Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what measures her Department has in place to support those of its staff who have mental health problems.

The Department for Education has an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Plan, which is updated annually. The plan includes a section on support for people with mental health problems, and to help people to manage staff with mental health problems.

Support provided includes mental health awareness training and an employee assistance service which staff can call at any time to obtain confidential support and advice.

In September 2014, the Permanent Secretary signed the Time to Change pledge to affirm the Department’s commitment to ending stigma about mental health. The Department also has an active Wellbeing network, with over 100 members, which has promoted events to raise awareness of mental health issues.

In early 2017, mental health first aiders will be available in each of the Department’s buildings and will receive training to help them recognise the signs and symptoms of mental health problems and offer appropriate support. They will also act as a source of advice and help for staff.