Workplace Mental Health Roundtable Meeting

On behalf of iOH, I was pleased to attend a recent Roundtable event to discuss Workplace Mental Health (MH). Jointly hosted by The Council for Work and Health (CWH) and the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists(BACP), there were representatives from ACAS, SOM, HSE, Able Futures and the Charlie Waller Foundation. Kevin Bampton, Chair of CWH and Nicola Neath of BACP led the group of 13 for small group discussions focussing on:

  • How people without specialist MH training, such as work coaches, managers, or frontline advisors should approach MH conversations with employees.
  • What wider conditions are needed for better MH support.

What followed was four hours of respectful and informed conversations ranging from making conversations safe via guidance, resources, and referral routes, to what one policy or initiative should the government prioritise. We spoke about what makes workplace support for MH effective, barriers to MH support at work, and what critical questions are being overlooked.

Whilst the day seemed to raise more questions than it answered we concluded that any cultural shift needs a community effort, that Annual Reports should go beyond finances and include wellbeing data and that the very smallest of organisations (who may have very few staff and no HR or Occupational Health function) need specific resources. We touched on the possibility that the group could contribute to a competence framework and script, possibly via ACAS, which seems perfectly placed for such a resource.

The CWH provides a coordinated professional voice to influence and engage with our government. To this end, the takeaway task set by Kevin was to reflect on “what one thing should I bang-on about to MP’s, Ministers, Civil Servants and Government?”.

Reader’s inspirations and ideas are welcome, either by commenting below, or writing to admin@ioh.org.uk

Libby Hassanali

Libby is an Author, Independent Occupational Health Nurse Advisor, Trainer specialising in Workplace Stress and Mental Fitness, Associate Lecturer Robert Gordon University, Board Director of iOH