Schools commit to Wellbeing Charter

Schools commit to Wellbeing Charter

8 Oct

Schools commit to Wellbeing Charter

A group of schools across Teesside and County Durham have launched a new charter to ensure the wellbeing of all staff.

Ad Astra Academy Trust, which has ten primary schools under its umbrella in Teesside, County Durham and Hartlepool, is one of the area’s biggest employers with 525 members of staff.

Andy Brown, OBE, Chief Executive Officer at Ad Astra said: “The Staff Wellbeing Charter demonstrates our commitment and dedication to support and enhance the wellbeing of all of our employees.

“It is extremely important that as an employee of the Trust, individuals feel supported with their health and wellbeing and are provided with practices and support that can have a positive impact on their daily lives both at school and at home.

“Wellbeing should be interwoven into everything we do, with the understanding that happy and content employees perform better and live happier lives.”

The charter has been communicated to all staff and posters highlighting the key components are displayed around each school. Key elements of the charter are as follows:

  • The promotion of a good work/life balance
  • A Wellbeing champion in each school
  • Counselling and physiotherapy services for staff
  • A ‘buddy’ system for new employees
  • A culture of kindness and empathy

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils.

The primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Ayresome and Sunnyside Academy in Middlesbrough and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Martyn Ingram, Human Resources Manager with Ad Astra Academy Trust, commented: “The importance of staff health and wellbeing cannot be understated, and it is a top priority for the Trust.

“It is hugely important that we have all the appropriate measures in place to provide the best level of support possible to staff.

“We also see the charter as a key tool in terms of staff retention and recruitment.”

Click on the link below to view the Staff Wellbeing Charter.
Ad Astra Wellbeing Charter Document