Download Positive About Mental Health

Positive About Mental Health
STATEMENT OF INTENT FOR RECRUITING AND RETAINING STAFF
WHO CURRENTLY HAVE OR ARE RECOVERING FROM MENTAL
HEALTH PROBLEMS
East London NHS Foundation Trust is committed to equal opportunities and
believes that employment procedures and conditions should not discriminate
on any grounds other than an ability to meet the requirements of the job. The
Disability Discrimination Act [DDA] 1995 aims to end the discrimination that
many people with disabilities face and our policies reflect this legislation. In
addition ELCMHT is a disability symbol employer, and is implementing the
five commitments that this involves. These include interviewing all applicants
who have indicated that they have a disability and meet all essential criteria in
the person specification, and making reasonable adjustments for potential and
current employees to accommodate a person’s disability.
As a provider of mental health services, ELFT recognises both the
discrimination and stigma faced by people with experience of mental health
problems in the employment market, and also the potential value of their
experiences when working with people who have mental health problems.
The two mental health trusts of North East London have developed the
Routes 2 Employment Charter that outlines good practice in relation to the
employment of people who have or are recovering from mental health
problems. Both Trusts have adopted this Charter and are actively promoting
its implementation throughout the organisations.
ELCMHT recognises that making this positive statement is not useful in
isolation and to show commitment to this positive statement, it is therefore
aiming to achieve the following:
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Provide practical support and advice to prospective applicants,
(including help with filling out the application form and help with
interview techniques), to prospective applicants. This is being offered in
conjunction with experienced partner organisations who provide
specialist employment services in each borough. To be put in touch
with one of these organisations, or for further details, please call the
number on the job advert.
Provide on-going support to successful applicants before and after
joining the Trust. This will be provided by the above-mentioned
organisations, by line managers and Human Resources staff. Also
ensure that staff are aware of the benefits available through Improving
Working Lives.
Ensure that experienced partner organisations are aware of our
policies and all our current vacancies.
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Provide comprehensive training for appointing officers and recruitment
panels within the Trust to ensure that issues relating to mental health
and employment (e.g. gaps in employment history) are explored
sensitively and appropriately without unnecessary probing.
Provide a free, confidential counselling service for all staff employed by
the Trust.
Ensure that all relevant policies, such as recruitment and selection,
equal opportunities and sickness absence policies, take into account
issues associated with mental illness.
Provide awareness training for all staff within the Trust.
The Trust is committed to equal opportunities and developing a diverse
workforce to reflect the diverse communities it serves. Applications from
people under-represented in the workforce are welcomed. This includes
people from ethnic minorities, people with personal experience of mental
health problems, and any other minority group