Staff consultation group
Published: 23 October 2023
Reflections on initial findings from the 2023 staff consultation exercise – which this year focussed on wellbeing at work – from group chairs Jack Melson and Heather McClelland
Each year the Athena Swan Staff Consultation working group conducts a more in-depth exploration of how staff in SHW view or feel about certain topics that impact their working lives.
Following SHWs recent success renewing its Gold Award status, the new five year Athena Swan action plan includes a range of objectives focused on staff wellbeing. The Staff Consultation working group has therefore recently undertaken confidential one-on-one interviews with volunteers to better understand SHW staff experiences and perceptions of wellbeing at work.
A total of 12 interviews have been conducted, with a range of voices representing the different parts of the school and levels of experience. Analysis and reporting is underway, with some preliminary findings indicating that the move to the new Clarice Pears building has been largely beneficial to social and mental wellbeing. At the same time, it is clear that more can be done to support the emotional wellbeing of staff, with suggestions including dedicated space and people to contact when experiencing distress in the workplace.
The final report will be available in the coming weeks and the Staff Consultation working group would like to take this opportunity to express its sincere thanks to all those who volunteered to share their views.
Jack Melson and Heather McClelland
Chairs of SHW Athena Swan staff consultation group
First published: 23 October 2023
