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The award recognises The Listening Centre's distinctive approach to workplace mental health provision, which prioritises clinical autonomy, tailored therapeutic matching, and person-centred care over the rigid, standardised models that dominate the EAP sector. Sharon McCormick, founder of The Listening Centre, said: "This award validates everything we've built over 23 years. "We've never agreed with the conveyor belt approach to workplace mental health: strict session limits, standardised interventions regardless of individual need. We've always believed people deserve better." The Listening Centre, based in Lombard Street, Lichfield, operates as an independent EAP provider across the Midlands, working with 30-plus affiliate counsellors who integrate therapeutic approaches based on what each individual actually needs. The organisation's model delivers a 96 per cent client retention rate, three per cent missed appointment rate (compared to 16 to 27 per cent industry average), and 99 per cent client recommendation rate. The Keele University award follows significant recent recognition for The Listening Centre which won the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Business of the Year 2025 award and the Greater Birmingham Chambers Excellence in Customer Service Award 2024. It was also cited as the gold standard for EAP ethical practice during BBC Radio 4's 'File on Four' investigation in March 2024; and its founder Sharon McCormick received 'Inspirational Impact' recognition at Lichfield District Council's 2024 Beacon Awards.
