Solihull Council is the first local authority in the West Midlands to receive the Thrive at Work Wellbeing Award – the quality mark for investing in employee’s health and wellbeing.
The awards, created by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), aim to support employers across the West Midlands create a workplace that promotes health and wellbeing. It focuses on key organisational areas like health and safety, manager training, as well as mental, musculoskeletal and physical health and promoting healthy lifestyles.
There are three levels at which an organisation can achieve accreditation - Bronze, Silver and Gold. The Council’s Bronze accreditation recognises achievements in implementing effective policies and procedures, good line manager training, board level engagement and support to help employees make healthier choices.
Nick Page, Chief Executive of Solihull Council said: “I am very proud that the Council has achieved this award. Looking after our employees’ health and wellbeing, particularly in light of the current pandemic is of paramount importance.
“We are now working towards Silver, not for the badge, but because we want to do the right things for our staff.”
Cabinet Member for Resources, Councillor Bob Sleigh OBE went on to say: “This award is a wonderful achievement and testament to the commitment members and officers have made to look after the health and wellbeing of the people who work for us.
“We want our residents and businesses to get the high quality services they expect and deserve and we know that requires a workforce that is healthy, one that is happy, focused, dynamic and therefore more effective.”
Sean Russell Head of Thrive at WMCA added: "Solihull Council is to be congratulated for the work they have done to achieve Thrive at Work accreditation. It is a measure of their commitment to wellbeing that they were able to embed the programme into many of their policies and procedures during the current climate.
"They are also to be commended for taking the Social Value aspect of the programme and using it as a platform to engage with their supply chain, ensuring that their residents as well as their staff will benefit from Thrive.
"Solihull Council have taken Thrive at Work and raised the standard for workplace wellbeing amongst Local Authorities and larger organisations. They are the benchmark for all who will follow their example in improving the experiences of their workforce and community."
More information on the Thrive at Work Awards can be found on the West Midlands Combined Authority website: www.wmca.org.uk/thrive