Gold Award

We are pleased to recognise below the workplaces that have achieved a Gold Award accreditation on the Wellbeing at Work Programme

This award is available to workplaces who have achieved silver status, and are looking to take their wellbeing programme to new heights. They will embed health and wellbeing in the organisation’s culture and become a role model for other employers.

Servomex

Servomex is the first employer in East Sussex to be accredited with a Wellbeing at Work Gold Award, for workplaces with 50+ employees. Congratulations!

As part of their Gold Award application, Servomex have cemented wellbeing into the fabric of their organisation. They have created a video for their website with employee testimonials speaking about their lived experienced of mental health and the support that they have received from Servomex. This has helped open the conversation and break down the stigma around mental health in the workplace, enabling staff to feel more comfortable expressing their feelings.

It took Servomex six months to complete the Gold Award, which demonstrates the commitment and effort that was made. Servomex have brilliantly and subtly intertwined health and wellbeing into the everyday lives of their staff through physical resources (posters, handbooks), a clear and well-presented intranet page for wellbeing and fun and interactive social days. They also have a Wellbeing Calendar for the year to ensure that they continue to make health and wellbeing a priority throughout the year! According to Julie Burridge, Health and Wellbeing Manager, “the whole process of achieving a Wellbeing at Work Award is a really good guidance for how to be a healthy workplace.”

Wealden District Council

The first local authority to achieve Gold award status, Wealden Discrict Council (DC) were awarded in June 2024. Wellbeing Leads Karen Rosier and Kim Pocock proved to be a fiercely impressive team, working together to achieve the award in several months.

Wealden DC have a strong commitment to encouraging opportunities for staff to get active. Staff can access on site bicycle storage, access leisure centre facilities including discounted membership rates and wear activewear at work. They also hosted an all-staff beach clean. Staff were encouraged to bring family and friends, and even park a short distance away to sneak in some extra steps. Health and wellbeing are embedded in the culture. Policies and processes have been refreshed, made more accessible and user friendly. These support staff with topics including hybrid working, sickness absence and musculoskeletal conditions.

Karen Rosier and Kim Pocock said: “We are extremely proud to have achieved Gold status, especially so quickly after being awarded Silver. Using the Wellbeing at Work accreditation as a framework to build upon our health and wellbeing agenda has been really valuable and rewarding for us to see and showcase the positive impact that adopting wellbeing within Wealden’s culture has made to support our employees.“

Affinity Select Insurance Services Limited

Affinity Select Insurance Services Limited, a small business based in Uckfield, achieved the Wellbeing at Work Small Business Gold Award in November 2023. This makes them the first business to reach a Small Business Gold Award!

As part of their award, Affinity Select Insurance Services has embedded health and wellbeing into the culture of their work force. For example, all employees are offered support and encouraged to get involved in charitable work. They have implemented a monthly survey that goes to all employees, asking what information or support is wanted on a particular health and wellbeing topic.

Recently, a topic that was of interest was Musculoskeletal Health (MSK). Wellbeing Lead, Helen Carr, organised for a local chiropractor to come into the office. They gave a free presentation to employees on MSK and an optional free 10-minute consultation. One employee mentioned how much they enjoyed the afternoon and was pleased that the company was looking out for their needs.

Helen Carr from Affinity Select with Matt Ellis, Wellbeing at Work Programme Coordinator accepting the Small Business Gold Award in January 2024

Havens Community Hub

Havens Community Hub is a Community Interest Company (CIC), that puts the needs of the community first. It Connects individual to groups to build stronger, healthier communities. It supports groups to become resilient and make positive impact in the community and creates sustainable projects to meet established community need.

Havens Community Hub are the first East Sussex Community business to achieve the Wellbeing at Work Small Business Gold Award, in May 2024. The organisation has been influential not only on employee wellbeing but also other Community Groups they work with. They have shared policies and practices, as well as reflect on how employees, volunteers and visitors look after themselves.

Havens Community Hub focus its’ efforts on service users, so it can feel difficult for staff to prioritise themselves. As part of their award, the Hub introduced healthier snack options for staff and visitors. Changing eating habits such as choosing healthier snacks and eating away from their desks has embedded a culture where staff actively take time for themselves.

Colleagues from Havens Community Hub presented with the Wellbeing at Work Small Business Gold Award in May 2024

Dawson Hart Solicitors

Dawson Hart Solicitors proudly achieved the Gold Wellbeing at Work Award in October 2024, reflecting their unwavering commitment to employee wellbeing. Their success stems from the implementation of a diverse wellbeing committee, the expertise of four qualified Mental Health First Aid trainers, and a proactive approach to using staff wellbeing surveys to identify focus areas and track progress over time. With wellbeing fully embedded in the culture of the organisation, Dawson Hart continues to foster a supportive and thriving workplace for all.

The Dawson Hart team receiving the Wellbeing at Work Small Business Gold Award in October 2024