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<p>The Department for Transport (DfT) and its agencies take the mental wellbeing of
its staff very seriously. DfT has a variety of policies and programmes designed to
help staff that find themselves suffering with poor mental health.</p><p> </p><p>DfT
has recently published an easy to access, practical guide for line managers on how
they can support mental wellbeing in the workplace. It also includes advice on understanding
the early warning signs and how to manage difficult conversations around mental health.</p><p>
</p><p>DfT also supports workplace adjustment passports which are a living record
of adjustments that a disabled member of staff requires, including staff with mental
health problems. These documents are designed to do the following:</p><p>A) Ensure
that both parties, the individual and the employer, have an accurate record of what
has been agreed</p><p>B) Minimise the need to re-negotiate workplace adjustments every
time the employee changes jobs, is re-located or assigned a new manager within the
organisation</p><p>C) Provide employees and their line managers with the basis for
discussions about workplace adjustments at future meetings.</p><p> </p><p>DfT has
an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). EAP support is tailored to the department
and is provided by expert staff who understand our business. It offers support and
signposts individuals to advice on things such as bereavement, depression, and anxiety.
It also offers counselling sessions.</p><p>DfT has a Mental Health Buddy Network,
set up by staff, for staff. It connects people who are suffering from mental health
problems with another member of staff who is able to meet with them in complete confidence.
The buddies are aware that they are not trained psychiatrists; they do not give advice
but provide a listening ear, and signpost to the relevant, professional organisations.</p><p>
</p><p>DfT has a dedicated mental health staff network, Time to Change, which is dedicated
to changing the department’s culture, and remove the stigma surrounding mental health.</p>
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