Mark Brooks OBE

Mark Brooks OBE is one of the UK’s most respected voices on men’s mental health, inclusion and domestic abuse. A national advocate for wellbeing and culture change, he has spent over two decades shaping how government, employers and charities understand and support men and boys. His work challenges stigma, drives awareness and creates practical routes to better mental health for those who often fall through the gaps in policy and care.

Across more than 25 years in communications, public affairs and policy, Mark has held senior positions in leading national organisations. He has been Director of Communications and Marketing at the Education and Training Foundation, Head of Communications at Shaw Trust, and Head of Media at National Savings and Investments, where he created the award-winning Premium Bonds ‘Agent Million’ campaign. He now serves as Director of Policy and Communications at the Centre for Policy Research on Men and Boys, leading national reports and advocacy programmes focused on men’s wellbeing, suicide prevention and social inclusion. He also advises the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Issues Affecting Men and Boys, and holds voluntary leadership roles as Chair of the ManKind Initiative charity and National Ambassador for International Men’s Day UK.

Mark’s achievements have been recognised at the highest level. He was awarded an OBE in 2019 for his pioneering work supporting male victims of domestic abuse and received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of West London in 2023 for his contribution to men’s health and inclusion. His reports, including ‘Missing Men’ and ‘Boys Will Be Boys’, have shaped national debates and influenced select committee inquiries into male suicide and boys’ education. He also played a central role in the campaign for a Men’s Health Strategy for England, presenting evidence to Parliament and publishing the first draft policy paper on the subject. His leadership of International Men’s Day UK, which now involves more than 800 organisations, has made it one of the most prominent wellbeing events in the calendar.

As a keynote speaker, Mark combines empathy, authority and experience to inspire audiences to think differently about men’s mental health. His talks cover topics such as male suicide, wellbeing in the workplace, positive masculinity and the importance of inclusion. Whether addressing a government department, university or corporate network, he brings practical insight and clear strategies for creating supportive environments where men can thrive. Mark’s message is simple but powerful: improving men’s mental health benefits everyone – families, workplaces and society as a whole.