s prize possession - its culture - which is central to how it operates, and underpins its mission and overall purpose.
Adrian Darkin - Head of Volunteering, Training and Wellbeing | Demelza
I am the Head of Volunteering, Training and Wellbeing at Demelza, bringing more than 12 years of leadership experience within the charity sector and over 20 years in commercial retail before that.
Having joined Demelza in 2025, I lead transformational initiatives across volunteering, training and wellbeing, helping to create an environment where both volunteers and staff can thrive. Prior to Demelza, I spent 11 years at Sense, where I served as Trading Director, leading the retail division and growing volunteer engagement to a network of more than 1,800 volunteers. I also held responsibility as the executive lead for wellbeing, championing initiatives that supported colleagues across the organisation.
Throughout my career, I have been passionate about empowering people to reach their full potential, building inclusive cultures, and creating opportunities for individuals and teams to succeed.
Outside of work, I place great importance on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. I work a four-day week, allowing more time to enjoy life, spend quality time with my family, and pursue my interests. I have a lifelong passion for history and enjoy exploring heritage sites and places of historical interest. I am also an enthusiastic quiz participant and can lately be found tackling Mystery Guides puzzle adventures across London and cities throughout the UK.
Henry Daglish - CEO, Bicycle London
Henry Daglish is a media entrepreneur and the CEO and co-founder of Bicycle London, a new concept communications agency launched in 2021. In five years he has grown a business that generates over £2m in profit and employs 75 people. He prides himself on creating working environments and cultures where people can always do their very best work.
Josh Trott - Head of New Partnerships, Movember
I lead the team at Movember Europe that builds new partnerships with employers. This extends beyond commercial activations, and into the heart of how businesses can embed men's health support into their workplace culture; from mental health training and awareness campaigns to employee-led fundraising and engagement.
We know men's health affects everyone, not just men, so I help HR and business leaders create environments where colleagues feel able to talk openly, look out for one another, and be their whole selves, both at work and at home. I'm particularly interested in how organisations move beyond one-off campaigns towards genuinely embedding health and inclusion into everyday culture
Outside of work, I spend my time chasing two young boys around, and being chased by an even younger cocker spaniel."
Kaela Griswold - Senior Client Success Manager at Peppy
Kaela Griswold is a Senior Client Success Manager at Peppy, where she partners with several of Peppy’s strategic clients to drive meaningful engagement and measurable business impact.
Acting as both a thought leader and strategic advisor, she supports organisations in embedding health and wellbeing into the employee experience. Kaela holds an MSc in Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Enterprise Development, giving her a broad understanding of how to support clients across diverse industries and business stages.
With a background in social impact and employee engagement, she is passionate about helping people access the care they need and fostering workplace cultures where employees can truly thrive.
Please note
Mon 14 Sept 2026, 18:00-19:30
Online
Wed 23 Sept 2026, 12:00-13:00
Online