Health & Wellbeing Policy

Adopted: 1 October 2025 (Minute FPC155/25)  |  Review: 2028

Introduction

St Stephen in Brannel Parish Council is committed to creating a work environment that promotes good health and wellbeing and where staff can thrive and feel supported. Members recognise that several factors contribute to wellbeing, including physical health, emotional health, financial health, psychological wellbeing and social wellbeing. This policy sets out the measures taken to support employees in managing and maintaining their health and wellbeing at work, including work-related stress.

This policy does not form part of an employee’s contract of employment and may be amended at any time. It should be used alongside the Council’s other relevant policies, including the Stress Policy, Health & Safety Policy, Equal Opportunities Policy, Disciplinary Procedure and Grievance Procedure.

Role and Responsibilities — Council

The Council is responsible, so far as reasonably practicable, for the health, safety and welfare of all employees. Beyond reducing safety risks, the Council will operate its business in a way that manages health and wellbeing at work by ensuring employees:

• are given the tools, training and support needed to do their job;
• have a say in the way they do their work;
• have a reasonable workload;
• have a good work-life balance;
• are empowered to respond positively to change;
• are treated with respect by managers and colleagues; and
• are provided with appropriate working conditions.

Role and Responsibilities — Line Managers

Line managers will support this policy by:

• monitoring workloads to ensure they are manageable;
• monitoring working hours and holiday to ensure appropriate hours and regular breaks are taken;
• being familiar with policies and procedures that affect wellbeing;
• consulting individuals on changes that may affect their health and wellbeing;
• being familiar with any employee-support services offered by the Council;
• encouraging participation in wellbeing initiatives;
• liaising with relevant professionals (e.g., Occupational Health) where appropriate; and
• maintaining confidentiality of individuals they are supporting.

Role and Responsibilities — Staff

Staff will support this policy by:

• taking reasonable care of their own health and wellbeing and that of others they come into contact with;
• working appropriate hours, taking regular breaks and building healthy habits into their day;
• alerting line managers to health and wellbeing problems affecting their work;
• taking advantage of counselling and training opportunities; and
• getting involved in wellbeing programmes made available.

Wellbeing Programmes

The Council has invested in activities to help employees maintain health and wellbeing, including:

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP);
• Flexi Time Scheme; and
• Mental Health First Aiders.

Requesting Support

Employees who believe that their work, or some aspect of it, is putting their wellbeing at risk are encouraged to speak to their line manager or the Clerk, who will consider what further action may be required. The Council may refer employees to Occupational Health for advice on appropriate support. If an employee feels unable to approach their line manager or the Clerk, they may speak to the Human Resources Chairman.

Work-Related Stress

In accordance with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Council recognises its legal obligation to protect employees from the risks of stress at work. The Council acknowledges the impact stress can have on individuals (inside and outside work) and that people react differently. It is committed to preventing and reducing work-related stress and to supporting any member of staff who may suffer stress. A dedicated Stress Policy has been adopted to support this commitment. Employees absent due to stress (work-related or not) should also refer to the Absence Management Policy.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

As part of the wellbeing services offered, employees can access confidential, independent advice via the Council’s EAP on any issue that is troubling them. Details on how to access the EAP are displayed on posters in each staffing area.