Latest news with #EmployeeAssistanceProgramme
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Health
- Glasgow Times
Number of stress-related absences at Police Scotland
Figures obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request have revealed the number of Police Scotland officers who were absent due to stress-related illness between 2022 and 2025. Data shows that 2584 cops called in sick to work over the issue during this period. Meanwhile, 1269 members of staff were also absent due to stress. Figures provided by the force show a year-on-year increase in the number of both officers and staff having to take time off due to suffering from stress. In 2022/23, Police Scotland recorded 692 officer absences and 349 staff absences. In 2023/24, that number rose to 763 officers and 395 members of staff. Again, in 2024/25, the figure increased to 868 cops and 434 staff members. READ NEXT: Glasgow police at 'breaking point' as 'desperate conditions' exposed Meanwhile, the total number for the 2025/26 period so far is 261 officers and 91 members of staff. Police Scotland noted that there are various services available to officers and staff suffering from stress. These include the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), which is a confidential telephone helpline that is open 24/7, 365 days a year. EAP covers both work and personal issues. Employees, volunteers, retired officers, staff, and their direct family members over the age of 16 are all eligible to access the helpline. It is in place to provide them with confidential advice from qualified counsellors. Another service that is available is a Stress Risk Assessment. READ NEXT: More than 400,000 paramedic hours lost due to mental ill health This is for individuals who feel their health is being affected due to either work-related or personal issues. Managers and supervisors can support officers and staff by jointly carrying out a risk assessment using Police Scotland's Individual Stress Risk Assessment Questionnaire & Action Plan and the supporting guidance. If required, supervisors can then take action to support and monitor individuals who have either been identified or informed that they are displaying symptoms of stress. Finally, Police Scotland offers cops and staff access to what they have described as a 'mental health MOT,' also known as 'Your Wellbeing Assessment' (YWA). This is delivered through the force's occupational health providers. The main features of YWA include that it is open to all officers and members of staff, it is voluntary, secure, and confidential. The assessment is reviewed by a member of the Optima Health clinical team, and it is said to potentially lead to early identification of issues and the provision of tailored support. Deputy Chief Constable Alan Speirs said: "The health and welfare of our officers and staff remains one of Police Scotland's highest priorities, with enhanced provisions from both our Employee Assistance and Your Wellbeing Matters programmes. 'This will be further enhanced through the implementation of our new HR structure with increased resources within our Health and Wellbeing team. 'We also have a range of mechanisms in place to support our employees who are absent from work for any reason. 'We continue to work with our occupational health provider to support police officers and staff in their journey back to health and, subsequently, to work.'
Business Upturn
06-05-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
Optima Health to acquire Care first
By GlobeNewswire Published on May 6, 2025, 16:00 IST Optima Health to acquire Care first, a leading provider of mental health services, for a net consideration of £15,000, adding c.£3.7 million revenue to the Group Acquisition provides Optima with increased scale in its Mental Health division and will complement its existing Employee Assistance Programme ('EAP') service offering, bringing over 1,000 new customers, and c.40 employees Aligns with strategy of consolidating margin accretive businesses in areas with significant existing expertise, creating additional growth opportunities and scale benefits LONDON, UK, 6 May 2025, Optima Health (AIM: OPT), the UK's leading provider of technology enabled corporate health and wellbeing solutions, today announces that it has entered into an agreement to acquire the trade and assets of Care first ('Care first'), a leading provider of mental health services from Priory Group for a cash consideration of £350,000 (£15,000 net) on a cash free, debt free basis (the 'Acquisition'). The effective date will be 2 June 2025. The Acquisition will expand Optima Health's scale in the provision of mental health services, with Care first complementing the Group's existing EAP service offering. The deal will also expand Optima's customer base with the addition of over 1,000 new customers, presenting further cross selling opportunities of other occupational health and wellbeing solutions. Alongside this, the Acquisition brings additional specialist capabilities with approximately 40 experienced employees with a substantial network. This Acquisition aligns with Optima Health's strategic focus in the occupational health sector, consolidating margin accretive and value creating businesses in areas where we have significant expertise, creating additional growth opportunities and scale benefits with enhanced operating leverage. Further to the Acquisition, and as previously reported, there are significant opportunities to accelerate growth, and the Board will continue to evaluate bolt-on acquisitions and consolidation in the market. Jonathan Thomas, Chief Executive Officer of Optima Health, said: ' The acquisition of Care first demonstrates our ability to continue to execute on our communicated strategy. The business is strategically aligned with ours in a market we understand extremely well, creating opportunities for scale. We look forward to integrating the businesses and benefiting from the significant additional specialist capabilities and revenue growth opportunities, as we continue to evaluate further value-enhancing bolt-on opportunities in the market.' Financial considerations Under the terms of the agreement to acquire the entire trade and assets of Care first on a cash free, debt free basis, Optima Health will pay a consideration of £350,000 on completion, offset by an apportionment adjustment of £335,000, meaning a net consideration of £15,000. The Acquisition will be financed using the Group's existing financing facilities. In the 12 months to December 2024, Care first generated unaudited revenue of £4.4 million. Enquiries Optima Health Jonathan Thomas, CEO Heidi Giles, CFO +44(0)3300085113 [email protected] Nominated Adviser and Corporate Broker Panmure Liberum Limited Emma Earl / Will Goode / Mark Rogers Rupert Dearden +44 (0)20 3100 2000 UK Financial PR Adviser ICR Healthcare Mary-Jane Elliott / Angela Gray / Lindsey Neville [email protected] About Optima Health Optima Health is the UK's leading provider of occupational health and wellbeing services, directly influencing and improving people's lives for 25 years. Optima Health's incredible team of professionals quickly and effectively encapsulate client's needs, supporting organisations of all shapes and sizes. Through tailored solutions and innovative systems, Optima Health offers unparalleled clinical expertise to its clients. These solutions ensure that processes are simple and allow its clients to spend more time focusing on their employees driving a healthy, high-performing workplace. For more information visit Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
NZ Herald
01-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
On The Up: Waikato's Jo Sheridan is Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year 2025
Sheridan was recognised for her outstanding passion and advocacy for the dairy sector. Dairy Women's Network trustee and lead judge Jenna Smith said Sheridan brought unstoppable energy, big-picture thinking, and a fierce commitment to making things better for people, animals, and the future of farming. 'She doesn't just talk about change; she rolls up her sleeves and makes it happen. 'Jo is tackling complex industry challenges while passionately championing and empowering young people and innovation. 'For those that know her – and a lot of people do – they know that she is a humble and generous leader, showcasing courage, clarity, and heart'. Sheridan, based in Pirongia, advocates inspiring young people to join the dairy sector. She oversees a 140ha dairy farm (Owl Farm), a commercial venture at St Peter's School where young people can walk straight onto the farm and see firsthand the joy of farming. The farm also opens regularly for visitor days, bringing dairy farming to the whole community. Growing up on a dairy farm in South Taranaki, she developed a deep appreciation for agriculture, later earning a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Soil Science from Massey University. With over 24 years of experience, Sheridan has worked in various roles at DairyNZ, and served as an independent industry consultant before becoming the demonstration manager at Owl Farm. Beyond farming, Sheridan is active in governance, serving on school boards and industry committees. Her leadership, innovation, and mentorship make her a transformative force in New Zealand's dairy sector. Anne Douglas, Fonterra's group director for Farm Source, who was part of the judging panel this year, said the calibre and depth of talent across all the nominations and finalists shows the strength of women right across the industry. 'We're thrilled to see Jo recognised as the winner of the 2025 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year award,' she said. 'Jo is a passionate and visionary leader who has proven to have a significant positive impact on stakeholders, partners, communities and farmers. 'It was clear through the process that she adopts a holistic approach, with a clear focus on sustainability and desire to empower others, especially young people. 'Jo's authenticity and strategic leadership extend beyond the dairy industry into broader communities, and this recognition feels like just the beginning of even more incredible achievements for her.' Sheridan will receive a scholarship to be part of the Kellogg Rural Leadership Programme. The scholarship covers the programme fee, travel and accommodation, mentoring and access to Dairy Women's Network and Fonterra platforms to share research. Judges also acknowledged the other two finalists, Frances Beeston and Lara Sutton. Beeston, a Canterbury farmer, advocates for mental health and wellbeing in rural communities, with a strong vision to normalise support systems like the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) across the dairy sector. As a grounded, empathetic and collaborative leader, she brings people together to create safe, connected spaces where everyone can thrive. With proven leadership through Rural Support and Mycoplasma bovis response, she is committed to making a lasting impact. Sutton, Waikato farmer, lawyer and the Strategy and Commercial Partnerships manager at DairyNZ, is a humble, values-led leader who creates impact through collaboration, connection, and quiet influence. With a deep understanding of the dairy industry and an interest in mentoring others, she brings people together to focus on shared purpose and long-term change. Her leadership style is characterised by transformational thinking, empathy, and a commitment to fostering meaningful connections across the dairy sector.
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fears for hundreds of uni jobs due to funding gap
Meetings are being held with staff and unions amid concern that hundreds of jobs are under threat at Cardiff University. Academic departments have been summoned to briefings with managers with speculation that some departments could be merged and subjects affected. Chair of the University and College Union (UCU) Cymru Estelle Hart said there had been a "lack of communication" by university bosses which was causing "anxiety" to staff. A Cardiff University spokesperson said that staff and students would be the first to know if any changes were proposed. Time to question higher education model - uni boss Drop in foreign student visas worrying for UK universities The university had previously said it had to take action to address a £30m black hole in its budget with the pressure of increased costs and falling international student numbers affecting the whole higher education sector. An offer of voluntary severance between June and September 2024 was taken up and approved for 155 staff and a second round closed earlier this month. But the latest announcement is set to go further with staff fearing that "hundreds" more jobs will go from the 7,000 strong workforce. Refusing to rule out compulsory redundancies, Vice Chancellor Wendy Larner said in the autumn that the university would develop new sources of income and different ways of delivering courses as well as looking at usage of the university's buildings. She said the university would also be looking for international partnerships and in December 2024 it announced that there were discussions about opening its first overseas branch in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. Staff in departments across the university have received invitations to meetings to discuss "academic futures". One email said: "I appreciate that a meeting of this kind will cause anxiety" referring staff to an Employee Assistance Programme for support, should they need it. Speaking on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Estelle Hart from UCU Cymru said management at Cardiff University had "caused speculation by not communicating". "I think it's fair to say the sector's in crisis but what we've seen in Cardiff is a real lack of engagement with alternatives from the management. "Sending emails out inviting people to meetings seemingly without any pre-warning is going to cause such anxiety." Large scale "town hall" meetings are also planned for this week. A Cardiff University spokesperson said: "We do not comment on speculation or anonymous claims. If any changes are proposed, then our staff and students will be first to be informed". "We will not be offering further comment, at this stage," the spokesperson added. Universities cut jobs to close funding black hole University education at Wales' oldest campus ends University seeks more job cuts to save £19.5m
BBC News
28-01-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Cardiff University jobs under threat due to funding black hole
Meetings are being held with staff and unions amid concern that hundreds of jobs are under threat at Cardiff departments have been summoned to briefings with managers with speculation that some departments could be merged and subjects of the University and College Union (UCU) Cymru Estelle Hart said there had been a "lack of communication" by university bosses which was causing "anxiety" to staff.A Cardiff University spokesperson said that staff and students would be the first to know if any changes were proposed. The university had previously said it had to take action to address a £30m black hole in its budget with the pressure of increased costs and falling international student numbers affecting the whole higher education offer of voluntary severance between June and September 2024 was taken up and approved for 155 staff and a second round closed earlier this the latest announcement is set to go further with staff fearing that "hundreds" more jobs will go from the 7,000 strong to rule out compulsory redundancies, Vice Chancellor Wendy Larner said in the autumn that the university would develop new sources of income and different ways of delivering courses as well as looking at usage of the university's said the university would also be looking for international partnerships and in December 2024 it announced that there were discussions about opening its first overseas branch in Astana, the capital of in departments across the university have received invitations to meetings to discuss "academic futures".One email said: "I appreciate that a meeting of this kind will cause anxiety" referring staff to an Employee Assistance Programme for support, should they need on BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, Estelle Hart from UCU Cymru said management at Cardiff University had "caused speculation by not communicating"."I think it's fair to say the sector's in crisis but what we've seen in Cardiff is a real lack of engagement with alternatives from the management."Sending emails out inviting people to meetings seemingly without any pre-warning is going to cause such anxiety."Large scale "town hall" meetings are also planned for this week.A Cardiff University spokesperson said: "We do not comment on speculation or anonymous claims. If any changes are proposed, then our staff and students will be first to be informed"."We will not be offering further comment, at this stage," the spokesperson added.
