UMHC Framework

Originally published in 2019, the University Mental Health Charter (UMHC) Framework provides a set of evidence-informed principles to support universities to adopt a whole-university approach to mental health and wellbeing. 

In 2024, the UMHC Framework underwent a full review to ensure it would best represent the status of current evidence and research, and we are excited to share the updated version with you.

What has changed from the first edition?

Most of the first edition remains intact, with no changes to the structure (Domains and Themes) or to almost all of the Principles of Good Practice that the UMHC Award is assessed against.

Key changes include:

• The introductory sections have been revised to better reflect the current sector experience and changes in understanding since 2019.
• Updates have been made to the accompanying text, particularly within each theme, to align with new evidence and guidance and improve clarity based on sector feedback. 
• This edition includes significantly more references, reflecting the extensive new research from the past five years, as well as new resources and guidance, to align with good practice and inform university colleagues of additional available support. 
• One change has been made to the Principles of Good Practice by adding a new Principle in the Learn Domain, for Theme 1 (Transition into university) (see p.34).

What is a whole-university approach?

A whole-university approach must include both adequately-resourced, effective, and accessible mental health services and proactive interventions. It must provide an environment and culture that reduces poor mental health, as well as supporting good mental health and facilitating staff and students to develop insight, understanding, and skills to manage and maintain their own wellbeing.

You can also view a condensed version of the UMHC Framework in our summary document. This only contains the Principles of Good Practice.