Equality and Diversity

Mindful EmployerMindful Employer

Did you know...

  • 1 in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in our lifetime.
  • 1 in 100 people will have a severe mental health condition.
  • Depression is one of the most common mental health problems.
  • 1 in 6 workers is experiencing depression, anxiety or stress and costing the UK economy £26 billion each year. 
  • Stigma and discrimination towards people with mental health problems is still very common.
  • Talking about mental health can strenghen friendships, aid recovery and take the taboo out of something that affects us all.

 

The University of Portsmouth, as part of it's staff inclusion work, has recently signed up to the Mindful Employer Charter for Employers who are Positive about Mental Health.

The Mindful Employer Charter is one way in which the University of Portsmouth demonstrates its commitment to Dignity, Diversity and Equality by ensuring that, as an institution, it is open and accessible to all, valuing its staff and students for what they bring as individuals.

The Mindful Employer Charter

As an employer we recognise that:

  • People with mental health issues may have experienced discrimination in recruitment and selection procedures
  • Whilst some people will acknowledge their experience of mental health issues in frank and open ways, others fear that stigma will jeopardise their chances of getting a job
  • Given appropriate support, the vast majority of people who have experienced mental ill health continue to work successfully as do many with ongoing issues

As an employer we aim to:

  • Show a positve and enabling attitude to employees and job applicants with mental health issues
  • Ensure that all staff involved in recruitment and selection are briefed on mental health issues and the Equality Act 2010, and given appropriate interview skills
  • Make clear in any recruitment or occupational health check that people who have experienced mental health issues will not be discriminated against and that disclosure of a mental health problem will enable both employee and employer to assess and provide the right level of support or adjustment
  • Not make assumptions that a person with a mental health issue will be more vulnerable to workplace stress or take more time off than any other employee or job applicant
  • Provide non-judgemental and proactive support to individual staff who experience mental health issues
  • Ensure all line managers have information and training about managing mental health in the workplace

Further information about the charter can be found at:

Mindful Employer guides

 

Other sources of support and guidance