Staff Wellbeing at Salford City Academy

We have a proactive and dedicated Staff Wellbeing Committee with representatives from across our academy workforce. Our committee is divided into five action groups who lead mini projects. Additionally, we have an established group of Student Wellbeing Ambassadors who collaborate with the Staff Wellbeing Committee to promote mental health awareness across the whole academy. Working collaboratively with our students has been a key element of our vision to improve wellbeing for all. 

One recent wellbeing project has been focused on reducing workload. In response to staff feedback, we provided more opportunities for collaborative planning, dedicated moderation days and managers’ training focused on developing resilience and effective teamwork. We are currently partnered with Manchester Metropolitan University in an exciting three-year research project into teacher resilience and workload. 

To further promote wellbeing and collegiality, one of our most successful initiatives is our wellbeing walks. We embark upon half-termly outings which have included hikes to the summit of Kinder Scout, Mam Tor, Snowdon and Scafell. We have also enjoyed more leisurely strolls around Dovestones, Malham Cove and Macclesfield Forest. The walks have been extremely popular, allowing staff to enjoy the benefits of fresh air and exercise whilst spending quality time with colleagues. Our next challenge will take us on our biggest adventure yet – to the top of Ben Nevis and the completion of the three peaks! 

Our Staff Rewards and Recognition Policy sets out all the fantastic internal and external schemes that staff can take part in. One well-established initiative is our staff nomination system. Every week staff vote for colleagues who have gone the extra mile in supporting others - a name is drawn at random and awarded a prize! Furthermore, at the end of every term, we have a wellbeing week where we remove all after-school meetings from the calendar and hold a larger celebratory event in recognition of the excellent contributions of our staff.