Dear colleagues
I was instrumental in setting up the Mindful Employer initiative some years ago in Exeter where it started. While it was initially a very local attempt to reduce stigma around mental health in the workplace, with the support of the local MP, Ben Bradshaw, the public sector in Devon and the private sector, it quickly became a national initiative. It has now spread beyond the UK. In my experience the stigma around mental health continues to make this the most challenging area for managing disability in the workplace. There is much evidence to show that managers lack confidence in managing staff with mental health issues and that staff with mental health issues continue to hide this rather than disclose and risk discrimination.
I can heartily recommend signing up to the Mindful Employer Charter as in addition to the very useful message it gives about being positive about mental health, the resources available to support managers in the workplace are very good. The University of Portsmouth has been committed to signing the charter for some years but sadly has been slow in actually doing so due to work pressures within our HR Department. However I am confident that we will sign up during the next academic year.
If any one would like to discuss this in greater detail do give me a call.
Kind regards
Alex
>>> James Palfreman-Kay <[log in to unmask]> 27/07/2010 14:59 >>>
Hi
If this helps I will try and collate responses and pass to colleagues/short paper I am currently putting together.
Many thanks
James
From: HE Administrators equal opportunities list [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Felicity Cooke
Sent: 27 July 2010 14:56
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Mindful employer
Hi
We'd also be interested in this so would be grateful to be copied into any replies to James
Felicity
Dr Felicity Cooke
Head of Equality and Diversity
University Offices
Wellington Square
Oxford OX1 2JD
Tel: +44 (0)1865 289821
Email: [log in to unmask]
James Palfreman-Kay <[log in to unmask]>
Sent by: HE Administrators equal opportunities list <[log in to unmask]>
27/07/10 10:20
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HE Administrators equal opportunities list <[log in to unmask]>
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Mindful employer
Hi
We are looking at joining the Mindful employer network, and was wondering if anyone else has joined it and would be willing to share their experiences.
Many thanks
James
Equality and Diversity Adviser
Human Resources Directorate
Dorset House, 230
Talbot Campus
Bournemouth University
Fern Barrow
Poole
Dorset
BH12 5BB
Tel: 01202 965327
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
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