Environment Agency achieve Gold in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Awards
The Environment Agency has topped the board at mental health charity Mind’s annual Workplace Wellbeing Index Awards 2017-18 for the second year in a row.
The executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) entered the Index for the second consecutive year, and once again secured pole position. The accolade was awarded in recognition of achieving excellence when it comes to promoting good mental health at work following a series of assessments, including a staff survey, carried out by Mind.
The organisation was one of 74 employers taking part in this year’s Index, a benchmark of best policy and practice, celebrating the good work employers are doing to promote and support positive mental health, and providing key recommendations on the specific areas where there is room to improve.
The Awards event took place at BMA House, the headquarters of the British Medical Association, in Central London. The ceremony was hosted by Mind Ambassador, Alastair Campbell, a writer, communicator and strategist who is best known for his role as former British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s spokesman, press secretary and director of communications and strategy; and who has talked extensively about his own experiences of depression.
The Environment Agency received the highest score of all Index participants, closely followed by eight other organisations which also had their efforts acknowledged with a Gold Award. The employer is leading the way in terms of mental health support, with a network by staff, for staff where people can speak openly, connect and be signposted to helpful resources. Awareness-raising and special training is also available to help Environment Agency staff and line managers spot the warning signs and know where to find support.
Environment Agency Chief Executive James Bevan said:
“I'm delighted that the Environment Agency has won this award. A healthy workforce means a more productive workforce. And an inclusive culture makes work more life-enhancing.
“The fact that we're number one in the index again shows just how much work is going on across the Environment Agency to ensure all of us feel free to talk openly about mental health issues and know where to get help and support if we need it.
“Our staff-led Mental Health Network is doing a tremendous job, backed up by tools and information provided through our Wellbeing Team. I'm proud of the real difference this is making.”
Emma Mamo, Head of Workplace Wellbeing at Mind, said:
“We want to congratulate the Environment Agency for topping the board at this year’s Workplace Wellbeing Index Awards, for the second year running. The Environment Agency has once again demonstrated that they are at the forefront of creating mentally healthy workplaces, which involves tackling stress and supporting the mental wellbeing of the entire workforce, including employees that might be struggling with their mental health.
“This year, we’ve been overwhelmed to see so much good practice right across the board, from each and every one of the 74 diverse employers that took part. The Awards event provided an opportunity to recognise forward-thinking employers like the Environment Agency, who are at the cutting edge when it comes to investing in their staff wellbeing, and in turn getting the best outcomes for their business.”
- To register your interest in taking part in next year’s Workplace Wellbeing Index, visit mind.org.uk/index.
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See a list of all the previous Index participants recognised with a Gold, Silver or Bronze Award
