NA102-Staff Mental Health First Aid Policy

Registration Number: {{org_field_registration_no}}

Staff Mental Health First Aid Policy

1. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide a structured, compassionate, and effective approach to promoting positive mental health and wellbeing within {{org_field_name}}, and to establish a framework for the implementation of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) principles. The policy aims to ensure that all staff, including temporary healthcare workers, registered nurses, healthcare assistants, and agency personnel, are supported in maintaining their mental health and have access to appropriate guidance and signposting when facing mental health challenges. This policy reflects {{org_field_name}}’s commitment to creating a mentally healthy working environment that promotes resilience, reduces stigma, encourages open conversations about mental health, and provides practical support when needed. It is in line with the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Equality Act 2010, the Employment Rights Act 1996, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, Public Health England guidance, and recommendations from Mental Health First Aid England.

2. Scope

This policy applies to: All directors, registered nurses, healthcare assistants, temporary workers, and office-based personnel engaged by {{org_field_name}}. All activities, environments, and settings where staff are employed, deployed, or supervised by {{org_field_name}} including client care settings, client placements, agency offices, and remote working environments. All arrangements for mental health first aid, staff wellbeing, support, and escalation of mental health concerns within the organisation.

3. Related Policies

Staff Support and Wellbeing Policy – Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy – Lone Working Policy – Supervision, Appraisal, and Reflective Practice Policy – Whistleblowing Policy – Recruitment Policy – Health and Safety Policy

4. Policy Statement

{{org_field_name}} is committed to promoting a mentally healthy workplace by: Raising awareness of mental health and reducing associated stigma. Providing access to Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAs) or equivalent support mechanisms. Supporting staff who experience mental health difficulties in or outside the workplace. Facilitating early intervention and signposting to appropriate professional services. Incorporating mental health into its broader health and safety, safeguarding, and wellbeing frameworks. Creating a culture where mental health is valued equally to physical health.

5. Responsibilities

Directors The directors of {{org_field_name}} are responsible for: Establishing and implementing this policy. Ensuring the appointment, training, and supervision of designated Mental Health First Aiders (where applicable). Ensuring staff receive information and induction regarding mental health first aid and available support services. Integrating mental health considerations into the supervision and appraisal process. Supporting MHFAs and providing them with the necessary resources and training. Ensuring mental health risks are assessed and incorporated into organisational risk assessments. Reviewing this policy annually or sooner if required.

Mental Health First Aiders (MHFA) / Appointed Staff Appointed MHFAs will: Undertake recognised MHFA training. Act as a point of contact for staff experiencing mental health concerns. Provide non-judgemental listening and support. Encourage staff to seek appropriate professional help. Maintain confidentiality, except where there is an immediate risk of harm. Signpost to appropriate internal or external support services. Keep basic records of contact without breaching confidentiality.

All Staff All staff have a responsibility to: Promote a positive, supportive, and respectful environment. Be alert to signs of mental health difficulties among colleagues. Seek support from MHFAs or the directors when needed. Respect the confidentiality of colleagues. Avoid behaviour that could undermine the mental wellbeing of others, including bullying, harassment, or discrimination.

6. Definition of Mental Health First Aid

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is the help provided to a person who is experiencing a mental health issue, before professional help is obtained. It involves: Recognising early signs and symptoms of common mental health issues. Providing initial non-judgemental support and reassurance. Guiding the person to seek appropriate professional support. Ensuring safety and, if necessary, escalating to emergency services.

7. Recognising Mental Health Concerns

Staff should be aware of common signs that a colleague may be experiencing mental health challenges, including: Changes in behaviour, mood, or appearance. Withdrawal from colleagues or social situations. Increased sickness absence or punctuality issues. Signs of stress, anxiety, or emotional distress. Reduced performance or concentration difficulties. Expressing feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.

8. MHFA Procedures

Where a staff member appears to need mental health support, the following steps will apply: Approach: Engage the staff member in a supportive, non-judgemental manner. Listen: Allow them to express concerns without interruption. Assess: Consider whether immediate professional help is required (e.g., suicidal thoughts, severe distress). Signpost: Provide information on internal and external support services. Support: Follow up where appropriate, respecting boundaries and confidentiality. Escalate: If the staff member presents an immediate risk to themselves or others, escalate to emergency services and inform the directors.

9. Confidentiality and Record Keeping

All discussions relating to mental health will be handled confidentially unless there is an immediate risk to safety. Any records kept will be: Minimal, factual, and non-judgemental. Stored securely and separately from general HR records. Accessed only by authorised personnel.

10. Staff Training and Awareness

{{org_field_name}} will: Ensure all staff receive mental health awareness training during induction. Provide additional MHFA training for designated staff where applicable. Offer refresher training as part of ongoing professional development. Promote mental health awareness through newsletters, meetings, and supervision.

11. Integration with Staff Wellbeing

This policy complements the broader Staff Support and Wellbeing Policy by: Addressing mental health as part of holistic staff wellbeing. Ensuring access to advice and support beyond formal supervision or HR processes. Encouraging reflection on personal wellbeing during supervision and appraisal.

12. Access to Support

Staff may access mental health support through: Internal MHFAs. Supervision with directors. Referral to Occupational Health (where applicable). External services such as GP services, NHS Talking Therapies, Mind, Samaritans, or other specialist mental health organisations. The agency will provide staff with up-to-date information on support services and encourage their use.

13. Supporting Return to Work

Where staff have experienced mental health challenges resulting in absence: Directors will meet with the staff member before returning to work. A Return-to-Work Plan will be agreed, which may include phased returns, adjusted duties, or additional support. Ongoing support will be provided through supervision and regular check-ins.

14. Risk Assessment

{{org_field_name}} will: Identify workplace stressors and mental health risks as part of general risk assessments. Take action to mitigate identified risks, including adjusting workloads, shift patterns, or other work arrangements where necessary. Monitor stress and wellbeing trends through supervision and staff feedback.

15. Equality and Diversity

{{org_field_name}} will: Ensure all staff, regardless of their background or protected characteristics, have equal access to mental health support. Make reasonable adjustments for staff with long-term mental health conditions in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. Promote an inclusive workplace where staff feel safe to disclose mental health concerns without fear of discrimination.

16. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

The directors will: Monitor the effectiveness of this policy through feedback, supervision, and audits. Seek staff feedback on the availability and effectiveness of mental health support. Review trends in sickness absence, incidents, and supervision records to identify areas for improvement. Update training and resources to reflect changes in legislation, guidance, or identified needs.

17. Policy Review

This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if: There are changes in relevant legislation or guidance.

Responsible Person: {{org_field_registered_manager_first_name}} {{org_field_registered_manager_last_name}}
Reviewed on: {{last_update_date}}
Next Review Date: {{next_review_date}}
Copyright © {{current_year}} – {{org_field_name}}. All rights reserved.