Our Story
ABOUT THE INSTITUTE
Advancing Universal Wellbeing through research, professional education and primordial prevention.
Understanding wellbeing. Addressing causes. Informing change.
FREEDOM Wellbeing Institute (FWI) is a New Zealand-based research and professional education institute advancing evidence-based Universal Wellbeing.
Our work is grounded in more than 17 years of applied research into the determinants influencing individual, organisational and community wellbeing.
Through professional education, evaluations, research and organisational systems, we advance a primordial prevention approach that seeks to address underlying causes before harm occurs.
Our Vision, Mission & Values
Our direction is guided by a commitment to evidence-based Universal Wellbeing, education, inclusion and the capacity of people and organisations to achieve positive change.
Our Vision
To empower individuals, families, organisations and communities globally to achieve and maintain positive, evidence-based Universal Wellbeing over time.
Our Mission
To empower people to positively transform their Universal Wellbeing through meaningful evaluation, learning experiences, education and customised support.
Our Values
Our foundational values are Courage, Chivalry and Service.
These are expressed through inclusion and belonging, care and respect, unity, sharing knowledge, supporting learning, safeguarding what is valued, and recognising the uniqueness, leadership and agency of individuals.
Research informing practice.
Our work is underpinned by the Universal Wellbeing Model and the Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool, developed through a long-term programme of applied research.
This research examines the determinants that influence Universal Wellbeing and provides a structured foundation for evaluation, professional learning and informed decision-making.
Universal Wellbeing Model (UWM)
A multidimensional framework encompassing six dimensions and 70 determinants of wellbeing, recognising the interconnected factors influencing people's lives.
Explore the Universal Wellbeing Model ↗Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool (UWET)
A confidential evaluation approach designed to identify wellbeing strengths, risks and underlying determinants, supporting more informed decisions and targeted action.
Published Research
Research associated with the Universal Wellbeing programme has been published in the Evaluation Journal of Australasia (2025).
View the publication ↗What We Do
We connect research with practical applications through professional education, Universal Wellbeing evaluations, organisational systems and collaborative research.
Professional Education & Accreditation
Research-informed professional programmes that develop the knowledge and practical capability to apply Universal Wellbeing across education, workplaces, organisations and communities.
Universal Wellbeing Evaluations
Confidential evaluations that examine wellbeing determinants, identify strengths and areas of concern, and support evidence-informed decisions.
Organisational Wellbeing Systems
Whole-of-organisation approaches that support the integration of Universal Wellbeing into leadership, planning, professional practice and organisational processes.
Research & Collaboration
Ongoing research, professional dialogue and collaboration supporting the development and application of evidence-based Universal Wellbeing.
Why Primordial Prevention Matters
Understanding and addressing the determinants of wellbeing is central to preventing harm at its source.
Many conventional responses focus on challenges once they have become visible. Primordial prevention considers the conditions and underlying determinants that contribute to those challenges before harm develops.
FWI's Universal Wellbeing approach provides a framework for examining these determinants across individuals, learning environments, workplaces and communities.
Our focus is not simply on responding to poor wellbeing, but on understanding and addressing the conditions that contribute to it.
Our Founder & Leadership
"Our research is grounded in both theory and practice, and it continues to drive transformative outcomes in wellbeing, achievement, productivity and equity."
Susan F. Stevenson, Founder and Director
Under Susan's leadership, the Institute has developed and advanced the Universal Wellbeing Model and Universal Wellbeing Evaluation Tool, connecting applied research with education, evaluation and organisational practice.
Explore Universal Wellbeing with FWI
Whether you are interested in professional learning, research, evaluations or organisational applications, we welcome opportunities to discuss Universal Wellbeing and its practical relevance.