Posted on 11th December, 2012
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has become the 1,000th signatory to the Charter for Employers who are Positive About Mental Health.
MINDFUL EMPLOYER provides employers with easier access to information and local support regarding staff experiencing stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions. The Charter is a voluntary set of aspirations for businesses and organisations to work toward.
The Trust launched MINDFUL EMPLOYER in 2004, as part of its Workways vocational rehabilitation service. Since then it has attracted employers from across the UK in the private, public and voluntary sectors, with workforces ranging from one to more than 100,000 employees. It has also been launched in Australia and New Zealand.
Employment Specialist Team Lead, Richard Frost, who runs the MINDFUL EMPLOYER programme, says: "This is a fantastic landmark and it seems appropriate that our 1,000th signatory is the CQC - a major employer with such an important role in promoting health and wellbeing for everyone.
“Over the years we have gradually developed MINDFUL EMPLOYER and signing-up to the Charter is now recognised in the government’s mental health policy as good practice for employers. As well as creating a network of organisations that can share their learning and experience, we raise understanding and awareness and provide practical help and advice for employers who want to do more to support people with mental health issues in the workplace. We are also about to launch an 'App' containing information for managers, staff and business owners."
Employing over 2,100 staff in six offices around the country, the Care Quality Commission is nationally recognised for its work in ensuring that hospitals, care homes and care services are meeting national standards. Allison Beal, HR Director at the CQC, said: "The CQC is delighted to be the 1,000th signatory to the MINDFUL EMPLOYER Charter. As a new signatory, we have already found the resources and guidance very helpful. CQC is striving to become a high performing organisation and signing-up to the Charter demonstrates our further commitment to have a positive working environment for all employees."
About Workways
Recently accredited as the only Centre of Excellence in Devon and Cornwall, and one of only 12 nationally, Workways uses the evidence-based principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to help people with mental health needs find employment. IPS consists of intensive, individual support and rapid job search, followed by placement in paid employment and unlimited support in work for both the employee and the employer. Workways also provides a job retention service for people who are currently employed and a range of mental health awareness workshops for managers and staff.
For a full list of signatories to the Charter visit www.mindfulemployer.net/signatories.html
For the 'quick guide' containing examples of how some employers work towards the aspirations of the Charter visit www.mindfulemployer.net/takingsteps.pdf
To find out more about MINDFUL EMPLOYER visit www.mindfulemployer.net
To find out more about Workways visit http://www.workways.org.uk/
For more information contact Peter Leggatt on 01392 208693