29th May 2026
Cheviot Learning Trust, a family of 18 schools across Northumberland, partnered with Still Human following a trust merger to embed a trust-wide staff wellbeing strategy. Through Wellbeing Champion training, a staff wellbeing charter, CPD workshops and targeted leadership support, the programme strengthened resilience and leadership capability across every school in the trust.
Cheviot Learning Trust, a family of 18 schools across Northumberland, comprises two high schools, five middle schools, 10 first schools, and The Three Rivers Teaching School Hub – a centre of excellence for teacher development. Their purpose is to deliver excellent education for the benefit of all, and their mission is to develop all young people to have the opportunity to succeed.
This is underpinned by the Trust’s core values of:
Following the merger of two strong Trusts in 2023, Cheviot Learning Trust entered a period of consolidation with a clear focus on a critical priority: staff wellbeing. Recognising that a thriving workforce is essential to delivering high-quality education, the trust views investing in their staff as an investment in their future. Firm in their belief that happy and healthy staff are essential to achieving educational excellence, they partnered with Still Human, part of Edwin People to support their commitment to creating the best environment for their employees.
Still Human, part of Edwin People, collaborated with Cheviot Learning Trust to develop a holistic support programme aimed at creating a resilient and supportive environment where all staff can thrive. This included several key initiatives:
Wellbeing champion training
Leaders and managers from all schools – including the CEO, COO and HR Director – were trained over two days to become Wellbeing Champions. The training focused on integrating staff wellbeing into the culture of the trust and schools, equipping leaders with the tools to build resilience and support across all levels.
Creation of a staff wellbeing charter
A Trust-wide charter was developed to communicate a unified commitment to employee wellbeing, ensuring a consistent approach across all schools.
Staff development workshops
During a trust-wide CPD day, our team delivered an interactive session to all staff. This workshop provided practical tools for managing personal wellbeing and emphasised the collective responsibility of supporting colleagues.
Ongoing support for wellbeing champions
To ensure sustained impact, we facilitated online support sessions for Wellbeing Champions. These sessions focused on planning and reviewing their initiatives, ensuring their role continues to have a positive impact.
Targeted support for school leaders
Recognising the unique pressures faced by school leaders, we provided tailored sessions to address their needs and reinforce a culture of wellbeing throughout the trust.
Our partnership with Cheviot Learning Trust delivered meaningful and lasting impact. By embedding a holistic, trust-wide approach, the programme has strengthened leadership capability. Staff now feel more connected, valued, and equipped to manage their wellbeing.
This investment in people has not only enhanced day-to-day experiences for staff but has also reinforced the trust’s long-term commitment to delivering educational excellence through a healthy and thriving workforce.
Driven by our vision to deliver excellent education for all, we recognised the need to invest in our staff’s wellbeing. Partnering with Still Human, we’ve provided high quality training, developed a policy approach, and enhanced wellbeing systems. Every school now has a Wellbeing Lead, supported by a Wellbeing Charter, Code of Conduct, Staff Development Policy, and extensive resources to help staff feel well, connected and supported. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive – many said it was the best training they’ve had, with one Headteacher even practising stress management techniques on their commute!
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