Head says school is on 'right track to better support our staff'

ARK Conway Primary Academy has been recognised at an awards ceremony for its commitment to workplace wellbeing.

The school, site on the former Wormholt Library in Hemlock Road, W12 was awarded Gold in Mind’s inaugural Workplace Wellbeing Index.

The event took place at London’s Soho Hotel, hosted by TV presenter, author and Mind Ambassador, Anna Williamson.

Mind’s Workplace Wellbeing Index is described as a benchmark of best policy and practice, designed to celebrate the good work employers are doing to promote and support positive mental health, and to provide key recommendations on areas where there is room to improve.

Ark Conway has a number of ways of boosting the wellbeing of its staff of around 30. They include providing dedicated time at the end of each day, from 4pm so that staff can choose how to manage their own workload and providing all staff members with a fitness tracker.

Staff  can also share concerns regarding their mental health with a member of staff who they feel comfortable with and the leadership team operate an 'open door' policy so they can approach their manager for support and advice. Ark Conway delivers weekly five-minute standing meetings where staff can discuss how they are feeling.

Lois Osborne, Head of School at Ark Conway Primary Academy said: "Ark Conway Primary Academy is delighted their commitment to ensuring workplace wellbeing has been recognised.

" We still feel we are at the start of our journey but we know employers have a responsibility to promote workplace wellbeing and prevent poor mental health. Our commitment to workplace wellbeing means we're on the right track to better support our staff."

ARK Conway is one of three ARK schools in Shepherd's Bush alongside ARK Bentworth and Burlington Danes Academy. 

July 19, 2013