New wellbeing toolkit

The NEU Cymru teaching union Wales Union Learning Fund (WULF) project has launched a new wellbeing toolkit to help schools take a “holistic, whole-school, multi-agency approach” to improving mental health and wellbeing.


Speaking at the launch of the toolkit at an event in Cardiff City Stadium last month, NEU Cymru policy officer Stuart Williams said that excessive workload continues to be the leading cause of workplace stress and mental health issues. The single most important thing the Welsh government and local authorities can do is help cut workload, he added. 


“Every workplace must be supported to conduct a stress/wellbeing audit, so that any issues can be identified and addressed,” Williams made clear. “Every time a new policy/strategy/initiative is introduced, a workload impact assessment must be conducted. Educators must be told what they can STOP doing.”


The project is developing a series of practical tools, including the new toolkit, to help schools to develop their own strategies and framework in conducting their audits and planning any changes that might be needed. 


Also last month, the NASUWT teaching union warned that action short of strike action by its members in the Isle of Man would escalate to strike if there is no progress in addressing the dispute. The action is being taken in protest at the failure of the Manx government to improve pay and tackle excessive workload and working practices.