Wellbeing Advisor

House of Commons

The House of Commons a unique and exciting place to work right at the heart of the UK’s thriving democratic system.

Behind the scenes, the House of Commons Service is made up of more than 3,000 employees who support and facilitate the smooth day to day running of the House. They provide professional services to Members of Parliament, their staff, and the wider parliamentary community.

Staff Benefits

In addition to your salary, we offer an attractive range of benefits including:

• 30 days’ annual leave (increasing to 35 days after first full leave year).
• Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%.
• Access to training and development.
• Flexible working.
• Interest free season ticket loan and bicycle loan.

Introduction

The Parliamentary Health and Wellbeing Service (PHWS) delivers a Bicameral service to the House of Commons, House of Lords, and the Parliamentary Digital Service (a joint department of both Houses). Most services are delivered to around 4,000 employees with further support and advice provided to the 650 individual Members of Parliament and their 3,500 employees together with services to 800 peers within the House of Lords.

The strategic aim of Parliament is to support a thriving parliamentary democracy. The Parliamentary Health and Wellbeing team is part of the People and Culture Team (PACT) within the House of Commons.

The Role

This role will sit in the PHWS but will work closely with the Members and Members’ Staff Service Team and other key stakeholder groups across both Houses of Parliament. This role will be managed by the Health & Wellbeing Lead and will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team of clinical and administrative staff.

The Wellbeing Advisor will ensure that Members and their staff have access to a wide range of professional health and wellbeing advice, guidance and support. The successful candidate will deliver a person-centred service; building effective communication with all individuals, partnership organisations and others.

Some of the responsibilities for this role include:

• Working with Office Managers/Members and individuals (nationwide) on a 1-2-1 basis to improve their physical and mental wellbeing: – creating a clear plan forward using the 5 Ways to Wellbeing model.
• To provide flexible health and wellbeing support based on a needs assessment and in partnership with Office Managers/Members, MMSST HR Advisory Service and external agencies as required.
• Advising Members/Member’s HR proxies and Office Managers on best practice when dealing with sensitive wellbeing issues relating to staff attendance and absence making informed and evidenced based decisions.
• Promote, raise awareness, and increase knowledge on the health and wellbeing services available to all stakeholders and at all levels of the organisation including training sessions, town halls, team meetings etc.
• Providing recommendations and signposting to approved third party support and external suppliers for a wide range of health and wellbeing services.

Skills and Experience

To be successful in this role you will demonstrate:

• Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or equivalent, Psychology degree or equivalent, or substantial experience Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care or equivalent, Psychology degree, or equivalent, or substantial experience of working in workplace health and wellbeing. An understanding and knowledge of mental health and mental health conditions including crisis support is also essential. Able to demonstrate an understanding of the additional wellbeing barriers experienced by some Neurodivergent individuals or by those with long term health conditions. And/or Experience supporting individuals in the workplace through a coaching or mentoring role. Understanding of safeguarding issues and procedures, risk management and health and safety is essential. Knowledge of current legislation including GDPR, the Mental Health Act and Equality and Diversity principles is essential.
• Experience in delivering information and guidance, with the ability to signpost individuals to appropriate organisations. Ability to take decisions quickly using own initiative. Proactive and solution focussed. Demonstrable experience in exceptional customer service delivery and confident in dealing with challenging situations. Excellent communication skills, using active listening and ability to present to a group, in person or virtually.
• Knowledge of data protection, confidentiality and privacy including reporting of information in accordance with policies and procedures. Demonstrable experience in managing complaints to resolution and conflict management. Proficient use of Office 365 tools and applications.
• The importance of evidence-based practice and governance to protect the individual including appropriate record keeping. Understands the requirement for safe working practices, policy, procedures, audit, and assurance committed to ongoing professional development and practice supervision.
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team, whilst upholding the values of equality, diversity, and inclusion. Polite and confident, approachable, emotionally intelligent, articulate, motivated and forward thinking with high attention to detail. Able to manage competing priorities and dedicated resources within budget.

Next Steps and Additional Information

Application Form – If you would like to apply for this role, please submit an application providing evidence against criteria 2 – 5 in the Job Description.

More information on the role and the full criteria can be found in the Job Description.

Please note that as part of the selection process, you may be asked to complete a test or presentation at the interview stage. More information will be provided in due course.

Please note that most job offers will be made at the minimum of the salary range, other than in exceptional circumstances.

We may close the vacancy prior to the closing date stated due to a high volume of applications.

Contact Details

For more information about the role, or for an informal chat, contact Sophie Nicolaou