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We’ve collated some of our free resources that you are welcome to use and share to help create more flex in your organisation.

Check out our flexible working research section too for the latest insights from our research with Scottish employers, workers and unemployed people looking for work.

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Flexible Working Guides & Resources - Flexibility Works

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Covid has forced us to rethink how, when and where we work. Check out our flexible working guides & free resources on the Flexibility Works website.

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Why support staff to complete learning and training opportunities?

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Why support staff to complete learning and training opportunities?

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Benefits for your business

By offering your staff free courses or additional free training, you can:

promote a culture of learning and upskill your employees in their current role or help them progress into higher skilled roles

improve numeracy, language and digital skills in the workplace

increase productivity and workforce development

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Looking for funding to grow your business or launch a new project? We can help you navigate the funding landscape in Scotland, offer support to help your business find and access the right funding, and, in some cases, offer our own funding.

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How sanctions could affect your support

To comply with UK Government sanctions legislation and Scottish Government guidance around trading with Russia, Scottish Enterprise will carry out sanctions checks on your company, shareholders and, in some cases, directors. We may ask you about the nature of your trading and/or investment links with Russia and Belarus.

Depending on the outcome of these checks, Scottish Enterprise may decide not to support you or your company, or to terminate existing support.

Useful information on how to comply with UK Government sanctions and Scottish Government guidance in relation to trade with Russia can be found on the Find Business Support website.

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Funding and grants for businesses in Scotland

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To comply with UK Government sanctions legislation and Scottish Government guidance around trading with Russia, Scottish Enterprise will carry out sanctions checks on your company, shareholders and, in some cases, directors. We may ask you about the nature of your trading and/or investment links with Russia and Belarus.

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The Acas framework for positive mental health outlines how employers, managers and employees should share responsibility for positive mental health and wellbeing.

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The Acas framework for positive mental health outlines how employers, managers and employees should share responsibility for positive mental health and wellbeing.
Download the Acas framework for positive mental health at work (PDF, 343 KB)
Our shared goal

Acas views positive wellbeing and productive workplaces as a shared goal. This means:

employers need to be committed to actively promoting positive mental health at work

managers need to understand about mental health and be open to conversations with their team members

individuals need to look after their own mental health and ask for help when needed

Employers

It's important that employers create the conditions to support positive mental health at work. This might include:

putting in place a wellbeing strategy

dealing with any causes of work-related stress

taking action to lessen the stigma around mental health

supporting and providing training for their managers

making sure there are policies in place to manage mental health

providing resources for managers and employees to support their mental health

understanding how personal issues can affect their employees' mental health

Managers

Managers should inform themselves about mental wellbeing and be open to conversations with their team. This includes:

building good relationships with their team

having regular wellbeing check-ins

consulting on and keeping employees informed of changes that impact them

learning about mental health and signposting to support services

handling difficult conversations effectively

supporting a healthy work-life balance among their team

Individuals

Everyone at work has a responsibility to look after their mental health. This includes:

noticing how and when they get stressed

using positive strategies to help them cope

asking for help and support from line managers when they need it

making use of support available in and outside of work

setting clear boundaries between work and personal life

Get more advice and support

Acas provides advice for employers on how to use the mental health framework, through:

You can also read our advice on:

If you need this document in a more accessible format, email digital@acas.org.uk. Please tell us which format you need.

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Acas framework for positive mental health at work

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The Acas framework for positive mental health outlines how employers, managers and employees should share responsibility for positive mental health and wellbeing. Download the Acas framework for positive mental health at work (PDF, 343 KB) Acas views positive wellbeing and productive workplaces as a shared goal.

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Information & support

The whole spectrum of life is reflected in the calls we receive to Breathing Space. The sooner you talk to us the better you might feel. (Please note that Breathing Space is a service for people in Scotland)

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Breathing Space is a free confidential service for people in Scotland. Open up when you're feeling down - phone 0800 83 85 87

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Information & support The whole spectrum of life is reflected in the calls we receive to Breathing Space. The sooner you talk to us the better you might feel. (Please note that Breathing Space is a service for people in Scotland)

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ANDYSMANCLUB are a men’s suicide prevention charity, offering free-to-attend peer-to-peer support groups across the United Kingdom and online. We want to end the stigma surrounding men’s mental health and help men through the power of conversation. Use the website to locate a support group close to you. The support groups are informal and welcoming and meet every Monday at 7pm

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Find your nearest Andy's man club. We have over 100 free support groups nationwide, running every Monday from 7PM except bank holidays.

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The NHS Tayside Community Listening Service provides 50 minute appointments with fully trained listeners on the phone or within your GP practice. Many of us find it helpful to talk, particularly during stressful events at home or work, or after a bereavement or loss. To learn more phone 01382 423116 or email Tay.listening@nhs.scot

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Many of us find it helpful to talk, particularly during stressful events at home or work, or after a bereavement or loss.

Telling your story uninterrupted and judgment-free could help you to sort through your emotions. You may then be able to rediscover your strength and find a way forward.

The Community Listening Service provides 50 minute appointments with fully trained listeners on the phone or within your GP practice.

A Tayside patient who recently used the service told us, "The service made an immediate and immense difference to my stress levels... I cannot overstate the benefits of this service, and [the listener] was really wonderful to talk to."

The service is available to anyone registered with a Tayside GP practice. Email tay.listening@nhs.scot, call 01382 423 116 or text 0796 777 1941 to make an appointment or find out more. Both staff-initiated and self-referrals are welcome.

Become an NHS Listener
This service is supported in its work by experienced volunteers. If you are interested in finding out more, please contact us on 01382 423116 or email tay.listening@nhs.scot

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Many of us find it helpful to talk, particularly during stressful events at home or work, or after a bereavement or loss. Telling your story uninterrupted and judgment-free could help you to sort through your emotions. You may then be able to rediscover your strength and find a way forward.

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Daylight is a digital programme to improve anxiety based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It’s clinically proven to help people improve their anxiety symptoms.

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Nine months confidential, no cost advice, guidance and support from mental health professionals to help people cope with work while managing a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression or stress.

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Support for mental health at work | Able Futures Mental Health Support Service

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“Let’s Chat” is a practical tool with guidance, tips and scenarios for line managers and supervisors to start open and honest conversations about mental health in the workplace, without fear of stigma and discrimination.

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This free course, Effective communication in the workplace, explores the importance of communication as a skill in the workplace. It aims to increase your understanding of communication skills and to help you to consider how your communication could be perceived by others.

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Effective communication in the workplace

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effective communication in the workplace

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Effective communication in the workplace

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This free course, Effective communication in the workplace, explores the importance of communication as a skill in the workplace. It aims to increase your understanding of communication skills and ...

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Working with employers to build support for staff
with caring responsibilities.

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Carer Positive the standard for employers in creating supportive working environment for carers

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Carer Positive employers support working carers in their workplace. They benefit by retaining experienced workers, reducing staff absences and making savings on recruitment costs.

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Helps organisations and employees to build flexible and family friendly employment practices. Offers case studies, some free resources and training for employers.

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"Membership of Working Families has proven to be one of the best diversity budget spends to date. Not only do they provide a wealth of experience and solid evidence based support for our internal diversity programmes of work, Working Families also provide our employees with expert advice on all aspects of being a working parent and carer"

E-ON UK

The Best Practice Awards are your chance to tell us about what you do to develop and support flexible and family-friendly working in your organisation. Each year the Award winners are chosen by our panel of expert judges from all the entries. We hope that you enjoy reading about these different companies, and that perhaps these case studies will provoke new ideas about the way that family friendly and flexible working can be shaped in your own organisation. These are best practice examples; we hope that you can take something from them.

Continue reading

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"Membership of Working Families has proven to be one of the best diversity budget spends to date. Not only do they provide a wealth of experience and solid evidence based support for our internal diversity programmes of work, Working Families also provide our employees with expert advice on all aspects of being a working parent and carer" The Best Practice Awards are your chance to tell us about what you do to develop and support flexible and family-friendly working in your organisation.

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Breastfeeding Friendly Scotland (BFS) is a national scheme you can sign up to for free. It's backed by Scottish Government and run by local health boards. NHS Tayside scheme details can be found at this link or email the team on tay.breastfeedingfriendlyscotland@nhs.scot

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Access to Work can help you get or stay in work if you have a physical or mental health condition or disability.

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Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition

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Get help at work, including an Access to Work grant, if you have a disability or health condition - eligibility, how to apply.

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Working Health Services Tayside provides a specialist work health service that is easy to access and can help you remain at work.  It is free and confidential.  We are part of NHS Tayside.

If you are suffering from a health problem such as pain and discomfort, or stress and anxiety, and it is affecting you during your working day, then Working Health Services Scotland can help. https://www.nhstayside.scot.nhs.uk/OurServicesA-Z/WorkingHealthServicesTayside/index.htm

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The website provides free webinars, podcasts, research and wellbeing blogs aimed supporting employers to increase diversity and promote inclusion within their workplace.

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Explore our mission and values, our commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the inspiring journey of how our company started.

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Fair work is work that offers all individuals an effective voice, opportunity, security, fulfilment and respect. It balances the rights and responsibilities of employers and workers. It generates benefits for individuals, organisations and society.

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Putting fair work of Scotland’s workplaces and economy

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The Scotland Loves Local Gift Card is the innovative new way of keeping spend local for longer in every community and region across Scotland. https://lovelocal.scot/

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Details of how to access Tayside services including menopause, pregnancy, relationships, LGBT, etc. If your business is interested in providing free condoms or highlighting this service to staff - please see details of the Condoms by Post initiative.

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Supporting people to have healthy, positive sexual health and wellbeing including all aspects of blood borne virus prevention, testing, treatment and care.

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Health information that anyone living in or visiting Scotland can trust

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Sleepio is a digital sleep improvement programme based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT.) It’s clinically proven to help address the root causes of poor sleep and insomnia. It is available free of charge on the NHS.

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National campaigns, awards and awareness days to help you plan activities for the year.

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National campaigns, awards and awareness days to help you plan activities for the year.

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Walking these short journeys can offer a wide range of benefits, helping your health, your pocket and the planet.

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A Wee Walk Works Wonders is a Scottish campaign to promote the benefits of walking for everyday short journeys.

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We can help you to get your colleagues walking towards a happier, healthier, more active workplace

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Our support for workplaces who want to get their team more active

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Our nationally recognised programme provides an award scheme and funding to help organisations make it easier for their staff to cycle to work and at work.

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Employer - Cycling Friendly - Our Programmes - Cycling Scotland

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Support for workplaces to promote cycling as a healthy, sustainable and accessible way to travel to work.

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Discover how you can build physical activity into your day and encourage your team to do the same with top tips and practical advice from Sport England and ukactive.

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Discover how you can build physical activity into your day and encourage your team to do the same with top tips and practical advice from Sport England and ukactive.

Finding ways to move more during the working day can be a great way to boost your productivity, improve your fitness and support your mental health. From morning walks and moving meetings to friendly team challenges, Sport England and ukactive share seven ways you can get active during your workday.

Finding ways to move more during the working day can be a great way to boost your productivity, improve your fitness and support your mental health. From morning walks and moving meetings to friendly team challenges, Sport England and ukactive share seven ways you can get active during your workday.

1. Start small

If you spend your days hunched over your laptop working on client projects or sat in the office doing admin, taking breaks to stand up and grab some water or a cup of tea can help you to start moving regularly. Remember, you can start with small amounts and build up gradually. Everyone can be active and anything you do towards this goal counts.

Anything that gets you feeling slightly out of breath and your heart rate slightly raised counts, like walking your dog or a home workout. Try to build this into your schedule in a manageable way.

2 2. Raise your awareness of your movement

· Everyone is active in different ways and in different amounts. If you want to be more active, starting with understanding what you currently do now and what acts as a barrier can help you figure how to be more active, more easily, in the future. This could be as simple as having a piece of paper on the fridge to make a note of what you're doing so you can put together an achievable plan.

3. Get active on your commute (real or fake)

Whether you're heading into the office, making a trip to your supplier or visiting a client, you can be active for as much or as little of your journey as you want to be. Once you start to think about active travel as a choice you can make for any part of your journey, it quickly becomes a way of life. Business in the Community has a free active travel kit you can download to take your first steps.

If you're self-employed, working from home or you're not commuting due to current restrictions, you might find that a short morning walk or 'fake commute' can be a positive start to your day. You can even try buddying up with a friend for accountability and check-in to see how it went.

If you have employees, your business could offer the Cycle to Work scheme as part of your employee benefits to help your staff to get active, save money and be more sustainable. You can find out more about how the scheme works, who is eligible and how to find a trusted provider with our guide.
How to support active travel in your workplace:

Provide personal storage or small lockers

Consider putting a mirror (and maybe a hairdryer) into a meeting room if you don't have dedicated facilities

Provide a hanging rail or wardrobe-style cupboard

4 4. Set a small goal

Got a busy day ahead? You can also use bursts of activity to break up your day with different tasks and activities, such as simple desk stretches or going downstairs to get away from your desk. This can aid focus, boost productivity and contribute to your health and wellbeing. You can gradually add manageable chunks into your day, for example by starting with a five-minute walk and building up to a 20-minute walk.

Whether you need to commute or not, starting and ending your day with activity has many benefits, including boosting productivity and creating healthy boundaries around your work and home life.

5 5. Schedule it and stick to it

It can be easy to let activity slip down your list of priorities when life gets busy. Treat physical activity and movement the same way you would a call with a friend or a work meeting. Put it in your calendar and prioritise your own health and wellbeing as much as you would other things in your day.

A simple way you can do this is to plan for tomorrow today. If our shoes are already by the door or we have our gym kit with us, we're more likely to follow through with the activity. Planning slightly in advance takes the pressure off if circumstances change.

Creating a regular routine will help to support maintaining healthy mental health and physical habits. Remember that it's okay to skip a day or stop doing something. You can just pick it back up when it feels right for you.

6 6. Hold a moving meeting

A moving meeting allows you to catch up with team members or clients and discuss business matters while taking a walk or moving around your house. These informal meetings not only have a positive influence on your health, but they can also help to enhance creativity and productivity by allowing people to think outside the box.

Not all meetings will work as a moving meeting. Challenge yourself to look ahead at your calendar each week - can you make one or two meetings a moving meeting? In your invite, consider adding 'feel free to walk or move during this catch-up' or 'I'm going to take a walk while we chat, feel free to do the same.'

You could try a moving meeting in the following scenarios:

1:1 meeting

Working through ideas with a small group

Talking about approaches, wellbeing or development plans

When there is no need to share screens, reference documents or take lengthy notes

For walking meetings, planning a suitable route will improve your chance of success. A route of around 2km is suitable for a 30-minute meeting, but this can vary depending on how fast you like to walk.

7. Make it a team effort

Whatever the size, type or working environment of your business, getting involved with an active challenge can be the perfect way to engage your team and boost their health and wellbeing at the same time. It can also increase morale, generate conversation, drive productivity and improve the health and wellbeing of your workforce. Lead by example, show your enthusiasm from the start and get your staff on board from day one.

You could share your progress with each other in a group chat to reinforce positive experiences and support motivation. This can also help to manage the loneliness some may feel if working from home.

You could try:

A daily, weekly or monthly challenge

A team challenge or light-hearted competition

A new activity

A challenge for the whole business

Don't forget to ask people what they want to do and ensure you're catering to everyone's needs and fitness levels.

Where can I find more information?

Sport England's Active Employee Toolkit is packed with tips, advice and shareable resources so you can support your team to build more movement into their working day. Check out their Join the Movement fitness challenges for ideas and inspiration.

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Seven simple ways to have an active work day

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Discover how you can build physical activity into your day and encourage your team to do the same with top tips and practical advice from Sport England and ukactive.

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Honest information about drugs

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Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law. Talk to Frank for facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol today. | FRANK

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Tayside Council on Alcohol offer support for people who are having difficulties with alcohol use, substance use and gambling.

TCA can offer tailored advice and training for businesses, get in touch for more information. Tayside Council on Alcohol | Alcohol Advice, Information and Support Services (alcoholtayside.com)

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Tayside Council on Alcohol | Alcohol Advice, Information and Support Services

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Alcohol, drug abuse and gambling support and advice for communities in Perth, Dundee, and Arbroath. Support the charity by volunteering or get help by calling us on 01382 456012.

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Links to many useful resources, details of national free helpline, and links to Quit Your Way website. Contact the NHS Tayside team for more information on Quit Your Way on Tay.smokingcessationservice@nhs.scot

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​Information on the benefits of quitting smoking to you and those around you. Find the support you might need to make your quit attempt a success.

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Promote Alcohol Awareness Week in your workplace with free information and resources.

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Alcohol Change UK: Alcohol harms. Time for change. | Alcohol Change UK

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We are Alcohol Change UK. We are an alcohol charity working to reduce the harm caused by alcohol. We are not anti-alcohol; we are for alcohol change.

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Free resources to embed menopausal support into your workplace

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Menopause at Work - Menopause Information Pack for Organizations

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Menopause | Menopause Information Pack for Organizations | Australia

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The symptoms of menopause can have a real and detrimental impact on women, and those who experience menopause, in the workplace. It is important that they are offered workplace support – as well as line managers and employers so that they are able to provide it.

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Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland

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Menopause and the workplace - Resource pack - Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland

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The symptoms of menopause can have a real and detrimental impact on women, and those who experience menopause, in the workplace. It is important that they are offered workplace support – as well as line managers and employers so that they are able to provide it. In the run up to World Menopause Day…

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Scotland’s national economic development agency, enabling businesses to innovate and scale to transform Scotland’s economy.

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We're Scotland's national economic development agency. We help businesses to innovate and scale to transform Scotland's economy. Putting net zero at the heart of everything we do, our focus is on the areas where we make the biggest difference - innovation, investment and international.

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Support and advice for businesses in Scotland

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We're Scotland's national economic development agency. We help businesses to innovate and scale to transform Scotland's economy. Putting net zero at the heart of everything we do, our focus is on the areas where we make the biggest difference - innovation, investment and international.

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Your local Business Gateway Adviser can offer 1:1 advice over phone/video call and via email. BG have a wealth of experience, resources and webinars on everything from starting-up to growing your business. BG also host events for you to grow your network. On a local basis, there are further, more in depth services, free of charge and designed to assist in everything from making best use of digital infrastructure to assistance in taking on new staff and developing the workforce. https://www.bgateway.com/

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Business membership organisation. Grow your business and build connections and opportunities. There is a cost for membership and some events and training.

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Attract, train, motivate and retain your workforce. Funding helps with the cost of training an apprentice.

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We want to support you as an employer to deliver more successful apprenticeships and increase the benefits to your organisation.

We've created these guidance resources with useful information, tips and procedures to help you and your apprentice to get the most out of the experience.

How does the training work?

You'll work with a learning provider to deliver the training part of the apprenticeship.

There are hundreds of approved, contracted providers across Scotland. They include colleges, universities and other private learning providers. We work with them to ensure they deliver high-quality training.
Find out about funding for apprentice training
Use our search tool to find an approved learning provider to deliver your apprenticeship.
Find a learning provider

Qualifications and subjects

Scottish Apprenticeships are available at most SCQF levels. They start at Levels 4/5 and 6 (equal to National 4s, National 5s and Highers). The highest levels are Master's Degree at SCQF Level 11 and Professional Apprenticeships at SCQF Levels 10 to 12.

There are more than 100 types of apprenticeship. Subjects range from from construction to digital media. Search our apprenticeship frameworks by job role or type to find the one which best suits your needs.
Search frameworks

An apprentice employer's role

Pay the apprentice's salary, just like any other employee. You must pay at least the National Minimum Wage and we encourage all employers to pay at least the Living Wage.

Offer your apprentice the same working conditions as other employees in similar roles. This includes paid holidays, sick pay, benefits and support.

Work with the provider to develop a training approach for your apprentice. This details when and where training will take place and what it involves.

Continue to work with your apprentice and the learning provider throughout their apprenticeship. You should provide support, mentoring and development opportunities. This will help them to achieve their qualification.

Questions to ask a learning provider

Delivering apprenticeships might be new to you. That's why you can benefit from an experienced provider guiding you through the process. We've gathered some questions you can ask to make sure a provider is able to support you.
Read questions to ask a learning provider

Inclusive recruitment guides

Recruiting a more diverse workforce can lead to increased creativity and productivity. Being inclusive builds your reputation and attracts new staff and customers. We've created inclusive recruitment guides on the Employer Hub to help you recruit and keep employees.

We've created a resource with leading charity Penumbra to help you support your apprentices' mental health at work. There's expert information to help you create a positive culture where mental wellbeing is supported. Find advice, tips and practical planning tools.

Got any more questions?

Still can't find what you're looking for? Get free advice from one of our expert advisers by calling 0800 783 6000.

Do you employ or are you thinking of employing an apprentice and have questions about what's involved?

Get in touch online and one of our expert advisers will be able to help you. Or call us on 0800 783 6000 if you'd like to speak to our team.

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Help and advice to deliver successful apprenticeships and increase the benefit to your organisation. The guides for Foundation, Modern and Graduate Apprenticeships will help you to get involved in the development and delivery of your apprentice's learning.

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free support services for anyone who is considering becoming self-employed, starting or growing an existing small business or social enterprise in rural Scotland. All services are free to any micro enterprise (employing 9 people or less) or social enterprise in rural Scotland. This includes 1 to 1 support, learning sessions, peer support meetings, networking events, mentoring programme.

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GrowBiz | Free Business Support Services

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The business support experts for anyone starting or growing a business in rural Scotland.

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Find out about local employability support, including single point of contact details for all age services, key contact details, employability related information and more.

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Find out about local employability support where you live, including single point of contact details for all age services, key contact details, employability related information and more.

Select an area from the list below to find out more.

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Local Employability Services | Employability in Scotland

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Find out about local employability support where you live, including single point of contact details for all age services, key contact details, employability related information and more. Select an area from the list below to find out more.

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Championing the issues that matter to members, helping promote and protect the interests of local businesses, and ensuring the economic future for the communities of Perthshire.

We cater for all sizes, from sole traders up to some of the area’s largest international employers, for all sectors, and from startups to those already well-established including both rural and urban.

Some services including membership and events may incur a cost.

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Welcome to

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce

Perthshire Chamber of Commerce (PCC) is an independent, non-profit making, non-political business membership organisation.

Our focus is on championing the issues that matter to our members, helping promote and protect the interests of local businesses, and ensuring the economic future for the communities of Perthshire.

We cater for all sizes, from sole traders up to some of the area's largest international employers, for all sectors, and from startups to those already well-established including both rural and urban.

Perthshire Chamber is the local part of Scottish, British and International Chambers of Commerce and is Scotland's largest and most influential business to business network.

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Perthshire Chamber of Commerce (PCC) is an independent, non-profit making, non-political business membership organisation. Our focus is on championing the issues that matter to our members, helping promote and protect the interests of local businesses, and ensuring the economic future for the communities of Perthshire.

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Living Wage Scotland aims to increase the number of employees in Scotland who receive the real Living Wage.

Living Wage accreditation formally recognises and celebrates employers who choose to go further than the government minimum.

Join a growing movement of employers who demonstrate that a real Living Wage is good for business, good for workers and good for society.

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Living Wage Scotland aims to increase the number of employees in Scotland who receive the real Living Wage.

Living Wage accreditation formally recognises and celebrates employers who choose to go further than the government minimum.

Join a growing movement of employers who demonstrate that a real Living Wage is good for business, good for workers and good for society.

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Living Wage Scotland | The real Living Wage

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Welcome to Living Wage Scotland. We award the Living Wage employer mark to Scottish employers - a symbol of responsible business practice.

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Almost 8 in 10 UK employees take their money worries to work, affecting their performance. Fortunately, there are many ways for employers to champion financial wellbeing in the workplace.

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The mid-life MOT is a review that enables employees in their 50s and 60s to assess their health, skills and finances, so they can better prepare and plan for the future they want. For employers, mid-life MOTs help retain older employees, keeping crucial knowledge and skills within the organisation.

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This guide for small- and medium-sized businesses sets out how a mid-life MOT can help both employees and employers.

This guide for small- and medium-sized businesses sets out how a mid-life MOT can help both employees and employers. The mid-life MOT is a review that enables employees in their 50s and 60s to assess their health, skills and finances, so they can better prepare and plan for the future they want. For employers, mid-life MOTs help retain older employees, keeping crucial knowledge and skills within the organisation.

If you are an HR or other senior manager in a larger organisation you might be interested in our toolkit The Mid-Life MOT: helping employees navigate mid-life.

Older workers face significant challenges in balancing work and daily life, and many who left work during the COVID-19 pandemic are choosing not to return. This toolkit explains how employers can use a mid-life MOT to address this challenge by helping employees assess their current personal, employment and wellbeing needs and help them plan their financial futures.

These conversations are important. Polling by the Centre for Ageing Better of employees aged over 50 found that

only 21% felt they could talk openly about adjusting their current role to suit their needs, for example, flexible working.

one fifth (20%) felt they could talk openly about their retirement plans.

only 24% felt they could talk openly with their manager about future career plans¹.

How mid-life MOTs help businesses and individuals

Mid-life MOT conversations provide important support for employees, helping them reflect on how they want their job to develop and adapt to future change. However, employers benefit too.

Older workers are often a company's most skilled and experienced employees and retaining them is crucial. The mid-life MOT helps people plan for their future and stay in work for longer.

Mid-life MOTs help to identify different ways in which employers can act to retain older workers. These might include flexible hours or working from home, support during life-changing events such as becoming a carer and helping managers to adopt a more age-inclusive approach.

Health and skills are also key elements of staying in work. Offering support early on can increase wellbeing across the workforce.

This can result in

higher staff retention and better employee engagement

reduced staff absence rates and ill-health

increased productivity

increased take-up of learning and development.

How a mid-life MOT works

A mid-life MOT helps people think about three core themes:

1. Job: training and skills - How do people see their job developing and changing? Do people need to change the way they work to help them stay in work for longer? Are there options to think about current skills and how people might best build additional skills, or perhaps retrain to support their own career ambitions and meet the needs of the business?

2. Health: health and wellbeing - What can people do to remain fit and healthy as they get older? What support can employers offer to help people balance their health needs with work? What support is important to the many older workers who have caring responsibilities?

3. Money: financial planning for retirement - How can people best be supported to think about life after work and make plans for their future? Are pensions and savings on track to give people the sort of future they want? What changes might happen before retirement which could impact current and future finances?

LEARN MORE
References Business in the Community is developing a skilled and inclusive workforce
Featured content

Centre for Ageing Better (2018) Age discrimination in the workplace

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This guide for small- and medium-sized businesses sets out how a mid-life MOT can help both employees and employers. This guide for small- and medium-sized businesses sets out how a mid-life MOT can help both employees and employers.

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Online portal to focus on mental health , stigma and discrimination- a digital portal which can; take you through a self assessment of your organisation, get the views of employees, create an improvement plan, and make real sustained changes

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If you're ready to take a whole organisational approach to tackling mental health inclusion in your place of work, you can sign up to the See Me in Work Portal.

To make it easier for workplaces we have created a digital portal which can take you through a self assessment of your organisation, get the views of employees, create an improvement plan, and make real sustained changes.

The four stage programme helps employers to improve cultures, policies and practices relating to mental health.

The See Me in Work portal can help employers save money, enhance their reputation and improve the working lives of every one of their employees.

Find out more about how the portal works in the video below, and sign up using the button.

Discover the portal

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See Me in Work | End Mental Health Stigma and Discrimination

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See Me in Work is our free offer of support to employers to support employee wellbeing and tackle mental health stigma at work.

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Disability Confident organisations play a leading role in changing attitudes for the better. They’re changing behaviour and cultures in their own businesses, networks and communities, and reaping the benefits of inclusive recruitment practices.

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The Disability Confident scheme helps employers recruit and retain great people, and to:

challenge attitudes and increase understanding of disability

draw from the widest possible pool of talent

secure high-quality staff who are skilled, loyal and hard working

improve employee morale and commitment by demonstrating fair treatment

It also helps identify those employers who are committed to inclusion and diversity in the workplace.

The scheme has 3 levels designed to support employers on their Disability Confident journey, these are:

Disability Confident Committed (Level 1)

Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)

Disability Confident Leader (Level 3)

All employers join the scheme at Disability Confident Committed (Level 1), and progress through the levels to achieve the one that's right for their organisation.

For more information about signing up for the Disability Confident scheme, and how it can help your business check out the detailed guidance on GOV.UK.

Pat Ashworth Director of AdviserPlus Learning Solutions, a Disability Confident Leader organisation, explains what you need to do to become Disability Confident Committed (Level 1)

Disability Confident pays off

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners, is a Disability Confident Leader. Watch the video to see how they were able to support Mo into work after 18 years of unemployment, and how the reasonable adjustments they introduced have helped Christine stay in her role as Sales Manager, after her MS diagnosis.

If your organisation is already a member of the Disability Confident scheme

These two short videos contain step-by-step guidance to help your organisation move to Disability Confident Levels 2 and 3.

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Protected: Are you a disability confident employer?

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Highlights the key benefits and how to sign up to become a Disability Confident employer.

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A unique source of accurate, authoritative and up-to-date information on business and disability. It provides a wealth of information and advice to help you support your disabled employees and disabled customers

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Skip to main content

Our resources library is a unique source of accurate, authoritative and up-to-date information on business and disability. It provides a wealth of information and advice to help you support your disabled employees and disabled customers.

Our Knowledge Hub is open to BDF Members and Partners only. Not a Member or Partner yet? Our Disability Essentials range is free and open to all.

BDF Members and Partners can access our full range of toolkits and guides in our Knowledge Hub.

Stay up to date, sign up for our newsletter

Sign up

© Business Disability Forum 2013. Business Disability Forum is a registered charity in England and Wales (no 1018463). Our company is registered in England (no 2603700).

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Close

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Skip to main content Our resources library is a unique source of accurate, authoritative and up-to-date information on business and disability. It provides a wealth of information and advice to help you support your disabled employees and disabled customers. Our Knowledge Hub is open to BDF Members and Partners only.

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A locally based, not for profit, financial co-operative owned and run by its members, for its members.

We provide our members with a safe, secure place to save as well as a place to borrow money.

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DO YOU LIVE IN DUNDEE, ANGUS OR NORTH EAST FIFE?

You live or work (paid/unpaid) in the Post Codes DD1 -DD11. You are a tenant or employee of local housing associations, such as Angus Council; Angus Housing Association; Fife Council; Kinross Council; Hillcrest Group and others. You are an employee with our employer partners. You live with, and are related to a current Discovery Credit Union member.

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We offer a safe place to save and affordable loans to people in DD1 to DD11. No matter your circumstances benefits, low income or have bad credit, you can apply.

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Scotwest Credit Union is one of the largest credit unions in the UK, existing to provide ethical, competitive and fair financial services to anyone that lives or works within the West of Scotland*, Stirling, Falkirk, Clackmannanshire, Perth & Kinross, Dumfries & Galloway or the Scottish Highlands.

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Perth and Kinross Credit Union is now part of Scotwest! If you would like to open a savings account or apply for a loan, you can do so by completing the Scotwest Membership Form by clicking the ‘Join Us’ button … Continued

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Content to support you, as an employer, to access the resources you need to help you promote a mentally healthy workplace

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As an employer of any size it’s vital for you to support your workers’ mental health and wellbeing.

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We aim to provide all learners from across the public, private, and third sectors with the knowledge and skills to work together to create a Scotland where everybody thrives.

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Advocacy to reduce inequalities Blogs Breaking barriers to reduce inequalities BSL and Tactile BSL user awareness Challenging poverty stigma and discrimination Challenging weight stigma Child poverty Demonstrating your impact on health inequalities Effective partnership working to reduce inequalities Encouraging and enabling physical activity Health behaviour change level 1 Health behaviour

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Our free elearning modules are for employers and employees. They cover a wide range of employment topics including:

contracts, hours and pay

dealing with workplace problems

equality, diversity and inclusion

leave and time off

managing people and performance

mental health

redundancy

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Our free elearning modules are for employees and employers and cover a wide range of employment issues.

Topics include:

mental health

redundancy

equality, diversity and inclusion

contracts, hours and pay

leave and time off

managing people and performance

dealing with workplace problems

The modules are a mix of theory and case studies. You can assess your learning through interactive questions and tests.

If you have a question

Call us on 0300 123 1150, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Or fill in our enquiry form.

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Our free elearning modules are for employees and employers and cover a wide range of employment issues. Topics include: mental health redundancy equality, diversity and inclusion contracts, hours and pay leave and time off managing people and performance dealing with workplace problems The modules are a mix of theory and case studies.

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The NHS Tayside Health and Work team are located within the Public Health department. We encourage organisations to adopt good work and employment practices to reduce inequalities and improve workplace health and wellbeing.

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NHS Tayside Health and Work Team. 731 likes · 5 talking about this. Working with you for better health, safety and wellbeing in the workplace

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How to record and support staff attendance in your organisation

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​When an employee is absent from work for a period of time, there are recommended steps that you can take as an employer to assist their return.

Keep in contact with your employee

When an employee is absent from work, it is important to keep in contact to offer support. This also gives you the opportunity to receive a health update.

You can use this to discuss any barriers that may be preventing a return to work. It also enables you to discuss reasonable practical adjustments that may help support a safe and healthy return to work.

Your policy should outline what contact is expected when your employee is absent which makes keeping in touch much easier.

Fit note and self-certificate

If the employee is absent for less than 7 days, then a self-certificate (external site) is required.

A fit note is required if an employee is absent from work for more than 7 days (including weekends).

The fit note is issued by the employee's GP or other suitable medical practitioner and the original needs to be seen by you. You may then take a copy for your confidential records and return the original to the employee.

A GP will advise on the fit note that your employee is unfit for work due to their health condition or that they may be fit for work with recommended reasonable adjustments.

GOV.UK provides fit note guidance for employers and line managers (external site).

The fit note advises when an employee is:

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Information on how to support an employee's return to work after a period of absence

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Find out more about supporting people with cancer

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Information and advice from Maggie’s for employers on how best to support people with cancer.

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As an employer you should make it clear what's expected of you and your employee if they need time off work. Having policies about different types of absence is a good way to do this. This ACAS guide also includes tips to manage an employees return to work.

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Creating absence policies to say how your organisation deals with absence and what’s expected when someone needs time off.

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NHS Tayside Health Promotion Library: Click here to create a FREE account and browse the leaflets, posters, information, and resources available to you at no cost.

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All workplaces can be bereavement friendly workplaces - ones where employees feel supported by colleagues, managers and institutional procedures when they experience the death of someone important to them.

That support can be vital in helping people to cope with a bereavement and in helping them to adjust to live without the person who has died.

This Bereavement-Friendly Workplaces Toolkit contains resources to help both employers and employees to cope with bereavement.

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The Reluctant Planner's Guide to Death and Dying

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We're here to direct your business to Scotland's public sector support. See your options for grants, funding, advice, help, events and more – all in a single location.

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https://findbusinesssupport.gov.scot/browse-support/products?supportTypeIds=4542a000-5333-455e-8471-d9314f6d92be&sortBy=6&pageSize=25&page=1

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Resources surrounding all areas of menopause (not just related to workplace). Please note this Padlet is not monitored or updated by the Health and Work team.

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The 5 Ways to Wellbeing are simple, evidence based steps we can all take to improve our own wellbeing. These are a great way to promote wellbeing in the workplace and can be linked with activities and initiatives. This is just one version of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing - you may wish to use another free version e.g. MIND, NHS, Health in Mind, etc

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These Working Well resources help workplaces prioritise mental health to ensure employees have improved wellbeing, greater morale and higher job satisfaction.

Enhancing mental wellbeing - Five Ways to Wellbeing at Work

These resources will support you to introduce mental health and wellbeing into your workplace and focus on promoting positive mental health, using five simple and proven actions. You'll learn about the Five Ways to Wellbeing (Connect, Be Active, Keep Learning, Give and Take Notice) and how to use them to create organisational/systems change and support people and teams to find balance, build resilience and boost mental health and wellbeing.

The fact sheets and worksheets provide you with the knowledge to frame and explore the issues within your workplace and plan your wellbeing initiative. The comprehensive Facilitator Guide and supporting PowerPoint slides and handouts enable you to deliver the workshop in your own organisation, or others you support. A Word version of some of the worksheets is included so you can tailor it to suit your workplace.

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These Working Well resources help workplaces prioritise mental health to ensure employees have improved wellbeing, greater morale and higher job satisfaction. These resources will support you to introduce mental health and wellbeing into your workplace and focus on promoting positive mental health, using five simple and proven actions.

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Menopause and the Workplace: further links to resources, information and support

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Menopause and the Workplace: further links to resources, information and support

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A handy guide to assist with creating a wellbeing policy for any workplace

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Why do businesses need a wellbeing policy?

Every UK business has a duty of care requirement to look after the health and safety of employees, including their wellbeing. But our research has shown that less than 1 in 5 people are aware of their employer having a mental health and wellbeing policy.

In light of this, promoting and protecting staff wellbeing in the workplace is important for every business. There are many factors that influence the health and wellbeing of staff. Understanding and overcoming these issues can result in a range of benefits for both individuals and the wider business.

By addressing mental health issues, businesses can improve the general wellbeing of employees, reduce absenteeism and presenteeism, lower staff turnover and increase productivity.

How to use this guide

We've put together a sample policy that you can use as a guide to create your own content. You can add or amend the contents to suit your organisation.

The policy guide has two columns, the first has notes on what should be included in each section and the other has example content that you can use or adapt.
Download the template

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Discover St John Ambulance's Mental Health Policy Guide, which provides information for businesses about creating a health and wellbeing policy for their workplace.

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For many of us, work is a major part of our lives. It is where we spend much of our time, where we get our income and often where we make new friends. Having a fulfilling job can be good for your mental health and wellbeing.

Everyone deserves a mentally friendly workplace where they can thrive. Both employers and employees have a role in in creating this.

Read our guide on how to support both your mental health and your colleagues’ at work.

This guide is suitable for employees, managers and employers.

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People who have died remain a part of our lives – their stories are our stories, yet many Scottish traditions relating to the expression of loss and remembrance have faded over time.

To Absent Friends gives people across Scotland an excuse to remember, to tell stories, to celebrate and to reminisce about people we love who have died. To Absent Friends, a People's Festival of Storytelling and Remembrance is an opportunity to revive lost traditions and create new ones.

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A people's festival of storytelling and remembrance, 1-7 November. Because dead ordinary people live on in the memories and stories we share.

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Industry recognised training courses to upskill your workforce

Bespoke training programmes

A wide range of fully funded Apprenticeship Schemes

Recruitment Academies

Use of our college facilities (incl. training spaces, restaurant, gym, sports centre and theatre)

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You have ambitions for growth and achieving your potential. Industry accredited training, first-class facilities, curriculum collaborations and access to world-class expertise can help you get there.

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If you have a group of staff who cannot attend our scheduled sessions, we can consider bespoke training to meet the specific needs of your department.  For more information, contact us at  tay.bbvmcn@nhs.scot

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Sexual Health & Blood Borne Viruses Tayside

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Professional Training | Sexual Health & Blood Borne Viruses Tayside

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We deliver training to help develop a confident & competent workforce across Tayside’s clinical & non-clinical workers.

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Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, the law requires all employers to prevent work related stress to support good mental health in the workplace.

Failing to manage stress at work can cost employers in reduced productivity, sickness absence, or even losing a valued member of the team.

The Working Minds campaign brings together a range of tools and support to help businesses and workers understand the best ways to prevent work related stress and encourage good mental health.

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Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, the law requires all employers to prevent work related stress to support good mental health in the workplace.

Statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), covering the 2021/22 period, show of the 1.8 million workers suffering from a work-related illness, 914,000 were stress, depression or anxiety. Over half of working days are lost due to work-related stress, depression or anxiety (17 million).

A report by Deloitte estimates that the total annual cost of poor mental health to employers has increased by 25% since 2019, costing UK employers up to £56 billion a year.

The Working Minds campaign brings together a range of tools and support to help businesses and workers understand the best ways to prevent work related stress and encourage good mental health.

Together with our partners we are inviting business and organisations across the nation to support our campaign and become Working Minds Champions.

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Working Minds - Work Right to keep Britain safe

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Whether you're a small business or a large corporation, the law requires all employers to prevent work related stress to support good mental health in the workplace. Statistics published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), covering the 2021/22 period, show of the 1.8 million workers suffering from a work-related illness, 914,000 were stress, depression or anxiety.

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NHS Tayside Mental Health, Wellbeing & Substance Use Training

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NHS Tayside Mental Health, Wellbeing & Substance Use Training

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Public Health Mental Health Team: Free Training. Please note these training sessions are not tailored to workplace but provide general mental health information and training. Contact the team on Tay.publicmentalhealthtraining@nhs.scot for more information

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Our team's free training programme - book your place via Eventbrite or if you would like to speak with us, email on Tay.healthandworktraining@nhs.scot

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NHS Tayside's Health & Work team provide free training and awareness sessions for all workplaces in Tayside.

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Whether you want to reverse, manage or prevent Type 2 diabetes, NHS Tayside is here to help.

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Type 2 Tayside: Prevent or Reverse Type 2 Diabetes. Take the First Step Today.

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Type 2 Tayside: Free NHS programmes for Tayside residents who want help managing Type 2 diabetes. Find out more about our prevention, management, and remission programmes - which offer personalised support and guidance.

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Following a healthy, balanced diet helps make sure that our bodies get all the nutrients needed to work well and feel good. There’s plenty of evidence that shows eating healthily can also reduce the risk of diseases like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and some types of cancer.

Your employees spend a large part of their day in the workplace and are likely to eat one or more meals, and snacks, while there.

This means that, as an employer, you have the opportunity to positively influence their eating habits. You also have the chance to increase awareness of healthy eating and the role it has in overall health.

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A healthy balanced diet | British Nutritional Foundation

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The key to a healthy eating is having a balance of different foods and nutrients in your diet. Although there is no ‘one size fits all’ healthy diet, there are six principles we recommend.

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Welcome to our 12 week weight management programme.

This programme has been designed for adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or above, who want to be a healthier weight.

You shouldn’t follow this programme if you’re under 18 years of age, pregnant or in a healthy weight range.

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Follow our 12 week programme to help you achieve a healthy weight and lifestyle

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If you live or work in Tayside and are looking to improve your knowledge, start conversations or learn a new training skill, please visit the NHS Tayside Mental Health Training team's Eventbrite page to book your FREE space on their mental health, wellbeing, or substance use sessions.

Many of the sessions are suitable for everyone and provide general learning and information but don't have a workplace focus. Full details of each course and the intended audience are on Eventbrite.

To find out more before booking your space please email tay.publicmentalhealthtraining@nhs.scot

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Money worries can affect mental health but support is available - share relevant links and resources from this list with your team.

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If money worries are affecting your mental health, support is available.

Get help with money worries

You can get help and support from these organisations:

If you provide money guidance to other people

The Money Guiders programme can help you if you give any type of non-regulated money guidance to individuals or groups. For example, you may be a community worker, volunteer or mental health worker. This programme can help you give safe, effective guidance.

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Get support if money worries are affecting your mental health

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As an employer, making your organisation more inclusive for neurodivergent employees can have many benefits.

For example, it can:

improve staff wellbeing

reduce absence levels and employee turnover

attract employees with a wider range of skills and experience

reduce the risk of disputes and legal claims, for example about discrimination

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Research report into how neurodiversity is managed in the workplace, produced for Acas by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR).

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People Management by CIPD opinion piece: A company CEO who didn’t get diagnosed with ADHD until age 47, Sandi Wassmer explains what employers must consider to retain and support neurodiverse workers.

This links to other People Management articles which may be of interest.

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I’m neurodivergent – this is what we really need in the workplace

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A company CEO who didn’t get diagnosed with ADHD until age 47, Sandi Wassmer explains what employers must consider to retain and support neurodiverse workers

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Free resources for organisations include:

various Employer Guides, research papers, and recorded webinars from 2024 and 2025.

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Neurodiversity Celebration Week aims to bring about worldwide neurodiversity acceptance, equality and inclusion in schools and workplaces.

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ShiftWorks is our new online learning movement for a just, kind and inclusive health and care workforce.

Much more than courses and concepts, ShiftWorks brings the full diversity of the health and care workforce together, regardless of sector, experience, role, or status. It’s beautifully designed peer driven social learning for busy schedules, and it’s organised around the simple idea that if we understand each other better, and learn from one another, we’ll create a new generation of distributed and collective health and care leadership.

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ShiftWorks | CPD Courses For Health And Care Professionals | The King’s Fund

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ShiftWorks is an low-cost online learning and development package for people working in health and care. It includes a growing portfolio of CPD-accredited courses, nano-learning, events and activities.

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Online Learning with West College Scotland gives you the flexibility to study in a way that suits your lifestyle and commitments.

For twenty years, West College Scotland has pioneered Online Learning in Scottish education.  We offer a wide range of courses which you can study in a way which suits you.  You might be in a job and looking to improve your qualifications or you may want to study in your leisure time.

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FREE SL 5-6 and Introductory Courses - West College Scotland

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West College Scotland is a Further and Higher Education College with campuses and learning centres based in Clydebank, Greenock and Paisley

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We work in partnership with West College Scotland and North East Scotland College to deliver our funded online training courses.

Together, we support businesses and individuals by utilising Scottish funding that’s been set up to help support the delivery of education, skills development and training initiatives for adults aged 16 and over, exclusively in Scotland.

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Details: Written by Kate Hutchinson | Published:
We know what you're thinking when you hear us talk about 'FREE online courses', and so often, we get asked by many Scottish businesses and individuals looking to upskill, how are they actually free? This quick blog will tell you all about how we can deliver high-quality eLearning in Scotland at no cost (zero, zilch, nothing). We've even included some of our most frequently asked questions. Let's get started.
Free online learning courses allow you to learn at a time and place that suits you best, not to mention the money you've saved by accessing the funding in the first place!

We get it, fully funded courses (that means free courses) can seem too good to be true but trust us, it's not!

We're here to explain how it works.

How do Free Online Courses in Scotland work?

We work in partnership with West College Scotland and North East Scotland College to deliver our funded online training courses.

Together, we support businesses and individuals by utilising Scottish funding that's been set up to help support the delivery of education, skills development and training initiatives for adults aged 16 and over, exclusively in Scotland.

This £2 billion pound funding scheme is what underpins our free online courses in Scotland, and it's the reason that businesses and individuals can learn with us at no cost.

Why Choose The Skills Network for Access to Free Online Training?

To put it simply, we are committed to a quality learning experience and making learning accessible to all.

This means that when you or your employees enrol on a free online training course with The Skills Network, they will have access to:

An award-winning and cloud-based e-learning platform EQUAL

Engaging and interactive learning content

A dedicated sales team to support you with any queries

A dedicated team of Learner Support Advisors (LSA) to support you up to submitting the first piece of work

Expert tutors who will provide personalised feedback

We get a lot of questions about our free online courses in Scotland, so we've put together a list of the ones we get asked most often.
What are the Funding Eligibility Criteria?
To be eligible for funding you must...

Must be aged 16+ as of 31 August 2023

Must have lived in the UK, EU or EEA for 3+ years

Must not be in full-time education

Must not be currently enrolled on any equivalent courses

Must not have completed the same course previously

Which online training courses are available with funding?
We currently offer over 40 free online courses at Level 2 & Level 3 (equivalent to Levels 5 & 6 in the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF) including Health and Social Care, Sustainability and Digital to name a few. Take a look at our fully funded course selection
Am I guaranteed to receive funding if I apply for a free online course?

Yes! If you are a resident of Scotland and meet all the above eligibility criteria, you are guaranteed to receive funding for free online training courses at The Skills Network.

I'm on an Apprenticeship, can I do a free online course in Scotland?
Unfortunately, you cannot complete a course whilst on an apprenticeship. Whilst this is typically funded by the apprenticeship levy, it is classed as a funded course.
How many free online courses can I complete as a Scottish-funded learner?
As a Scottish resident, you can complete up to 4 courses in one academic year, provided that you complete these courses, one by one and meet the core eligibility criteria.
If you complete a free level 2 online course with The Skills Network, that is equivalent to receiving a level 5 certificate in Scotland, based on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF)

Do you receive a certificate upon completion of your online course?
Absolutely, yes. You deserve it!
West College Scotland or North East Scotland College, will send you an e-certificate upon completion of your course.

If you have any queries relating to your certificate, they will be more than happy to help.

How long do the free online courses with certificates take to complete?
Our Level 2 qualifications take on average between 8 and 12 weeks to complete. Our Level 3 qualifications take on average between 24 and 26 weeks to complete.
Some learners may complete a course faster, or some may need to request an extension if they need some more time.

What if I can't complete the online course anymore or need some support with deadlines?
Life happens and sometimes we need a bit of support during our upskilling journey!
That's okay. We recommend you get in touch with your assigned college and they can help best advise a route forward that works for you and your unique circumstances.

Are all Scottish-funded courses only available online?
We are always striving to be as sustainable as we possibly can, which includes reducing our paper usage, that's why all our Scottish-funded courses are delivered solely online.
For our direct and sub-contracted learners, we will continue to print resources for learners with special educational needs, where there is a requirement to do so.

Are there any additional costs to taking a funded course in Scotland?
No, it really is that simple! All of your learning provision is covered through our exclusive partnership with West College Scotland and North East Scotland College, including the learning resources, assessments, registration with the awarding organisation, and certification. So Scotland, what are you waiting for? Upskill for FREE today! Interested in free online courses?
Choose from a range of fully funded courses available in Scotland

Read more about free online courses in England

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Free Online Courses in Scotland 2024 | The Skills Network

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Discover free online courses for individuals and businesses in Scotland with The Skills Network. Start here on your journey to upskilling without spending a penny.

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All employers should strive to employ the best person for every role in their organisation and to retain valuable staff for as long as possible. Today, more than ever, businesses need access to a skilled and diverse workforce. It has never been more important to see disabled people as an important source of talent.

Here you will find information on how supported employment agencies can help you and your business, how to access your local service, and our Good Practice Guide for employers.

We offer completely free services to help businesses.

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SUSE - Scottish Union of Supported Employment

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Employers - SUSE - Scottish Union of Supported Employment

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All employers should strive to employ the best person for every role in their organisation and to retain valuable staff for as long as possible.

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Employer Supported Volunteering, or ESV, is an umbrella term for policies that employers use to support employees to participate in volunteering.

There are many different names for the practice of encouraging employees to volunteer: Employer Supported Volunteering (ESV), corporate volunteers, employee volunteers, workplace volunteering… to name a few.

Not only are there many names for ESV, but there are also many different types of ESV offers, including: paid or unpaid time off for volunteering, signposting or promoting volunteering, integrating volunteering into learning and development processes, organising volunteering opportunities, and matching employees to volunteering opportunities.

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ESV is also known as corporate volunteering, employee volunteering or volunteering leave. Find out how it works, the benefits plus more.

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If you are interested in volunteering, you can volunteer with us in one of our projects or with any one of the hundreds of organisations across the city who advertise volunteering opportunities with us. Opportunities range from ‘Arts Worker’ through to ‘Zero Waste Champion’ and everything and anything in between (there is even a role for a ‘Wish Visitor’ and ‘Pet Foster Carer’)

If you are a Volunteer Involving Organisation we can support you to advertise opportunities, provide networking opportunities and to provide mentoring and general guidance.

Learn more about opportunities in the third sector by attending events and training

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Volunteer – Dundee Volunteer & Voluntary Action

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Promoting and supporting local community and voluntary action

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If you live in Angus and volunteering is something you are interested in, we can help!

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We offer an inclusive culture that’s based on compassion, togetherness, speaking from the heart, and our passion for making a positive impact. As a volunteer any expenses are reimbursed and you’ll be provided with training and learning opportunities to help you develop new skills as well as sharing your existing experience and expertise with us.

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PKAVS relies on over 100 dedicated volunteers who help with all aspects of our work - check out our current volunteering opportunities.

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As an employer, there are some steps you can take to help your staff to manage their financial wellbeing. In this toolkit, we’ve brought together some resources you can use to create a culture of financial wellness at work.

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The financial wellbeing of your employees and you | Mind - Mind

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Support your employees' financial wellbeing to reduce stress and improve mental health, especially during the cost of living crisis.

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Work through a self-help guide for coping with bereavement and grief that uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

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Work through a self-help guide for coping with bereavement and grief that uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).

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If you’re in Scotland and having problems with anger or stress, having trouble sleeping, or struggling to cope with challenging situations, this guide can help you find support.

If you’re in crisis, phone 111.

If there’s an emergency, phone 999.

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750 million+ members | Manage your professional identity. Build and engage with your professional network. Access knowledge, insights and opportunities.

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Explore a range of free articles and on-demand webinars designed to help you improve wellbeing in your small business, from getting active to financial wellbeing

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Health and wellbeing resources for small businesses

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Health and wellbeing resources for small business owners, including mental health and physical activity.

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Designed to ensure all staff in a workplace or business are allergy aware, can recognise the signs of a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) and have the confidence to safely manage a reaction.

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It's important for employers and employees to work together to create a safe working environment for people with allergies, whether the workplace is an office, healthcare setting, university, retail or outdoor working environment.

This course is designed for all staff in any workplace. The course is for employers, employees with allergies and their colleagues, to ensure the whole workplace is allergy aware, understands the importance of allergen avoidance and knows what to do in an emergency.

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Allergy training for all workplace staff, to raise allergy awareness and help ensure workplaces are safe for colleagues with allergies.

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Information for employers and employees on managing allergies in the workplace. Learn about workplace allergy risk assessment, top tips to manage allergies at work, and find effective solutions to create an allergy-friendly environment.

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Do you have any allergies? Are your employees & employer aware? Allergies in the workplace can be serious. Explore this guide to find out.

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In the UK, 1-2% of the adult population have allergies and intolerances. Therefore, it’s important for employers and employees to work together to create a safe working environment for people with allergies.

Whether the workplace is an office, healthcare setting, university, retail, or outdoor working environment, managing allergens is important not only for employees but also volunteers, students, and contractors.

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Managing Allergens in the Workplace Guide

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Fostering a safe and inclusive workplace for employees with this free Managing Allergies in the Workplace Guide.

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Creating a working environment where employees can safely do their jobs is part of an employer’s Duty of Care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Having an allergic condition that is severe or life threatening may also mean you can be protected under the Equality Act 2010, as it could be classed as a disability.

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Workplace Support | Allergy UK | National Charity

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Information and advice for a parent or carer of a young adult living with allergy.

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Slips and trips are the most common cause of injury at work. On average, they cause 40 per cent of all reported major injuries and cost employers over £500m per year. Slips and trips are also the most reported injury to members of the public in workplaces.

The following information gives advice on how to reduce these statistics and what you can do to prevent slips and trips in your workplace.

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RoSPA- Slips, Trips, and Falls | Prevention tips & workplace safety | RoSPA

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Reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls with essential safety tips. Learn how to identify hazards, implement effective prevention strategies, and ensure a safer environment at work.

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Your healthy working hub – ergonomics, health, wellbeing, productivity, enablement and safety in the workplace.

Please note that the Health and Work Team does not endorse Posturite products - we are sharing this link to highlight the useful blog posts.

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Health and Wellbeing at Work Blogs | Posturite

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Read articles on workplace health and wellbeing, ergonomics, health, productivity, enablement and safety at work. Explore expert blogs from Posturite.

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As an employer, you're required by law to protect your employees, and others, from harm.

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1. Overview

As an employer, you're required by law to protect your employees, and others, from harm.

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the minimum you must do is:

identify what could cause injury or illness in your business (hazards)

decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how seriously (the risk)

take action to eliminate the hazard, or if this isn't possible, control the risk

Assessing risk is just one part of the overall process used to control risks in your workplace.

For most small, low-risk businesses the steps you need to take are straightforward and are explained in these pages.

If your business is larger or higher-risk, you can find detailed guidance here.

If you're self-employed, check if health and safety law applies to you.

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Managing risks and risk assessment at work

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As an employer, you must make a 'suitable and sufficient assessment' of risks to your employees' health and safety, and risks to others because of your work

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The Accident Book is an essential document for employers and employees, who are required by law to record and report details of specified work-related injuries and incidents.

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The Accident Book contains guidance on the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 and the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.

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Discover useful information to help you understand and comply with the HSE first aid regulations - whether you’re an employer, in charge of first aid, or a qualified first aider.