Information and assistance

It is recognised that maintaining a healthy lifestyle and an effective work-life balance are important factors in managing stress. The University Occupational Health Service (UOHS) website provides guidance on wellbeing and the University supports a number of family-friendly policies including childcare, flexible working and arrangements for sickness absence as well as providing generous holiday entitlements to staff. There are also social and health/fitness facilities for staff including the University Club and sports facilities. Information on all these matters may be found in the staff handbooks and separate staff benefits handbook.

Disabled staff

Advice on support for disabled staff can be sought from the University's Staff Disability Advisor.

Bullying and harassment

Staff who consider that they are experiencing bullying or harassment at work can seek confidential advice from a departmental harassment adviser, the harassment helpline (01865 (2)70760) or the Equality and Diversity unit.

The OHS has a comprehensive website which provides practical guidance, advice and tools for both managers and staff who have concerns about the effect of work-related stress.  

As part of their referral service, OHS may refer staff to a counselling service for University staff who are experiencing distress or other difficulties. This service is only available for cases with work-attributable causes. Counselling for personal issues should be sought via the staff member’s GP or privately. A list of local services can be found on the British Association of Counselling & Psychotherapy website.            

Individuals may be referred to the Occupational Health Service, with their consent, by their manager or may refer themselves. Following an initial consultation, Counselling may be suggested by the Occupational Health Clinician if it is thought to be an appropriate treatment option.

The University provides a wide range of training courses for both managers and staff.

a) The People and organisational development (POD) provides specific training on the issue of stress management as well as a range of courses aimed at providing staff with skills to assist with managing stress in the work-place, such as time-management, assertiveness, and mindfulness. POD also provides opportunities for all staff to develop work-related skills, including research and teaching skills, management and leadership training.

b) Computing skills training and support is provided by the University's IT Services.

c) English language training for those for whom English is not a first language may be sought through the Language Centre.

Your line manager or departmental administrator will be able to give you advice and guidance on the training and support available to you.

The University works closely with the recognised trades unions on new initiatives and policies which affect staff. The staff representatives also have an important role in ensuring staff welfare and are able to provide advice and assistance to staff on an individual basis.

Details of the employee representation arrangements are available in the Staff Handbooks.

The recognised trades unions also publish information about stress.