Creating wellbeing roles

Have you thought about creating wellbeing roles within your team?

There are many to consider, including wellbeing guardians, wellbeing champions and Mental Health First Aiders. All roles are different, although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, and the definitions we are using are below: 

Wellbeing guardians 

• A Wellbeing Guardian is a senior member of staff who takes forward the wellbeing agenda within their organisation. 

• They typically take an assurance role at Board level, in which they look at the organisation’s activities through a health and wellbeing lens.  

• NHS England recommend that the role is best suited to a Non-Executive Director. They should be able to check and challenge the executive team, but do not need to have specialist wellbeing knowledge.  

“As a Wellbeing Guardian, you have the opportunity to make a real difference in your organisation, placing staff health and wellbeing at the heart what we do. You will be in an ideal position to support, influence and seek assurance from your senior leaders, creating a culture of wellbeing where the organisation cares for its people, who care for others.”  - NHS England

Wellbeing champions

• Organising informal catch ups within the team 
• Encouraging participation in current wellbeing activities within the team  
• Encouraging the team to input their ideas for promoting wellbeing 
• Raising issues with senior staff on behalf of the wider team 
• Liaising with senior staff to introduce training for teams that require additional support 
• Creating a team display board to celebrate successes and to share ideas 
• Communicating with colleagues within team to find out their different interests and pastimes  
• Organising social activities outside of work, i.e. team away days 
• Encouraging a culture of kindness, appreciation and compassion

Mental Health First Aiders

• Mental Health First Aiders are members of staff who receive training to identify anyone who is developing a mental health problem, experiencing a worsening of a mental health problem, or in a mental health crisis.  

• Their training teaches an in-depth understanding of mental health, enhanced interpersonal skills such as non-judgemental listening and the knowledge to help guide others to further support.  

Would you like further information on wellbeing roles in a work environment? Click here for more.