Overview

Senior executives and organisational leaders occupy a unique and influential position when it comes to mental health promotion. They are not only responsible for supporting their own mental health and wellbeing, and that of their teams, but also serve as key decision-makers in commissioning initiatives that impact the broader community.

This dual responsibility is carried out in the context of significant leadership pressures — including professional isolation, decision fatigue, and navigating complex funding and regulatory environments.

In this session, we will begin by exploring the personal and professional challenges leaders face in managing their own mental health in high-pressure settings. We will then turn to practical frameworks for understanding and commissioning evidence-based mental health promotion initiatives, which can improve outcomes not just within organisations but across the communities they serve.

Who is it for?

Chief executives and senior leaders responsible for both the internal wellbeing of their teams and the external commissioning of programs that support mental health and wellbeing in community settings. This includes leaders from the not-for-profit sector, local government and health services.

What will be covered?

Identify the unique factors influencing the mental health and wellbeing of senior executives and organisational leaders.
Understand how leaders’ approaches to their own wellbeing shape organisational culture and influence workforce mental health.
Orient themselves to the principles and frameworks of mental health promotion within the broader mental health system and the regulatory context.
Examine the evidence base for effective mental health promotion initiatives, with a focus on addressing rising levels of mental ill health across Australia.
Explore how new and emerging funding models and alignment with the soon to be released Victorian Wellbeing Strategy can support investment in mental health promotion and strengthen organisational sustainability.