As part of the work of the Staff and Student Experience boards, the University has joined the Student Minds University Mental Health Charter programme.

Developed by Student Minds in conjunction with UUK, OfS, AMOSSHE and the NUS, the charter is an evidenced-informed framework created to guide the work of universities to improve the mental health and wellbeing of their staff and student communities.

Of the charter Cassie Wilson (Vice President for Student Experience) says: “We are pleased to be able to say that we are working towards the Student Minds University Mental Health Charter as part of our ‘whole University’ approach to wellbeing. By aligning ourselves with the charter we will be recognising the excellent work that is already ongoing at the University, as well as identifying areas for development. The initiatives coming out of the charter will help support our community in the months and years to come.”

Work on the charter has already begun, with an audit of our existing provision against the guidance in the Mental Health Charter. This audit is now being reviewed by five working groups aligned with the areas identified in the charter, which are:

  • Leadership – Cassie Wilson (Vice President for Student Experience)
  • Learn – Led by Nathalia Gjersoe (Associate Dean Learning & Teaching, Humanities and Social Sciences)
  • Support – Anthony Payne (Director of Student Services)
  • Live – Led by Catherine Bailey (Deputy Director Student Services)
  • Work – Led by Richard Brooks (Director of Human Resources)

These working groups will lead on the action plan to ensure that the University is meeting the guidance outlined in the charter. This will include amplifying student and staff voices in the development of wellbeing provision, and carefully evaluating the work done to ensure it is effective.

Richard Brooks, Director of HR stated “The University places value on this charter and the recognition it will give to the hard work of colleagues across the institution. However, we place a higher value on the actions that will be taken as a result of this exercise, as they will improve the environment, culture and tools for all students and staff in the area of mental health and wellbeing.”