VolkerRail commits to The Railway Mental Health Charter
VolkerRail has signed the Railway Mental Health Charter (RMHC) to support the reduction of mental health stigma and change behaviours in the workplace, through cross industry collaboration.
The RMHC is a framework which will lead, advise, and underpin organisational efforts to create awareness, support positive mental health, provide access to support services and reduce stigma in the workplace.
Developed by Lee Woolcott-Ellis, mental health lead manager at Southeastern Railway, the Charter will be overseen by the Rail Safety and Standards Board’s Mental Wellbeing Group - an expert panel of wellbeing representatives from across the rail industry.
The RMHC aims to:
- Encourage all member workplaces to engage with and embrace the mental health agenda.
- Support rail companies in preventing and addressing mental ill health, including the effective management of stress in the workplace.
- Make good practice and information readily and freely available to member organisations.
- Support the industry in taking a proactive approach to end mental health stigma, get conversations underway and create an open and inclusive culture where all colleagues know where and when to ask for support.
Speaking about the Charter, VolkerRail’s HSQES director, Stuart Webster-Spriggs, said: “VolkerRail is committed to the health and wellbeing of its employees and its supply chain, and has continued to develop its mental health understanding and capabilities over a number of years.
“Signing the Charter shows our continued commitment to collectively striving for continual improvements, for the benefit of the industry and all those who work in it.”