‘Gold standard’ workplace wellbeing experts win Chamber’s top award

A Lichfield organisation that has “set the bar higher” to provide workplace wellbeing across the Midlands is the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC) Business of the Year 2025, sponsored by Crowe UK LLP.

The Listening Centre (TLC) Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Ltd was presented with the award in front of 1,000 guests at the ICC in central Birmingham after winning the Excellence in Customer Service category.

The Lichfield-based EAP has dedicated itself to maintaining and improving mental health and wellbeing since it was founded in 2002 by Sharon McCormick.

Its operations include psychological asseessment, counselling/talking therapy, workplace mediation, bespoke training, clinical supervision, critical incident support and a free signposting service.

And last year TLC expertise was highlighted in a BBC Radio 4 ‘File on 4’ investigation into what defines a ‘Gold Standard’ Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

TLC was nominated by the British Association of Counselling Psychotherapy Programme (BACP) when they were approached by a BBC investigative journalist.

The programme aired in March, featuring founder Sharon, who narrated TLC’s best practices placing TLC firmly on the map.

The Listening Centre was portrayed as an exemplary example of how an EAP customer service should operate, providing “prompt, personalised, person-centred support that anticipates and exceeds our customer’s needs, leaving both commissioners and employees feeling valued and understood at every interaction”.

Sharon, also the owner and managing director of TLC, has worked in the counselling sector industry for 23 years and is a “life-long student” of the latest research in the wellbeing arena and helping people adopt to a “trauma-informed” approach to make “better sense of their lived experiences…”

In their submission to the judges, TLC said they were established to achieve one purpose: “…to demonstrably improve the health and wellbeing of everyone we engage and support”.

They added: “We deliver services that are highly regarded by our customers, trusted by service users and most importantly, provide incredible results giving a sound return on investment.

“An EAP provides confidential support to employees facing personal or professional challenges, offering services like counselling, crisis intervention and signposting to free financial guidance resources, aiming to improve employee wellbeing and productivity by addressing issues that might impact their work performance, all while maintaining confidentiality.

“At a time when many national EAPs fall short, we continue to set the bar higher, providing not only solutions to workplace wellbeing in the Midlands but doing so with integrity…”

The judges’ comments included:

“The nature of the business is clearly customer service-focused and a really good analysis and explanation of its success has been provided.”

“TLC exemplifies excellence in workplace wellbeing through proactive community involvement, tailored solutions, and outstanding service delivery.

“Their recognition by BACP as a ‘Gold Standard’ provider and their ability to consistently impress clients and customers with rapid, empathetic support highlights their position as a leader in their field. Strong testimonials and innovative solutions reinforce their candidacy for this award.”