Jane: Who are you and what is your role at the university/what do you do?

We are a network of over 60 staff wellbeing champions coordinated through the Safety, Health and Employee Wellbeing (SHEW) department. We are based in a wide range of departments/services and roles across the University and SU. We are all volunteers and contribute in various ways such as running events, contributing to communications, and leading specialist groups.

Jane: What do you like best about working at the University?

We love being part of the community here, meeting students and colleagues every day from across the world. We enjoy keeping the University running smoothly, making sure campus looks at its best, promoting and signposting wellbeing support to colleagues and offering support when they need it.

Jane: In 2024, you were a recipient of a Staff Recognition Award. Can you tell us more about what you got the award for?

The whole team of Wellbeing Champions was recognised with the team award for ‘Community and Inclusion’ for all the positive work we do for all our colleagues right across campus.

Jane: What sorts of things do you do for the community and what motivates you to get involved in helping members of our community?

Our overall goal is to promote and support a healthy culture at the University by raising awareness around health and wellbeing activities, and signposting to resources and support services. Everyone contributes in different ways as appropriate to their role, department, availability, and personal interests.
Some of us meet new staff at the Introduction to the University events and explain all the support that’s on offer; some of us run support groups for staff, for example menopause or loss and grief; others host coffee mornings and wellbeing events within their own department, run community walks or mindful activities, and send newsletters to share information to staff. Each department has their own ideas and initiatives that we share when we have our community of practice meetings.

Jane: If someone is reading this and wants to get more involved in community activities at the University, where should they start?

You can find out about us on the Wellbeing Champions webpage, and we always welcome new champions into the group. We meet up regularly and have our own Teams space to share ideas and discuss events etc. You can also read about all the staff support groups and networks online.

Jane: If you had a magic wand, what one thing would you change at the University to build a greater sense of community?

We are going to be cheeky and mention two things:
Encouraging all our colleagues, including our managers and leaders, to appreciate the benefits and importance of being proactive and building wellbeing practices into every day. All the research tells us a wellbeing focus contributes to excellent performance and resilience.
Secondly a variety of staff-only spaces. Linked to the above comment, this would offer opportunities for rest and recovery as well as developmental activities.

Jane: What does community and inclusion mean to you?

Enabling every single person working here to express their whole self and feeling able to discuss their wellbeing with colleagues without hesitation or stigma. That we’re all an ally and an active bystander. Demonstrating consideration and respect for one another and embracing uniqueness.

Jane: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

This is a tricky one to answer on behalf of the whole team, but here are seven for starters:
Pick and choose how you invest your time, don’t just “spend” it
One size does not fit all
Every day is a learning day
Know your values and practice them daily
Listen more than you speak
Be compassionate to others
Control the controllables.

Jane: Can you tell us something about you that might surprise people?

We currently working on a colourful surprise that you’ll soon see around campus, which will improve our sense of community.