What the Wellbeing Group discussed
The Wellbeing Group was established to create a space for open and honest conversations about wellbeing at work and what colleagues are experiencing across the organisation.
One way those experiences are brought into the conversation is through the membership of the group itself, which brings together representatives from across services, including frontline and desk-based staff.
At its latest meeting earlier this month (March), discussions focused on the employee survey, Mental Health First Aid and how support for staff continues to develop across the organisation.
Reflecting on survey feedback
Following December’s meeting, where the group discussed the findings of the wellbeing question in the most recent employee survey, a separate workshop was held in February to explore the results in more detail.
Discussions focused on three key areas:
➡️ What helps and hinders participation
➡️ What insights the results provide
➡️ What could be improved when planning future surveys
Those who couldn’t attend the workshop were encouraged to provide their feedback separately. The outputs are now being used to identify themes and actions to take forward when planning this year’s survey.
James Paterson, Chair, said:
The workshop gave members of the group time and space to look more closely at participation and to think about ways in which we might encourage more people to share their views next time.
Discussions also turned to visible leadership. For some, visibility is about physical presence. For others, it’s about communication, transparency and whether information feels shared rather than filtered.
Kenneth Lawrie, Chief Executive, said:
If we’re serious about building a culture on openness, wellbeing and collective endeavour, then honest feedback must be at the heart of it. We might think we’re being visible and open, but if that’s not how it feels on the ground, we need to know.
Mental Health First Aid
The group also received an update on Mental Health First Aid. Over the years, a number of colleagues across the council have completed training. Work will shortly get underway to reconnect that list and refresher training will be offered to them as well as anyone looking to become a Mental Health First Aider.
Discussions also reaffirmed that Mental Health First Aiders are not counsellors but are trained to signpost people to support, and that colleagues can self-refer confidentially by visiting the ‘How to contact a Mental Health First Aider’ on the council website.
Supporting staff in challenging roles
The group was also given an update on the Trauma Responsive Implementation Group.
The discussion highlighted how trauma-informed practice applies not only to service users but also to employees. In many roles, colleagues may encounter difficult situations as part of their work.
Recognising that impact, and ensuring staff know how to access support, forms an important part of the organisation’s approach to wellbeing.
Across the meeting, a consistent theme emerged: listening to colleagues’ experiences helps ensure wellbeing support continues to reflect what people need in practice.
Next meeting
The group will meet on 27 May 2026 in the Forth Valley Sensory Centre.