STRESS SHOWN THE RED CARD IN DERBYSHIRE SCHOOLS
Three schools that are members of Peak 11 (www.peak11.co.uk) – a consortium of schools in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales – are in advanced negotiations with brightspark for the provision of training and advice to promote wellbeing for their staff.
My successful launch in 2007 generated a lot of positive interest in the company’s services and this has quickly progressed to the planning of exciting new initiatives in schools.
Commenting on brightspark’s services, Mr Phil Latchem, Assistant Principal at Glossopdale Community College said: “Schools are under increasing pressure to respond to stress in the workplace and to promote wellbeing. The presentation was extremely informative and clearly addressed the key issues facing schools and other organisations.” |
JOINT VENTURE WITH UNIVERSITY OF DERBY
I am currently in discussion with the University of Derby, exploring how brightspark’s wellbeing courses can be incorporated into the university’s accredited programmes.
If all goes to plan, my wellbeing modules could be accessed in a number of ways including the University’s Learning Through Work programmes and Further or Higher Education courses, from as early as September 2008.
It’s a very exciting prospect to be involved with a university which is taking the lead in the field of healthy lifestyles and demonstrates the increasing importance of promoting all aspects of physical and emotional wellbeing in our society. |
WELLBEING AND THE HSE
As well as current Health and Safety legislation, which is designed to protect and enhance the health and wellbeing of all employees, the HSE has produced specific guidance on tackling stress at work. Employers are under a duty of care to both identify potential sources of stress and to take steps to reduce it.
HSE is focussing its attention on 5 sectors in which stress is a major concern: Local and Central Government, Health, Education, and Finance.
Whilst following the HSE guidance on stress is not compulsory, for employers it enables organisations to clearly demonstrate that they are fulfilling their duties in accordance with best practice and minimises the likelihood of litigation in the future.
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