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West Oxfordshire District Council - Stress case study

Progress

West Oxfordshire have gone through the process and are currently finalising action plans and activities.

Obtaining commitment to the SMS process

West Oxfordshire had data indicating that stress was an issue. The Corporate Management Team (CMT) agreed that action had to be taken so commitment was in place and participation in the Management Standards project was readily accepted.

Communications

Communications on the process are undertaken through ‘Chief Executive News’, email and other means such as notice boards, direct communications in meetings, etc.

Engagement with staff to develop action plans

In addition to the survey, West Oxfordshire also collected data on turnover and sickness absence.  There is also a procedure whereby anyone reporting stress, anxiety or depression is referred to occupational health.

Focus groups have been organised and undertaken.

Monitoring and evaluating

The key findings from the process have gone into a corporate report that has been submitted to the Corporate Management Team, copied to all members of staff. The CMT will decide upon the actions that need to be undertaken which will be followed by an audit to ensure that agreed activities are being undertaken (possibly via focus groups).

Challenges

Benefits

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