Framework policy for the prevention and management of stress in the workplace

Introduction

Oxford Brookes University is committed to protecting the health, safety and welfare of its staff and students, including their mental health. Mental well being can be affected by the pressures and demands of work as well as by many factors outside work, and the University seeks to work with staff to identify and reduce the stressors that arise from the employment relationship.
University management has a general responsibility for health and safety in the workplace and in situations arising from the employment relationship, and employees have a reciprocal responsibility to care for themselves and others under the relevant statutory provisions.

The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999, place an obligation on the University to assess the risks to staff of stress-related ill-health arising from work activities, and to take measures to control those risks. The Health and Safety Executive has issued guidance on the management standards for stress at work. In order to meet these statutory duties and the regulatory guidance, the University has adopted this framework for the management of stress at work.

The Health and Safety Executive defines stress as “the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressure or other types of demand placed on them.” This makes an important distinction between pressure that can be positive if managed correctly, and stress that can be detrimental to health.

Risk assessments for stress will be undertaken in each of the University’s business areas, and on the basis of these assessments, methods for reducing or eliminating the risks identified will be proposed. These risk assessments will be reviewed every two years.
Managers and supervisory staff will be trained to identify the causes and effects of stress and how to effectively manage stress in the workplace. Management training will aim to promote positive relationships and effective team working across the University.
These measures will be discussed with Safety Representatives from UNISON and UCU, and reported to the University Health and Safety Committee which will monitor the efficacy of the policy and discuss and identify other potential measures that are aimed at reducing stress and to promote health, safety and well-being at work.

The Vice-Chancellor is responsible to the Board of Governors for the management of health, safety and welfare across the University. Under the aegis of the Chief Executive and Chair of Governors, the University Senior Management team will ensure that there is an effective policy framework in place, together with a supporting strategy for implementation and guidelines for managing stress.

Conduct stress risk assessments within their areas of responsibility and to take action to implement actions designed to reduce and/or eliminate stressors
Ensure good communication between management and staff, particularly where there are organisational or procedural changes
Ensure that employees are appropriately trained to fulfil their roles and are provided with appropriate opportunities for personal development
Monitor workloads
Monitor working hours and overtime to ensure that staff are not overworking, and ensure that staff take their full holiday entitlement
Attend training in good management practices and health and safety
Tackle incidents of bullying and harassment when they occur
Refer to Human Resources or Occupational Health any employee who presents with stress related ill health
Offer appropriate support to employees who are experiencing stress outside work

Provide appropriate guidance to managers on the stress policy
Assist in monitoring the effectiveness of measures to address stress
Provide regular management information on sickness absence rates and the causes of absence
Advise managers and employees on training requirements
Provide support to managers and employees during periods of organisational change and encourage referral to occupational health where appropriate

Provide specialist advice and awareness training on stress
Train and support managers in implementing stress risk assessments
Support employees who have been absent due to stress-related illnesses and advise them and their managers on return to work and rehabilitation plans
Refer employees to counsellors or other specialist agencies as appropriate
Monitor and review the effectiveness of measures designed to reduce stress
Inform the University Health and Safety Committee and the Senior Management Team of changes and developments relating to the management of stress at work

Employees are responsible for taking all reasonable steps to promote and protect their own health and well being and the health and well being of those who are affected by their behaviour.
Raise concerns about potential or actual workplace stresses with their line manager, human resources manager or union representative.
Attend appropriate training and apply the principles of good stress management
Accept opportunities for counselling when recommended
Union Safety Representatives and members of the University Health and Safety Committee are expected to monitor the implementation of these policies and to identify any areas in which potential improvements could be made, to become involved in the risk assessment process and to conduct joint inspections of the controls on work stressors.

updated Sept 11