Gateway Family Services CIC
Sector: Community Interest Company (CIC)
Size of organisation: 45 Employees
Thrive Lead: Debbie Hett
What they do:
Gateway Family Services is a third sector health and social care organisation operating as a Community Interest Company (CIC). Established in 2006, it provides preventative health, wellbeing, and family support services across Birmingham and Solihull. Its work includes social prescribing, family support, lifestyle coaching, and community outreach, helping individuals and families access health, social, and wellbeing services and reduce health inequalities.
How Thrive at Work has impacted the organisation:
Achieving accreditation through the Thrive at Work programme has created a significant and lasting impact on the organisation. Working toward the standards has brought wellbeing to the forefront of organisational priorities and helped embed a more intentional and inclusive approach to workforce support. This has strengthened leadership commitment, enhanced communication, and encouraged staff at all levels to engage proactively with health and wellbeing initiatives.
A key outcome has been the development and formal adoption of a Mental Health Commitment, signed by senior management. This has reinforced the organisation’s dedication to creating a psychologically safe workplace where staff feel supported, valued and able to seek help without hesitation. The introduction of Mental Health First Aiders and continued investment in wellbeing sessions have further embedded this commitment into everyday practice.
Thrive at Work has also contributed to wider strategic developments. The organisation has signed the West Midlands Combined Authority Employer Pledge, demonstrating its commitment to offering placements, apprenticeships and early career opportunities for young people across the region. This reflects the organisation’s ambition to contribute to social value, strengthen local talent pipelines and position itself as a responsible and forward‑thinking employer.
In addition, the organisation is actively exploring the potential for a four‑day working week through consultation with the West Midlands Combined Authority. This emerging initiative reflects a willingness to innovate, respond to staff feedback and adopt progressive working practices that improve work-life balance and embed wellbeing more deeply into organisational culture.
Award Date February 2026
