 |
|
|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Listed below you will find answers to the
most common questions that are asked about the SHAW programme
and how it works. If you have a query and are unable to find
an answer below, you can check the other options on the Help
and Support page, e-mail us at june.telford@lanarkshire.scot.nhs.uk
or call the SHAW Helpline 0800 056 1279. |
|
|
|
|
1. How much does it all cost?
Registering for Scotland's Health at Work is completely free,
as is the help and support you receive from your local Scotland's
Health at Work advisor. Bear in mind that you may require
a small budget to provide resources and run health promotion
events. However, many resources, such as leaflets and posters,
can be sourced free of charge and your local area advisor
will be able to advise you on this.
|
Back to top of page |
|
|
|
|
2. How long will it take?
This really depends on your organisation. There is no set
timescale or deadline for completing each award level, although
some organisations find it helpful to set themselves a target
timescale.
The award programme is not meant to be too time-consuming. We
find that most organisations can achieve Bronze within 18
months, Silver 18 months after that and then reach Gold approximately
12 months later.
Don't forget, however, that your organisation may already
be meeting some of the criteria and can achieve an award more
quickly. Your local SHAW advisor will be able to guide you
on this.
|
Back to top of page |
|
|
|
|
3. How do I get a working group established?
It is important that the working group is made up of enthusiastic
and motivated individuals from all levels of the company.
For this reason it is best if people volunteer to be part
of the group.
Ideally you would be looking for representatives from management
and some more junior staff to make your group as representative
as possible. Many organisations find it helps to make the
most dedicated member of the team the Working Group Chairman
and to schedule in regular meetings well in advance to make
sure everyone can attend.
|
Back to top of page |
|
|
|
4. Can I go straight to Gold?
If you are already meeting all the criteria for Bronze, Silver
and Gold then technically yes you can apply for a Gold award
straight away. However, most organisations feel that their
staff gain more benefit and greater satisfaction from working
through the three levels consecutively.
|
Back to top of page |
|
|
|
5. Can we submit as one part of a larger
organisation?
Yes - If you want to register as a department of a
larger organisation you can. Many organisations do this as
a kind of pilot of the programme to see if it will be welcomed
by their employees. If the whole organisation then wants to
come on-board they will have some experience to build on and
can quickly get up to speed. Others find that if their organisation
is particularly large, individual employees have more to gain
by taking part in the programme within their small department
or a specific office.
|
Back to top of page |
|
|
|
6. We are a small company, can we still
take part?
Yes - Scotland's Health at Work can work with organisations
of all sizes and small and medium sized companies often gain
the most benefit from the award programme. We have developed
a toolkit specifically designed to meet the needs of smaller
businesses. This is available free of charge from your local
SHAW advisor or the national helpline.
|
Back to top of page |
|
|
|
7. We don't have an occupational health
service - can we still take part?
Yes - You don't need an in-house health specialist
to achieve a Scotland's Health at Work award, just an enthusiastic
and motivated working group.
Don't forget your local SHAW advisor is at hand to put you
in touch with health specialists in your area and a lot of
advice and information on health issues can be accessed free
of charge.
|
Back to top of page |
|
|
|
8. Where can I get information and resources
from?
There are lots of places to find information and inspiration. Most Health Boards have information leaflets and
resources which they will supply, often free of charge, as
do health-related organisations, such as Cancer Research UK and
ASH etc. For inspiration and ideas you could keep an eye out
in newspapers, magazines and on TV for topical health issues
you can promote. And of course, your SHAW advisor will always
be able to suggest good sources of accurate information.
|
Back to top of page |
|
|
|
9. How do I communicate to the organisation
that we are taking part in SHAW?
It is important to publicise your SHAW activities to as many
employees as possible to ensure a good turnout. Use noticeboards,
email, intranet, newsletters, team meetings, canteen tables
and even the rest rooms to put up posters and event information.
Word of mouth is often the best form of communication so try
to get everyone talking about your event!
|
Back to top of page |
|
|
|
10. How can I get people motivated?
The best way to keep people motivated is to offer something
of relevance to them. One way to do this is to ask them what
they want - either through a formal needs assessment or simply
by canvassing ideas at a team meeting.
Scotland's Health at Work is meant to be fun and friendly
- a gruelling orienteering session in deepest darkest December
may not be very appealing, so make activities interesting
and fun if at all possible!
|
Back to top of page |
|
|
|
|
|
|
