Harrogate Borough Council - Stress case study

Progress

Harrogate are just getting to focus group stage.

Obtaining commitment to the SMS process

Report to Corporate Management Team (CMT) proposed working with HSE on SIP1.

Communications

Communications on the process are undertaken through email, HSE posters (complimented with own information), handouts (the three pager) and newsletter.

Engagement with staff to develop action plans

In addition to the survey, Harrogate also collected data on sickness absence and monitor trends (especially on stress, depression and anxiety).

Focus groups are being organised.

Monitoring and evaluating

Acas are running focus groups and are due to prepare a report for the steering group. The next steps will depend on focus group outputs.

Challenges

• Takes a devoted member of staff and takes time
• Need effective planning to get the process undertaken
• Getting buy in from staff

Benefits

• Easy to follow and before the standards came out there was little to help organisations

Tips

• Aim for some quick wins
• Be prepared to stand your ground with managers and directors and respond to their fears
• Think about resources before embarking
• Consider voluntary vs. compulsory completion of the survey

• A good process to go through, as long as time is allocated to it