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Staff induction for new employees - Your Health, Safety and Wellbeing

The wellbeing of our employees is extremely important to Cumberland Council. We recognise that the main factors that affect your health and wellbeing at work are things like workload; relationships with managers and colleagues; whether you have the resources and the control over your own work to do the best job you can; whether you are able to work in a way that suits you; feeling that you are recognised and valued for the work that you do, and generally that you are treated well and fairly by colleagues and the Council overall.

We are committed to creating an environment where all employees of Cumberland Council can thrive and be happy at work, and we will work with staff at all levels and with trade union colleagues to keep improving that positive working environment for you. This is central to our Council Values, which emphasise that in everything we do we strive to be compassionate, empowering and collaborative; this applies as much to working with you as it does to providing services to the public.

In addition to aiming to provide you with a positive and supportive working environment, the Council provides a number of resources and services that can help you look after your own health and wellbeing.

Wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility and we encourage you to look out for yourself and your colleagues, if you are concerned about anything then talk to your Buddy or line manager.

Occupational Health Service

We work closely with our occupational health team to ensure that you are supported throughout your employment.

Counselling

The Occupational Health Service operates an employee self-referral scheme for counselling. To access this, you should log into the Occupational Health portal.

Mental Health First Aiders and Workplace Wellbeing Champions

You will have support from a number of trained health advocates, workplace wellbeing champions; first aiders and mental health first aiders.

Able Futures

We have partnered with Able Futures who deliver the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service, providing a wide range of mental health support services delivered by qualified health care professionals. The service is confidential, fast and flexible and is available over the phone, through email and face-to-face meetings.

Free eye tests

Employees who use Display Screen Equipment (DSE) more than one hour a day are entitled to receive a free eye test every two years (or more often in special circumstances). Following your eye test, if you require corrective appliances (glasses) for computer use, a voucher will help support costs.

Staff Network Groups

We have support groups set up who meet regularly in confidence. Currently this includes a stomach and digestive support group, menopause support group and Shine, a support group for neurodiverse employees. For more information on employee wellbeing support groups, please speak to your line manager.

Read more about Staff Network Groups