The concept of wellbeing and its relevance for policy and practice
David Somervell, Head of SRS Futures
The University Edinburgh addressing staff & student wellbeing
GLADS: Good Lives and Decent Societies
Seminar 2 How does looking at problems through a wellbeing lens help identify appropriate goals and
priorities?
14 May 2014, National Museums of ScotlandUnderstanding the usefulness of taking a wellbeing approach and incorporating it in decision-making and action
The University• A huge employer - over 11,000 staff in a variety of
academic and support roles • Currently reviewing SRS Strategy• How does it address staff and student wellbeing in
its daily operations?
• provide the highest quality learning and teaching environment for the greater wellbeing of our students
• make a significant, sustainable and socially responsible contribution to Scotland, the UK and the world, promoting health, economic growth and cultural wellbeing.
University of EdinburghStrategic Plan 2012-16: Mission
“The University of Edinburgh is in a strong and positive position and is making a significantcontribution to the economic, social and cultural wellbeing of Scotland.”
Professor Sir Timothy O’SheaPrincipal and Vice-Chancellor, The University of Edinburgh
be inclusive, supportive and collegial inour approach, which is underpinned byprinciples of dignity and respect, equalityand diversity, health, safety and wellbeing.
For staff:
promote student health, wellbeingand safety.
For students:
Edinburgh Manifesto
Thinking about sustainable solutions includes thinking about what kind of world we would like to work towards and why - exploring what we mean by, for example, ‘sustainable development’, ‘progress’ or ‘well-being’.
Aims
To enable a better understanding of the usefulness of focusing on wellbeing to address major societal challenges and to explore ways to embed wellbeing in planning, decision and action.
Key themes
• health, work & welfare• place & space• life course perspective
A Common Challenge
health (physical and mental)
place/space
work/employment
Wellbeing
academia/research
policy
practice
Wellbeing
Departments participating
Points for discussion
University
Principal
Corporate Services Group
VP Nigel Paul
Procurement
Karen Bowman
Social Responsibility &
SustainabilityDave Gorman
Estates and BuildingsAngus Currie
Colleges
Heads of College
SASG
Sec Sarah Smith
IS
VP Jeff Hayward
Who we are
Alexis Anya DaveCaro David Joe
Joy Liz Matt
Wendy
Michelle
Finn
Sunnah
Jane RuthMartinLucy
Alan
Who we are
Who we are• New support department• Helping everyone to do
things better• 3 main working areas – – Practical programmes– Strategy & governance– Future scanning
What we doWe support staff and students to create a sustainable and socially responsible environment at the University and beyond.
• Supporting a culture of change• Pursuing excellence and innovation• Working collaboratively as part of the local and global
community
Healthy Working Lives
• http://www.ed.ac.uk/staff-students/staff/health-wellbeing/about/healthy-working-lives
Healthy Universities
• http://www.ed.ac.uk/staff-students/staff/enhancing-student-experience/initiatives/sep/healthy-university
Student Life / Student Experience
What sort of Universitydo we want to be?
…responsible?
Zero hours contracts
Child labour
Investment funds
• Share your journey• Get fitter• Save money• Your nearest secure cycle
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