Statement

This statement is issued by Buckinghamshire Council to comply with the statutory duty under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, to assess the risks of stress-related ill-health arising from work activities, and to take measures to control that risk as far as is reasonably practicable.

Buckinghamshire Council recognizes that excessive workplace pressure and resulting stress can be harmful and damaging to employee’s health and our business performance. Occasionally, often because of external factors, or sometimes because of the job-related factors, the degree of stress becomes too great, and individuals can suffer from an inability to concentrate, disturbed sleep, feelings of not being able to cope or other stress related symptoms.

Any employee who feels that they are suffering from stress can consult with, in complete confidence, designated Mental Health First Aiders and/or the Employee Assistance Program. In addition, the Council will assist, where necessary, in obtaining professional advice and guidance from Occupational Health where external factors are precipitating the stress.

Buckinghamshire Council recognizes that workplace stress is a health and safety issue and acknowledges the importance of identifying and reducing workplace stressors through effective management: by listening and responding to employee’s concerns, by providing a suitable working environment and by ensuring that employees do not have unreasonable work pressures.

The Council aims to comply with The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Guidance “How to Tackle Work-Related Stress” INDG430 and the Management Standards approach, taking into

consideration:

• Demands placed on personnel.
• How much control personnel have over how their work is conducted.
• How support is provided and the support options available.
• How relationships within teams are managed.
• The understanding personnel have of their role within the organization.
• How change is managed within the organization.

This policy applies to each employee within the Council. Managers are responsible for the implementation of this policy and the Council is responsible for providing the necessary resources.