Congratulations to our Occupational Health and Wellbeing Team who won Team of the Year Award at this year’s national Excellence in Fire and Emergency Awards 2021.
The team were recognised for their hard work and dedication to keeping our staff safe during the COVID-19 pandemic by providing an excellent service which focuses on the needs of its staff. The health and wellbeing of our staff is crucial to keeping a fully operational Fire Service, which helps to keep our communities safe.
Throughout the pandemic, the team provided clinical supervision and reflective group practice for senior decision makers. They provided staff with a COVID-19 psychological wellbeing toolkit where staff had individual access to regular support and advice.
Like many, some staff at Humberside Fire and Rescue Service (HFRS) had to shield during the pandemic and the team maintained regular individual contact and offered continuous support to ensure our staff did not feel isolated or withdrawn.
The Head of Occupational Health and Wellbeing, Lisa Smith became a member of the Humber Local Resilience Forum, Covid Test and Trace Cell, which enabled the sharing of our wellbeing plans with partner agencies.
Alongside this the team proactively create initiatives to support and improve the health and wellbeing of our staff, such as blood pressure checks and introducing an Employee Assistance Programme. They have introduced policies in consultation with members of staff, such as Menopause, Health Surveillance, Critical Incident Stress Management and Physical Fitness policies.
Chief Fire Officer and Chief Executive, Chris Blacksell said when he heard the great news they won,
“The team are absolutely fantastic and have transformed the service we provide to our staff. I’m so proud of them, and of all our staff who have bought into the important of looking after their, and each other’s health and wellbeing.”