Background

Queen’s University Belfast sits within the heart of one of the four cultural districts and is the focal point of the lively Queen’s Quarter within the city. With 3,700 employees, the highly respected university not only offers academic degrees at various levels and across a broad subject range, but it has been a committed equal opportunities employer since 1908.

What Queen’s University Belfast did

Recognising the need to look after its 3,700 strong workforce, Queen’s has strategically invested in Health and Wellbeing since 2014. It’s placed at the heart of Queen’s Corporate Plan and Core Values which were both developed in consultation with staff and students. Caring for staff and students is at the heart of the Belfast-based university’s Core Values; ‘ICARE’ and is fully supported and championed by the Senior Management Team who act as champions, promoting, and getting involved in Health and Wellbeing initiatives.

The dedicated Health and Wellbeing team works to develop the health and wellbeing programme with the support of over 50 volunteer Staff Wellbeing Champions – who drive local promotion of initiatives. Taking a holistic approach the programme focuses on promoting mental and physical health, biodiversity, positive relationships, and Corporate Social Responsibility. Extensive internal and external consultation processes ensure the programme is as relevant possible, to optimise the benefits to employees and students.

There are over 40 events provided each year which are planned a year in advance, themed around different issues such as mental health/mindfulness, cancer awareness, and physical health. A broad offering of activities are then scheduled around these and employees can avail of a range of activities including; walking tours, on-site health checks, Queen’s Wellbeing Choir, Pedometer Challenge, daily exercise classes, and Mental Health First Aid Training.

Impacts and Outcomes

For more information, email c.curran@qub.ac.uk