Welcome to my monthly update. Speaking at conferences and making visits to organisations of various kinds to promote the Responsibility Deal I have continued to emphasise the importance of making a firm commitment to the health and wellbeing of staff. We are currently preparing for the next network meeting on 29 May and plans include a review of how we can extend the reach and impact of the existing pledges, an update on the new ‘employers hub’, and reports on how we can reach high risk groups such as construction and shiftworkers. I will provide an update after the meeting, however, in the meantime I think the following might interest you.
Workplace Wellbeing toolkit
A highlight for me this month was a visit to Coca Cola Great Britain head office to launch the new Workplace Wellbeing toolkit. This resource has been designed to help UK organisations of all kinds to set up or develop their own health and wellbeing programmes. Produced by the Food and Drink Federation, the toolkit both draws on the industry’s collective experience and incorporates Government guidelines on healthy eating and physical activity.
Big Society Awards
I would like to draw your attention to the Big Society Awards 2012. These awards recognise individuals, groups or organisations that show the Big Society in action. Your work on the Responsibility Deal is one expression of the Big Society and I encourage you to make a nomination. The winners of an award each receive:- a signed certificate from the Prime Minister; copies of the electronic awards logos to use on their websites and publicity materials and an invitation to a twice yearly reception at No.10 Downing Street. Anyone can nominate an individual or group for an award. The deadline for Round 3 is 23 May 2012, but the system is ongoing and if you miss one deadline there will be another a couple of months later. For more information on the awards, please visit http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/20130123170713/http://www.number10.gov.uk/take-part/recognising-others/big-society-awards-2/
Healthy Working UK website
You may also be interested in the Healthy Working UK website. This provides advice, leaflets, access to e-learning, face to face training and decision aids for health professionals and employers about a wide range of topics associated with workplace health, including the fit note. It is endorsed by the Royal College of General Practitioners, the Faculty of Occupational Medicine and the Society of Occupational Medicine.
Responsibility Deal: Information and aids
A quick reminder that we have the following material available to promote the Responsibility Deal:
- A flyer, which attempts to explain the Responsibility Deal in clear language and outline its benefits
- A generic slidepack, which you can tailor to your requirements
- I can also provide a paragraph on the Responsibility Deal for any newsletters you may be issuing.
If you are interested in receiving any of these materials please contact the health at work network mailbox on responsibilitydealhealthatwork@dh.gsi.gov.uk
I hope you have found this informative.