Measuring What Matters: WEMWBS
We use the Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS) to track change across our programmes. It’s delivered via a simple, secure form so it’s easy to complete and straightforward to review over time.
What you need to know
No spoilers We never publish the WEMWBS items online and we use the scale under licence. WEMWBS is a population wellbeing measure — it’s not a diagnostic tool.
How it works
When it’s completed
Staff complete WEMWBS at sign-up, during reviews, and at agreed intervals — or sooner if they feel their wellbeing has changed.
How results are handled
Responses flow into a secure spreadsheet. Depending on your package, NE:U reviews anonymised trends and/or individual results to support your wellbeing plan.
What we look for (no spoilers!)
WEMWBS gives a total score from 14–70. We focus on change over time and broad indicators rather than fixed “pass/fail” thresholds. Higher scores generally reflect stronger wellbeing; lower scores prompt proportionate support and signposting.
Translating scores into support
Proportionate, not diagnostic
Higher scores → keep doing what works: ongoing info, self-care resources, peer sharing.
Mid-range → targeted group sessions (e.g., Emotional, Creative or Social Wellbeing) to build strengths where they’re most useful.
Lower → a closer look at pressures and tailored support (which may include 1-to-1 sessions, package-dependent).
Very low → combine score + brief conversation + the Mental Health Continuum to guide next steps and signposting. NE:U is not a clinical service; we provide safe, guided support and clear pathways.
Our practice frameworks
Mental Health Continuum
We map WEMWBS results and lived context to understand whether someone is thriving, managing, struggling or unwell — so responses are proportionate and safe.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
We consider unmet needs (sleep, finances, environment, belonging, esteem) that might be influencing wellbeing, then design sessions to help people move towards self-actualisation.
Targeted support for your organisation
We track workforce trends and deliver bespoke sessions in the areas scoring lowest across NE:U’s six wellbeing domains: Mental, Emotional, Social, Physical, Creative, Environmental. Staff with consistently low scores may be offered 1-to-1 sessions (package-dependent). We log outcomes (anonymised where appropriate) so you can evidence impact.
Why organisations choose this approach
- Real-time, data-informed insight into workforce wellbeing.
- Early-warning signals that support timely conversations and signposting.
- Moves beyond “one-size-fits-all” to a tailored strategy grounded in psychology and human need.
Data protection & ethics
Data is stored in secure, access-controlled spreadsheets. Reporting is anonymised at team/organisation level unless individual support is explicitly requested or part of your package. We use WEMWBS to support reflection and improvement — not to label, rank, or diagnose individuals.
Licensing & attribution
WEMWBS (Warwick–Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale) © University of Warwick. Used with permission under licence. All rights reserved. WEMWBS items are not reproduced here. WEMWBS is a population wellbeing measure and is not a diagnostic instrument. For permissions and guidance, please refer to the University of Warwick.
