Wealden council receives silver status

It's for employee wellbeing

A year after winning the bronze Wellbeing at Work Award, Wealden District Council has received a silver award.

The Wellbeing at Work Award scheme was launched in August 2021 and recognises employers’ commitment to supporting employee wellbeing through an accreditation programme. The programme is operated by Public Health at East Sussex County Council and is the county standard of good practice in health and wellbeing in the workplace.

The award was presented to the council by East Sussex County Council in recognition of Wealden’s journey to improving the health and wellbeing of employees.

To achieve the silver status, the council had to give evidence that specific criteria was met, covering a range of topics and initiatives including - physical activity and active travel, healthy eating, mental health, sickness absence, substance misuse, leadership management and workplace culture.

Some of the evidence produced included the council’s discounted membership scheme at local gyms, provision of trained mental health first aiders, an employee wellbeing survey, an employee assistance programme, cycle to work day, pilates and mindfulness sessions and many policies put in place to improve the wellbeing of employees.

Councillor Greg Collins, Alliance for Wealden (Green Party), and lead councillor for Finance and HR, said, “As an administration we are delighted to see Wealden achieve this silver Wellbeing at Work Award so soon after gaining bronze status.

“In a busy and sometimes stressful work environment it’s essential the Council provides high quality wellbeing support to council employees and continues to make them all feel valued, as we need to recruit and retain the best people we can, to serve our residents well. This award recognises the steps being taken to achieve that. Well done, Wealden!”

Photo of presentation (L-R) East Sussex County Council’s Sarah Nash, Wellbeing at work programme coordinator, Wealden’s HR business partner Karen Rosier, Councillor Greg Collins and Kim Pocock, Wealden’s wellbeing officer.