www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Healthier Wiltshire - Exemplar Employer
Leading by example
As one of the Wiltshire Strategic Board’s key issues “Becoming the Healthiest County” has been chosen because :
- It will make a significant impact upon the quality of life of individuals and communities in Wiltshire
- It is a matter of public concern and interest
- Improvements in wellbeing and lifestyles require organisations to work together: improvement cannot be achieved by any organisation working in isolation.
One way of making improvements is for members of the Board to act as “exemplary organisations” in this area, as well as in the areas of waste and skills. By doing this:
- We collectively can have a very significant impact, particularly when we consider the impact on not only our employees but also their families and friends, by encouraging healthy living
- We can demonstrate our commitment in practice, and thereby encourage others to do likewise
- We can improve our own efficiency and effectiveness: healthy employees can improve the performance and costs of an organisation
- And hence we can demonstrate to other organisations the ‘business case’ for improving their performance in this area.
Improving the performance of 'exemplary organisations'
There are two broad ways in which exemplary organisations might set targets for improvement:
- Improving from current performance: This approach starts from the current performance of each organisation, which would set a target for improvement against that current performance over a period, eg the next three years. This requires a special assessment to measure the current position and arrangements to monitor improvement, probably annually.
- Reaching a common standard or target: This approach starts from a standard of performance to which all exemplary organisations would aspire. This might be a numerical target (eg reducing the number of staff who smoke) or an absolute standard (eg ‘Platinum’ standard for smoke-free work places – ie beyond the legislative requirements for 1 July 2007).
Priorities for action
The priorities for action reflect discussions as part of both the LPSA and the LAA, and also local development of a framework for employers, and periodic top tips and reminders of best practice.
- Three major aspects of lifestyle are being tackled within the LPSA namely: smoking, exercise and diet. In addition, employers are encouraged to take part in alcohol campaigns in the workplace as part of the LAA.
- A framework (pdf 58Kb)
for employers has been developed. Five top tips included in the Leading by Example (launched at WiSB conference on 12/10/05). - Further guidance issued in April 2007 (pdf 47Kb)
Exemplar Employer Pilots
Practical examples building on this framework have been developed by the two volunteer exemplars – Kennet District Council and Wiltshire Police. In addition Wiltshire County Council have employed a project lead from within its Occupational Health team.
Policy Development
In addition some overarching HR/personnel policies will be needed, eg wellbeing policies and revised induction and recruitment approaches. The opportunity to incorporate the approach within new Investors In People (IIP) standards and, (in the health service), the Improving Working Lives (IWL) practice plus scheme, should be explored.
Terms of reference
Contact Details
By Post
Project Manager
Healthier Wiltshire
Room 241B
2nd Floor, County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 8LE
By Email
By Telephone
01225 757520
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
