Following feedback and a recent review into the counselling provision within Occupational Health, we have identified the need to introduce a number of changes to how and when colleagues access the service.

With immediate effect the counselling service will be available for members of staff with work-related issues and can be accessed via a management referral. This means that referrals for all other reasons will now be signposted to alternative and more specialised services. For those members of staff seeking counselling support for concerns that are not work-related, a list of alternative services can be found via the Balance website.

If a member of staff does not feel able to complete a management referral for counselling with their direct Line Manager, the referral process can instead be supported by another senior manager within their service in the first instance. Please note that while the service is now accessed by management referral, no reporting is created for or shared with managers for referrals to the Counselling service.

Why make the changes?

We want to ensure we are able to provide staff with responsive and appropriate access into Occupational Health Counselling, and acknowledge the wait times are currently higher than we would like. This is impacting on the service’s ability to support staff in a timely (and therefore the most effective) manner. There are also more appropriate primary and specialist services which would better meet the needs of some colleagues, and which can be accessed through signposting on the Balance website or via a GP. Furthermore, in narrowing the referral criteria to access the service, it allows us to work through our waiting list and see colleagues much closer to the point of need in the future.

Working with other services:

The Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team has been working to establish closer working relationships with external services throughout the past year. Many of these services are able to offer more comprehensive and varied therapy types. Some can also offer support targeted to specific issues including bereavement, trauma, stress, addiction, eating disorders; as well as experiences of unacceptable behaviours, inclusive of abuse, assaults & threats, harassment, sexual violence, domestic abuse and more.

Support from line managers:

Changing the way colleagues access the service will also maximise line manager’s awareness of any issues. This provides the opportunity to implement appropriate workplace support and/or adjustments to help colleagues through difficult times.

In addition, the Occupational Health and Wellbeing team are working with specialist mental health practitioners to produce guidance for line managers around how to support colleagues who are struggling with their mental health. This will provide consistency and support to staff and line managers.

Sharing feedback on changes:

Review of all changes and guidance will be conducted over the coming month, with all staff welcome to share any feedback. This can also be done directly and at any time via email, at ghnt.occupational.health@net.