Following a series of progressive conversations with the Government’s UK health team, Karl Simons OBE, formerly Chief Health, Safety and Security Officer with Thames Water – and a hugely influential leader in the world of workplace wellbeing – announced this week on LinkedIn that he will shortly be involved in bringing together a large group of leading academic thinkers and business professionals to support the development of Post Covid Mental Health Guidance for all Employers.
Karl wrote: “After what has arguably been the most turbulent 18 months for employers in generations, both large and SME organisations continue to review and adapt their working practices to accommodate the present climate.”
“Supported by the Governments brilliant health team, In the coming weeks we will issue invites and convene a series of discussions and workshops to aid in the development of guidance, through listening and capturing the challenges presently faced by employers as they grapple with creating working environments that support their employees in the future post pandemic world of work.”
What people are saying
Ian Houston, a consultant advising on Occupational Health, questioned the need for this initiative saying:
“Guidance already exists….. Why? “Parity of esteem” for physical and psychological health under The Social Care Act 2012 | HSWA’74 | Human Rights Act 1998 | Mental Health Act 1983 | MHSWR’99″
Ian pointed out that as this requires the person assessing psychological health to be able to complete the minimum requirement of assessing anxiety, depression and suicide interpretation (using GAD7 & PHQ9 scoring), every employee already has legal access to Occupational Health”.
But others have voiced their resounding support, including Faye McGuiness, Director of Programmes at Education support – and formerly Head of Workplace Wellbeing Programmes (Strategy and Development) with the mental health charity Mind, who commented: “Great to hear this Karl. Much needed!”
I look forward to finding out more and will share with you as soon as I do.
You can also respond directly to Karl via LinkedIn here.
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About the author
Claire Farrow is the Global Director of Content and Programming for the MAD World and Make a Difference Summits. She also drives the content for Make A Difference News. Claire is on a mission. She wants to help every employer – large, medium and small – get the insight, inspiration and contacts they need to make real impact on workplace culture, mental health and wellbeing in their organisation. She has been freelance for more than 15 years. During that time, she has had the honour of working with many leading publishers, including the New York Times
