Carole Black, an assistant headteacher at Dr Challoner’s Grammar School in Amersham, has received the award from mental health charity Mind as part of its Workplace Wellbeing Index programme.
The Index is a benchmark of best practice that aims to celebrate good work being undertaken by employers while also offering recommendations and guidance for further improvement.
Ms Black started teaching maths at Dr Challoner’s 14 years ago and became assistant headteacher in 2013.
Since then she has rolled out a number of initiatives to support staff and student wellbeing, ranging from staff yoga and tennis tournaments to a major review of workload involving staff discussion groups and surveys.
On workload, Ms Black has introduced more flexibility including shorter days, has created a dedicated area in the staffroom offering workload advice, and discussions on mental health are encouraged.
The school has 1,300 students and Ms Black has also led work to launch a resilience programme across year 7 and has championed increased counselling support. The school now has an integrated team that offers both mental health and SEN support.
David Atkinson, head of Dr Challoner’s, said: “Due to Carole’s actions, Dr Challoner’s has become a better place for staff and students. Her review of staff wellbeing led to a number of initiatives that have collectively made a positive impact.
“We know that often, pressures of work are a key cause of poor mental health for staff, and the impact of this within the teaching profession can be damaging to students’ education as well as to the members of staff affected. Carole recognises this and has taken significant steps to help ensure that the mental health of our staff is better understood and causes of stress and poor mental health are addressed.”
Ms Black was honoured at the Mind Workplace Wellbeing Index Awards in London last month. The awards recognised 30 employers for their work using the Index.
Emma Mamo, head of workplace wellbeing at Mind, said: “In the last few years, we’ve seen employers make great strides when it comes to tackling stress and supporting the mental wellbeing of their staff, including those with a diagnosed mental health problem. We’re delighted to recognise and celebrate employers and individuals – such as Carole – making mental health a priority for their organisation through our Workplace Wellbeing Index.”
Ms Black herself added: “It is a huge honour to be recognised for my work in improving the staff wellbeing at Dr Challoner’s. Workplace wellbeing is something that all employers need to take seriously and I’m proud to work for such a forward-thinking organisation. I feel very passionate about mental health and feel that I am not only putting in place good practice for my colleagues, but setting a good example for the next generation to do the same.”
- Schools and other employers interested in Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index can register their interest via www.mind.org.uk/workplace