Shaw Trust Wellbeing offer recognised as award-winning
In November 2021 Shaw Trust won a silver award at the Covid Response Awards.
The judges noted our: “thoughtful, innovative and people-centred approach to support staff, volunteers and the wider community.” They felt we were “a values-driven charity, who care about their own staff and the individuals they support too. The launch of the helpline was a vital means of support for all Shaw Trust staff and volunteers – allowing individuals to share concerns and seek guidance. Shaw Trust’s Health and Wellbeing Team and qualified mental health clinicians were on-hand to support Shaw Trust staff as well as the beneficiaries – this demonstrates their agility and innovation in challenging times. The Health and Wellbeing Team supported over 54% of Shaw Trust employees – which shows that Shaw Trust recognised a need and provided an effective solution.”
“The Shaw Trust is a charity committed to good employment as a pathway to a better life, their values are to care about people, make a difference, to be inclusive, collaborative and honest. In response to the COVID pandemic they changed their focus to providing wellbeing support internally. They created a formal process to support employees in crisis. They provide support individually with training courses and an online bank of information for employees and line managers to access for guidance and signposting. Staff wellbeing is at the heart of their organisational objectives, values and employee experience.”
“A truly outstanding approach to keeping employees and volunteers physically and psychologically safe. Huge well done!”
Our trustees agreed with the judges and commented:
“What fantastic recognition”, “Brilliant, just brilliant. Please convey my congratulations to everyone. Very much deserved. They did us proud.” and “Really great news. Well done!”
However, it is Shelley Southon, who summed up the achievement best in a note to her team members:
“I am super super proud of you all for your contribution to us winning Silver at the Covid Response Awards! For those not there, my speech never got read as they were not doing speeches for the winners, but who am I to let that stop me sharing it!
“Thank you all for the hard work each of you put in supporting our people at their most difficult times. Anyway here is the speech that never was!
“To be shortlisted for such a prestigious award was a brilliant achievement for Shaw Trust. To have actually won a silver award, I am truly humbled and proud to lead our Health and Wellbeing team each day.
“This award means so very much to Shaw Trust as we put people at the heart of who we are as a charity. The people we support, the most vulnerable in society on their journey of progression towards better health/employment/education; and our staff, the people on the frontline supporting those vulnerable people. Key workers who, over the last 18 months have continued to provide excellent levels of support to their participants whilst facing their own personal struggles during the pandemic.
“Which brings me to our Health and Wellbeing team, the glue that has held our people together throughout the pandemic. The work they do each day saves people’s lives. We have countless testimonies from both staff and participants who say they would not be here today if it wasn’t for the support of our health and wellbeing team. Whether through the proactive work we do training our staff in mental health awareness, mental health first aid, health condition management or emotional resilience training, or the work done individually with a staff member who feels overwhelmed and struggling to see a way out of their current situation. The H&WB team are my heroes, they are the heroes of Shaw Trust protecting the heart of our organisation and I couldn’t be more proud for them in winning this award today.
“Thank you to them, thank you to Mark Earl our Chief People officer who believed in my vision of a great staff wellbeing offer and the potential that has, going over and above what employers provide through an employee assistance programme and finally thank you to the judges who recognised the great work that Shaw Trust’s health and wellbeing service does each day.”
Our wellbeing support is available for all colleagues. You can find contact details, self-help guides and helpful links on the Wellbeing pages.