Leadership by example {MENTAL HEALTH}
Supporting staff who are experiencing mental health problems When staff who have experienced mental health problems return to work, it’s important for SBMs to listen, be open, and focus on the individual not the diagnosis. Sue Birchall looks at how to identify mental health issues among school staff and help employees settle back into work and continue on the road to recovery
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o-one would dispute that we have been through an unprecedented situation which has had a significant impact on all of us; whether this is on a personal or professional level, the truth is that it will inevitably impact on our working lives. Recognising this in our schools, and putting in place a sufficient and useful programme of support, often falls, as least partly, to you as the school business professional. Time out of school, and the fears that the
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November 2021
pandemic has created, will mean that a high proportion of our school community - students and staff - may find coming back into school difficult. For some this impact is significant and results in mental health issues impacting not only the person but also our school communities. Schools and academies are being encouraged to review their wellbeing policies and practises and to put in place not only blanket policies but also individual support. Recognising this, the government is offering grants for training for a senior member of staff
