PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Department of Health: Staff (12 December 2016)

Civil Service Employee Policy provides a central health and well-being service to support departments in their well-being work.

In 2015, the People Board agreed a strategic approach to health and well-being for the Civil Service. This identified mental health as a key priority. This strategic approach was developed into a Strategic Action Plan, which has now been successfully implemented.

Support for individuals with mental health problems is provided by line managers and through the occupational health programme. Where appropriate, reasonable adjustments are made, to support the effective participation in work of people with longer term mental health problems.

In addition, the Department has a comprehensive staff Health and Well-being Programme designed by staff, for staff. It has three themes:

- preventing aims to reduce work-related ill-health at source - musculoskeletal issues and stress are key target areas;

- developing encourages development of competences and participation in physical activity to aid individual well-being and growth; and

- supporting signposts staff to sources of help and support.

Specifically on mental health, the Department:

- delivers two day Mental Health First Aid training courses in London and Leeds; and half-day Mental Health First Aid Lite courses;

- supports and promotes a network of Mental Health First Aiders;

- delivers Tackling Stress at Work courses using the Health and Safety Executive’s Management Standards framework;

- signposts staff to courses on mental health that are available through Civil Service Learning; and

- delivers an programme of events around World Mental Health Day in October, which this year included pledge boards across the Departmental estate and tea and talk sessions.

The Department also provides access to an Employment Assistance Programme, which is advertised to staff via the intranet. It promotes The Charity for Civil Servants, whose services include a mental health helpline and signposts to MIND, the Samaritans and internal staff networks where staff can get help and assistance.