Jo Yarker;PhD, MSc, CPsychol
Managing Partner
Jo conducts pioneering research and leads on strategy development, risk management and training and development programmes. Together with Rachel, she provides leadership and direction for Affinity. She contributes to national guidance and publishes widely to share new knowledge, evidence and tools to promote and sustain health and wellbeing at work.
Why do you work in the Wellbeing field?
Affinity Health at Work was born in 2006 with an aspiration to partner academic rigour with practical, real-world approaches to improve health and wellbeing at work. With our team at Affinity, our clients and our research partners, I strive to develop solutions that make a difference to peoples' working lives, which is what makes working in the wellbeing field rewarding for me.
My work is driven by three things:
First, everyone has a right to well-designed and well-managed work; work that is safe and allows people to thrive, where people are recognised for their contributions and supported by others when times are challenging. We are not there yet but whichever way you look at it – with a moral, legal or business lens - it makes good sense.
Second, evidence is at the core of all we do at Affinity – creating evidence and using evidence to guide solutions. There is so much noise in the field of workplace wellbeing that it can be hard to know what to do for the best. We look to the evidence to guide us on what works, and what doesn't in different situations, and our vibrant research programme means that we are creating and sharing new evidence for all, all of the time.
Third, no one can do it all on their own. Everyone needs to be supported at home and work to stay well and do their best work. This is why we look beyond the individual and take a whole-system approach to wellbeing – understanding the individual, the people they work with, and the organisational and national context in which they work.
Wellbeing Areas of Particular Interest
Job Design, Psychosocial Risk Management, Sustainable Return to Work
To find out more about Jo's research and practice
Rachel Lewis;PhD, MSc, CPsychol
Managing Partner
Dr Rachel Lewis provides the leadership and direction for Affinity, alongside Jo. Rachel is widely published in the field of health and wellbeing at work and has contributed to national guidance, and evidence-based tools and interventions. She also leads on strategy development, risk management and training and development programmes. Alongside her work at Affinity, Rachel is a Reader at Birkbeck, University of London and has been recognised by the British Psychological Society for her outstanding contribution to the profession of Occupational Psychology.
Why do you work in the Wellbeing field?
The wellbeing field has come a long way from where it once was, particularly in response to the global climate in recent years, but we still have quite a long way to go before we see job design that is truly shaped to support and protect the wellbeing of its workforce.
Over my career I have seen, and continue to see, many wellbeing approaches taken within organisations that evidence suggests will have no meaningful impact. This has really solidified my stance that evidence-based practice should be at the forefront of my work, to ensure the quality and effectiveness of every wellbeing policy, intervention or guidance that I produce.
I have brought this principle of ensuring evidence-based practice with me to Affinity, and I am very proud of the company Jo and I have developed. Affinity works on this principle and it has become a core component of our work to ensure that any solution we recommend to organisations is sound, and that it has actual tangible benefits to the workforce.
We recognise that there cannot be evidence-based practice without the evidence itself, so Affinity strives to also produce pioneering research that expands the knowledge of our field whilst providing guidance for what best practice looks like. I am very proud of the contribution we have made to the evidence base and how it has allowed us to make a difference in the lives of employees across the globe. This is what continues to drive me.
Wellbeing Areas of Particular Interest
Job Design, Psychosocial Risk Management, Resilience
Claire Agate;MCIPD, MSc, PGDip, GMBPsS
Senior Consultant
Claire works in consultancy and research across a range of workplace wellbeing areas, including psychosocial risk, leadership capability for wellbeing, job design, and organisational culture. Her work involves organisational risk assessment, wellbeing maturity assessment, gap analyses, training, facilitation, and strategy development. Drawing on her background in HR for global organisations, she understands how good leadership and effective job design protect employee health, wellbeing, and performance.
She has partnered with a diverse portfolio of clients — from large international corporations to local authorities — helping them build practical, evidence-based approaches to employee wellbeing. Her client work includes projects with organisations such as Flutter UK&I, London Gatwick Airport, Suncorp, and the Ministry of Justice.
Claire holds an MSc in Organisational Psychology and is currently working toward her professional doctorate in Occupational Psychology and full membership of the European Association of Aviation Psychology.
Why do you work in the Wellbeing field?
Having spent my early career in generalist HR roles for large global organisations, I've seen first-hand how leadership, culture, and job design can influence people's health and wellbeing at work. My passion for organisational psychology, evidence-based practice, and an unwavering curiosity about people in organisations drives me to help employers create environments where both people and performance can thrive.
Wellbeing Areas of Particular Interest
Leadership for the promotion of mental health and wellbeing, Psychosocial Risk Assessment, Job Design.
Nathan Palmer;FMBPsS
Senior Consultant
Nathan supports a range of research projects – bringing together existing evidence and expert opinion to create new tools and a more in-depth understanding of workplace wellbeing challenges.
Why do you work in the Wellbeing field?
Having worked in leadership positions in major national charities, I developed a passion for supporting people to thrive at work and enabling individuals and teams to be successful. Wellbeing sits at the heart of this and so the opportunity to support organisations to implement evidence-based solutions at Affinity is a great way to share my passion for making work more healthy and positive.
Wellbeing Areas of Particular Interest
Inclusion, Effective Management Practices, Supportive Teams and Psychological Safety
Marleen Reinke; MA, MSc, GMBPsS
Senior Consultant
Marleen Reinke is a Senior Consultant at Affinity Health at Work, where she leads and supports a range of workplace wellbeing projects in both research and consultancy roles. A registered occupational psychologist with 20 years of experience, in employee engagement, workplace strategy coaching, and collaborative approaches to improving mental health and wellbeing.
Marleen is currently working towards a professional doctorate in organisational psychology at Birkbeck, University of London. Her doctoral research explores how to protect and promote mental health among dental professionals, using a co-design methodology to ensure proposed solutions are developed collaboratively and grounded in real-world needs.
Why do you work in the wellbeing field?
I'm passionate about creating healthier, more sustainable workplaces where both individuals and organisations can thrive. My journey began in clinical psychology, with a specialisation in work and health, over time, and working on large scale organisational engagement research, I've seen how profoundly the modern workplace can affect our wellbeing.
As work becomes increasingly fast-paced and demanding, with an 'always on' culture becoming the norm, it's more important than ever to take a proactive, collaborative approach to wellbeing. I believe real change happens when we bring together insights from research, practice, and lived experience — working across disciplines and organisations to develop meaningful, evidence-based solutions that truly support people at work.
Wellbeing areas of particular interest
Stress and burnout prevention, coaching, collaborative approaches to research and evidence-based practice.
Francoise Woolley; MSc
Senior Consultant
Francoise works on a range of consultancy projects assessing organisational needs, and developing and delivering bespoke, evidenced based, solutions to improve workplace wellbeing.
Why do you work in the wellbeing field?
Early in my career, I regularly put others' needs before my own, in a culture where overworking was normalised and role-modelled by senior leaders, and came close to burnout several times. My experience of wellbeing was shaped further in a previous role where I supported individuals and organisations experiencing significant challenges. I saw the impact of negative workplace cultures on wellbeing - the breakdown in trust, damaged relationships, and talented people walking away from organisations that failed to support them. Witnessing the grievances, disengagement and disputes at the point of crisis made it clear to me that if I truly wanted to make a difference, I needed to shift the dial from reacting to problems to proactively creating healthier, more supportive workplace environments through a systemic approach to workplace wellbeing.
Today, my work encompasses coaching individuals, training and supporting line managers, and working with senior leaders to embed wellbeing and psychological safety at the heart of organisational culture.
I am driven by a belief that work should not cost people their health, and that when people feel safe, supported, and valued, they are not only healthier but are also able to thrive and perform at their best.
Wellbeing areas of particular interest
Conflict resolution, psychological safety, leadership wellbeing, coaching and creating mentally healthy workplace cultures.
Alice Sinclair; MSc, CPsychol
Senior Consultant
Alice works on a range of large, government-funded research and evaluation projects focused on health at work, as well as smaller studies with public and private-sector clients.
Why do you work in the wellbeing field?
"Good work" — work where employees are able to thrive — has far-reaching benefits, extending beyond the individual and employer to their colleagues, families, and society at large. Through conversations with research participants across organisations of all sizes and sectors, I've witnessed both the damaging effects of feeling unsupported at work and the transformative power of simple, effective support for workplace health.
I am driven by the desire to ensure that robust, accessible evidence is available to help employers and individuals make informed decisions about how to collaborate and create healthier, more productive work environments. Having evaluated numerous occupational health and wellbeing programmes over the years, I'm particularly interested in the challenge of developing workplace solutions that engage and resonate with diverse organisations and employee groups.
Wellbeing areas of particular interest
Evaluations of occupational health schemes, mental health at work, long-term health conditions at work, sickness absence, return to work, coaching.
Sophie Walker; MSc
Consultant
After joining the Affinity team in 2023, Sophie works as a Consultant and works across various projects in the field of workplace health and wellbeing as well as psychosocial studies. After completing a BSc in Psychology from the University of Exeter and an MSc In Occupational Psychology from the University of Nottingham, Sophie is excited to commence her Professional Doctorate in Occupational Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London in 2026.
Why do you work in the wellbeing field?
Work is a fundamental part of daily life for so many of us for the majority of our adult lives. Your physical and mental wellbeing at work can have significant impacts on both your success at work, your wellbeing and on the other parts of your non-working life. I'm passionate about using evidence-based approaches to identify and address workplace challenges and work to support people and organisations to thrive together and make work a more positive element of our lives.
Wellbeing areas of particular interest
Leadership development, Psychosocial Risk Assessment and Harmful behaviour
Yass Rad; MSc, FMBPsS
Consultant
Yass is a consultant at Affinity, primarily contributing to the HSE Project OSCAR while also supporting various other initiatives. With a robust background in designing and delivering bespoke assessments and frameworks for a diverse array of clients, Yass brings a range of experience and expertise to her role.
Her project management skills are complemented by her love for out-of-the-box thinking and her passion for wellbeing research, which she continues to pursue part-time through her PhD studies at City University of London. The core topic of her PhD research is using Acceptance and Commitment Training Interventions for Employees, and Perfectionistic individuals. This unique blend of practical experience and academic pursuit allows Yass to bring innovative and research-driven solutions to her projects.
Why do you work in the wellbeing field?
One of the main drivers for me working in wellbeing is being able to support others to step into their potential and thrive in their work and life. By working in this area, I am able to explore the issues which impact people both positively and negatively and find ways to mitigate these.
Innovative research is a key driver for me because it offers a path to uncovering answers to complex questions. I thrive on the challenge of applying research findings to real-world situations, creating sustainable and lasting change. By addressing both the positive and negative influences on wellbeing, I aim to develop solutions that help individuals and organizations flourish.
Wellbeing areas of particular interest
Innovation in wellbeing provision & research, Perfectionism its impacts on wellbeing, Early career employee wellbeing
Workplace wellbeing interventions, specifically: Acceptance and Commitment therapy and Mindfulness.
Divija Bansal; Msc
Consultant
Divija Bansal is a Research Consultant at Affinity, where she applies occupational psychology to help organisations strengthen employee wellbeing, performance, and organisational culture. Her work centres on translating psychological evidence into measurable workplace impact through projects such as psychosocial risk assessment and management, wellbeing maturity assessments and strategy development.
At Affinity, Divija regularly designs and facilitates wellbeing forums and workshops for employees and managers aimed at making psychological theory accessible and practical. Common topics include workplace stress management, resilience through change, switching off and recovery, personality at work, and neurodiversity.
Known for her analytical sense-making and ability to problem-solve complex issues in a structured manner, Divija is skilled at transforming complex data into clear, actionable insights. She brings strong planning and communication skills to her projects, ensuring her projects are managed with pragmatism and adaptability to client needs.
Before joining Affinity, Divija worked at Europe's first mental health simulation training centre, Maudsley Simulation, where she contributed to research on psychological safety and team learning. She later served as a Programme Manager within the NHS, collaborating with diverse stakeholders to deliver mental health simulation training courses for healthcare professionals. Alongside her professional work, she has co-authored several research publications relevant to occupational psychology and workplace wellbeing.
She holds a BSc in Psychology (First Class Honours) from King's College London where she was awarded the Dean's prize for outstanding academic performance in her year, and a Master's in Organisational Psychology (Distinction) from City, University of London. She is excited to commence her Professional Doctorate in Occupational Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London in 2026.
Why do you work in the wellbeing field?
Given that we spend nearly a third of our lives at work, it is vitally important that our workplace is a happy, healthy, and supportive place to be. Through my efforts at Affinity, I hope to positively impact wellbeing at work using my training as a scientist-practitioner to draw on evidence to promote better mental health for all.
Wellbeing areas of particular interest
Employee engagement, leadership development
Hannah Musiyarira; MSc
Consultant
Hannah is a consultant at Affinity, contributing across a range of projects that support employee wellbeing in organisations. With a strong academic background, her PhD research has focused on the challenges employees face when managing long-term health conditions and the impact of presenteeism (working while unwell) on wellbeing. She brings these insights into her work at Affinity, particularly in projects that help people return to work and thrive with long-term conditions. Hannah is excited to be part of Affinity's collaborative team and to apply evidence-based practice in creating meaningful impact for organisations and employees alike.
Before returning to academia, she worked as a Director's PA, gaining first-hand experience of day-to-day business life and sparking her interest in how wellbeing can be supported at all levels of an organisation.
Why do you work in the wellbeing field?
Having managed health conditions in the workplace myself, I became passionate about exploring how people can navigate the intersection of work and health. I aim to bring lived experience into research while also helping organisations understand these complexities, so employees feel supported and valued. I believe individuals can thrive when they can bring their authentic selves to work, and that fostering inclusivity and openness to different experiences, particularly around women's health, where diagnosis and support are often delayed, is key to wellbeing.
Wellbeing areas of particular interest
Presenteeism and its impact on wellbeing, Long-term health conditions and return to work support, Women's health, fertility challenges and the impact on work, Organisational culture and inclusion in workplace wellbeing
Oliver Bullock; Msc
Junior Consultant
Oliver works as a junior consultant at Affinity and supports a range of projects across working environment and workplace health and wellbeing. He has previously worked in human resource and project management roles in the NHS and in organisational change for a county council. These roles have given him experience working with both qualitative and quantitative data. Oliver did his BSc Psychology at the University of Plymouth and his masters in Organisational Psychology at Birkbeck, University of London.
Why do you work in the wellbeing field?
Work plays such an important part in our identity, so it is essential that workplaces are supportive and encourage individuals to live happily and healthily. I'm interested in working with organisations to design workplaces which support individuals to thrive both personally and professionally, with evidence underpinning this approach.
Wellbeing areas of particular interest
Job design, systematic processes, employee engagement, change
Hannah Karrlein; BSc
Junior Consultant
Hannah works as an Assistant Consultant supporting projects in the field of workplace health and wellbeing as well as psychosocial studies. She completed her BSc in Psychology.
Why do you work in the wellbeing field?
Through gaining experience in various internships, I realised working with people brings me joy. I further got to see the importance of a healthy workplace. Since the majority of one's life is spent at work, I want to contribute to help people create a healthy environment to thrive not only at the job but in every aspect of life.
By using an evidence-based approach sustainable positive changes are achieved and my academic skills are strengthened.
Wellbeing areas of particular interest
Organizational culture, job design and people development
Toria Pagan
Office Manager
Toria is the Office Manager at Affinity, supporting a range of areas including general office administration, HR, contracts, supplier operations, sales, IT, data management and compliance. Toria works with the Senior Management team to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes and make sure everyone has the tools, systems and support they need to do their best work.
From onboarding new team members to managing data systems and everything in between, Toria's passion for positive workplace culture and keen eye for detail helps ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Toria co-ordinates our Environmental, Social, Health and Governance strategy, ensuring our impact aligns with our company values, goals and ambitions for sustainable growth.
Why do you work in the Wellbeing field?
I really value our organisational purpose and human-centred culture. It is a privilege to be able to align my personal values with Affinity's positive and ethical impact on our team, clients, and society, in striving to make work great for everyone.
Zoe Hutchinson
Office Administrator
Zoe supports the Office Manager with all required aspects of team administration. Having worked for many years in administrative roles both employed and as a volunteer charity Trustee and Secretary she brings a positive and supportive presence to the wider team. She takes great pleasure in using her organisational skills and administrative background to support such a varied and inspirational workforce and will go out of her way to assist the team where needed. Having worked for many years in education, she is very excited to now be part of the wellbeing field and bring a new balance and flexibility to her work-life world.
Stephanie Foxley
Marketing Associate
Stephanie is an experienced senior marketeer, having held roles both client and agency side in the luxury and consumer sectors for the last 15 years. Having worked across digital, strategy, partnerships and events she brings a wealth of experience to the Affinity Health at Work team during this exciting period of rapid growth. Stephanie enjoys to building relationships and thrives off being able to help facilitate meaningful and beneficial connections. She is passionate about the Affinity Health at Work mission to improve the working lives of all.
Christian Ferragamo
Associate Consultant
Christian is an Organisational Psychologist, speaker and brain-based coach. He specialises in employee mental health, resilience, engagement and personnel development for better wellbeing and performance. He has a breadth of experience with regards to sectors, and has worked both within the NHS and with organisations across the finance, insurance, duty of care, media, retail and transport industries. Christian is passionate about supporting individuals, particularly during critical times of high pressure and change, by helping them build their own psychological toolkits. Working in close partnerships with his clients, he has designed and implemented programmes to better assess, develop and engage their employees. This has in turn helped drive culture change, transform businesses, and improve performance.
Christian is a certified coach, trained at the NeuroLeadership Institute in brain-based coaching. This cutting-edge coaching methodology draws on the latest research in the field of neuroscience. By understanding how the brain works, we can create the conditions which facilitate powerful insights, the creation of new neural pathways and ultimately desired change.
Rachel Foord
Associate Consultant
Rachel is a Work Psychologist and Development Coach with a wealth of experience ranging from HR consultancy, Leadership Development, Facilitation and Coaching, Change Management, Assessment and Selection, Performance Management and has a keen interest in Neurodiversity at Work.
Rachel works as an Associate with Affinity on various projects.
Jen Duckworth
Associate Consultant
Jen works regularly as an Associate with Affinity on various projects.
Jen is an Organisational Psychologist with a specific interest in creating great working environments, through culture change, management and leadership development, coaching and employee wellbeing strategy.
Fehmidah Munir
Associate Consultant
Fehmidah is a Professor of Health Psychology at Loughborough University and works as an Associate with Affinity to collaborate on a variety of research projects, academic & public sector output. Fehmidah is a Chartered Health Psychologist, Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society and registered with the Health and Care Professions Council.
Fehmidah's special interests include the promotion of health and management of ill-health and wellbeing in occupational and community settings, with particular expertise in the prevention of, and interventions for, chronic conditions impacting quality of life & work engagement, sick absence and return to work.
