North West Employers Podcast
Episode 4: Fertility Treatment and Work: What Employers Need to Know
Episode 3: Celebrating Success: North West Tri-Sector Champions and Their Development Journey
Episode 2: Navigating Fatherhood Without Burning Out
by North West Employers
This episode of the North West Employers Podcast explores the often-overlooked impact of fertility treatment on employees and the workplace. Joined by fertility and workplace researcher Caroline Biddle, the discussion highlights the practical, emotional and professional challenges faced by individuals undergoing fertility treatment, the barriers that can prevent employees from seeking support, and the crucial role employers play in creating inclusive, supportive workplaces. The conversation also provides practical guidance on fertility policies, manager training and cultural change, helping organisations better support employee wellbeing, equality and retention.
In this episode, we speak to representatives from St Helens Council, the overall winners of the Tri-Sector Challenge, which took place at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington in June. Their team not only won the overall challenge but also received the Communications Award for their outstanding performance. The team shares their insights and experiences from the challenge, reflecting on what they learned, how the experience supported their personal and professional development, and the value of collaborative working across sectors. Their story offers inspiration for anyone interested in leadership, innovation and developing the skills needed to drive positive change.
This podcast focuses on the realities of modern fatherhood, exploring the pressures of balancing work, family life, and personal wellbeing. Through Andrew Pain’s insights, it covers the gradual nature of burnout, the importance of recognising individual stress signals, and the unique challenges faced by certain groups of fathers, such as new dads and those dealing with family breakdowns. The conversation also addresses why men may struggle to seek support, while offering practical tips on parenting and maintaining strong connections with children, ultimately highlighting the need for greater awareness and support around men’s mental health.
We’re pleased to share the first audio episode in our podcast series, where we bring to life the work we do and explore key topics that can help support organisations across local government and the wider public sector. In this episode, we reflect on what we achieved during 2025–26 and look ahead to the key priorities shaping 2026–27, including workforce reform, leadership development, organisational change, AI, and regional collaboration. We will continue sharing podcast content through both audio and video, with regular episodes covering the issues that matter most across the sector. Stay tuned for more conversations and insights from us at North West Employers 🎧