Managing Stress and Mental Health in the Workplace Policy 2026-2029

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Statement

Carmarthenshire County Council is committed to taking all reasonably practicable steps to prevent, manage and reduce work-related stress and to promote positive mental health and wellbeing across the organisation. In fulfilling its duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, the Council will ensure that risks to mental health arising from work activities are identified, assessed and effectively controlled.

This policy forms part of the Council’s overarching approach to health and safety and should be read in conjunction with the Corporate Health and Safety Policy. It establishes a proactive and preventative framework for the effective management of workplace stress and mental ill health.

The Council is committed to fostering a supportive, open and inclusive working environment in which mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. A culture will be promoted where employees feel able to raise concerns about stress and mental ill health without fear of stigma or discrimination and are supported to access appropriate help at the earliest opportunity.

The Council will ensure that all employees are treated fairly, consistently and with dignity in relation to sickness absence and management processes, irrespective of whether the condition relates to mental or physical health.

The Council aims to create and maintain a working environment in which the risks associated with workplace stress are minimised and managed through a structured and systematic approach. This will be achieved by:

  • Confirming the Authority’s commitment to the effective management of stress and mental health as a core health and safety priority

  • Establishing and maintaining a consistent, organisation-wide approach to identifying, assessing and managing work-related stressors

  • Increasing employee and manager awareness, understanding and competence in recognising the causes, signs and impacts of stress and mental ill health

  • Providing clear guidance, tools and support to enable Managers and Supervisors to identify, assess and manage stress-related risks within their teams

  • Supporting Managers to undertake suitable and sufficient stress risk assessments, implement proportionate control measures, and review their effectiveness

  • Promoting positive mental health, resilience and overall employee wellbeing across the workforce

  • Providing a structured and supportive framework for employees experiencing stress or mental ill health, including access to appropriate internal and external support services