Consensus is not just a workplace – it’s a supportive community of amazing people, dedicated to empowering and inspiring people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. Our commitment to employee wellbeing goes hand-in-hand with our commitment to make a real difference in the lives of others.
We believe the key to providing exceptional care those we support is by first providing exceptional care to our colleagues. By creating a supportive environment that prioritises wellbeing, injects fun, and exudes appreciation for everything our colleagues do – we enable them to reflect the same level of care and dedication towards the people they support, bringing joy to every day.
To support our colleagues’ physical health, we offer a range of initiatives. When it comes to benefits, last year, we launched GP24, a virtual GP service providing colleagues with free access to healthcare services, prescriptions, and advice 24/7. And for communication, every month we share a ‘meal of the month’ healthy recipe and promote exercise initiatives such as ‘On Your Feet Britain.’ The Deansbrook team even introduced a weekly workout activity that brings everyone together for dancing and laughter – a great example of making exercise fun for all!
We are deeply committed to mental health support. In the past two years, we’ve increased our network of MHFAiders by 150%, with 53 trained individuals across all regions. This initiative helps normalise conversations around mental health and provides colleagues with the support they need, whenever and wherever they need it. Colleagues have access to free, confidential counselling through our EAP. And our Wellbeing Coach Mary is also on hand to provide guidance and support to team members when they need it, and our Wellbeing Mailbox ensures immediate assistance is always available.
With over 70% of our workforce being women, addressing menopause in the workplace has become a key focus. Last year we hosted an open day at Central Support Office, featuring a ‘Menopause & Mindset’ webinar, a Menopause Pub Lunch Quiz, a Menopause Gameshow, and private sessions with our Wellbeing Coach. We’ve also established quarterly Menopause Meet Ups to provide ongoing support. And we cannot wait to share what we’ve been working on shortly. Check back on World Menopause Day next month.
Financial wellbeing is essential for a positive work environment. Our Tech Scheme allows colleagues to access the latest technology through an affordable salary sacrifice arrangement, spreading costs over 12 months. The scheme has already seen great uptake, demonstrating our commitment to practical financial support. We have also launched a referral scheme called Care Friends – an app that allows colleagues to share job vacancies and earn points (and therefore pounds!) for successful referrals.
Our ongoing efforts to support the physical, mental, and financial wellbeing of our colleagues highlight our dedication to making Consensus a place where everyone can thrive – and we’re always acting on feedback and introducing new schemes that our colleagues want and need from a great employer. By prioritising wellbeing, we ensure that our colleagues are empowered to deliver the best possible care, bringing joy to every day for both themselves and the people they support.
