The Plymouth Valuation Office Agency is celebrating after achieving Bronze status within Livewell Southwest’s Wellbeing at Work Award programme and receiving recognition for its work to improve the health and wellbeing of its employees.

In order to achieve a Wellbeing at Work Bronze Award, businesses have to set up a working group, carry out a workplace needs assessment, a health and safety assessment and establish wellbeing champions who are responsible for helping colleagues to keep healthy.  Throughout the process they are supported by Wellbeing at Work Advisor who offers support and guidance.

Derek Thomas, Chief Operating Officer and Wellbeing Lead for the VOA, said:  “I am really delighted that the Plymouth Office has been awarded the ‘Bronze Award for Wellbeing at Work’. I know that the team have been working hard to help create an environment where people can deliver great service and do so whilst maintaining their wellbeing in the workplace. I look forward to hearing how the teams continue to build on this, and then go for Silver!”

Jennifer Jenkins, Specialist Health Improvement Practitioner, said:  “The Plymouth Valuation Office Agency has a monthly Wellbeing Steering Group with time protection for staff to attend.  There are five trained Wellbeing Champions, staff NHS Health Checks and a focus on reducing stress in the workplace.  There was a fantastic response rate to their recent Staff Wellbeing Survey with 85% of staff engaging in the process.  The Plymouth Valuation Office Agency has lots of exciting wellbeing plans including introducing care for carers, mindfulness and compassionate friends.

The Plymouth Valuation Office Agency will be presented with their award at the Wellbeing at Work Annual Update on 29th January at Boringdon Golf Club.