Asked by: Helen Whately (Conservative - Faversham and Mid Kent)
Question to the Attorney General:
To ask the Attorney General, what measures the Law Officers' Department has in place to support those of its staff who have mental health problems.
Answered by Robert Buckland
Civil Service Employee Policy provides a central health and well-being service to support departments in their well-being work.
In 2015, the People Board agreed a strategic approach to health and well-being for the Civil Service. This identified mental health as a key priority. This strategic approach was developed into a Strategic Action Plan, which has now been successfully implemented.
The Law Officers’ Departments provide all staff with access to an Employee Assistance Programme. The service is confidential and includes a 24hours a day, 365 days a year free helpline. Staff can speak to an advisor who will listen and help to explore ways forward on a range of issues including mental health– this can include information, advice, signposting to other local or national services, referral for telephone or face-to-face counselling, or a combination of these. All departments have developed arrangements and policies that support wellbeing, including flexible working and special leave arrangements.