Workplace Support

A head and torso photo of a male staff nurse and a female nursing auxiliary standing in a hospital corridor looking at the camera. The staff nurse has a folder with patient notes whilst the auxiliary has a smaller bunch of paperwork in her hands. They are both smiling. The staff nurses' top is a medium blue colour with dark blue edges whilst the auxiliary has a light blue top with dark blue edges.
Active Travel

Advice and information on active travel, including access to the Cyclescheme, pool schemes for eBikes, active travel maps and much more information on ways to both save money and look after your physical and mental wellbeing, are available on the NHSH staff intranet under staff > active travel.

Coaching for Wellbeing – supporting you in challenging times

This service highlights the importance of self-care and aims to help make a positive difference to people’s lives, as caring for others starts with caring for self. The coaching service is designed to support colleagues with any issues being faced during challenging times, including:

  • personal and professional
  • supporting individuals in building resilience
  • helping them to take action to improve their wellbeing
  • helping people explore how they lead others through challenging times.

Further information can be found at Coaching for Wellbeing and information for other support can be found at Wellbeing Hub.

Domestic abuse support

There are a number of local and national services which can support women and men who have been affected by abuse as adults and/or as children.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse

It is important to know you are not alone. Support and helplines are still available providing information in formats that you can access safely

Information and Support for People in

  • Argyll and Bute Women’s Aid 01450 218 409 or info@abwa.org.uk
  • Caithness and Sutherland Women’s Aid 0345 408 0151 or info@caswa.org.uk
  • Highland Inverness Women’s Aid 01463 220 719 or info@invernesswa.co.uk
  • Lochaber Women’s Aid 01397 705 734
  • Ross-shire Women’s Aid 01349 863 568 or info@rosswa.co.uk
  • Shakti Women’s Aid 0131 475 2399
  • Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland 03330 066 909 or info@rasash.org.uk
  • National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 027 1234
  • Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327
  • Police Scotland 101 or in an emergency 999

If it is not safe to talk when phoning 999, press 55 and stay on the line, the call handler will know you need an urgent police response

Women’s Aid provides a range of advice and support. Additional information is available, including BSL resources and information in a range of languages.  

Highland Violence Against Women and Girls Support Service Booklet has contact details for services that provide information in a variety of formats, languages and covering a wide range of circumstances.

NHSH Employees Can Help

NHSH is well placed to be accessible for victims of domestic abuse and/or sexual violence. You may be one of the few people who they may be able to contact, either through phone conversations or via 1-2-1 contact for a wide range of NHS services. Here you will find a useful video link on how you can routinely ask the right questions and using the contact information above be able to signpost someone for specialist help and support. In addition you can find a range of safety planning resources and other useful information on the Highland Violence Against Women Partnership homepage.

As A Manager/Colleague of an NHSH employee experiencing domestic abuse

During the current situation where many staff are home working and more isolated than usual, a manager or colleague may be one of the few people in regular contact with an employee who is experiencing domestic abuse. You do not need to provide advice to employees or colleagues as there are many specialist services trained to do this. However, if you can listen, believe and signpost them to these services (listed above) you will be providing invaluable help and assistanc

Employee Assistance Programme

Welcome to the Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for which is for all NHS Highland employees. This is a confidential service which is available 24/7 to assist you with personal or work-related problems that may be affecting your health, wellbeing or performance.

The EAP is provided by Health Assured and can be accessed through the following link using NHS Highland’s unique code.

Your Health Assured Welcome Pack

NHS Highland Unique code: MHA317773

Alternatively, you can call the Free 24-hour confidential helpline: 0800 028 0199

On the website, you can find a series of flyers and posters for circulation amongst colleagues:

Welcome Pack for Manager

Welcome pack for Employees

Wisdom

This service is free, confidential to use and the online portal is entirely secure. So whether you are worrying about something, need some practical information, or simply want to talk things through with someone in confidence, the EAP is there to help you 24/7.

Managers resources for staff wellbeing

The mental health charity, Mind, have created their Guides to Wellness Action Plans which can be used to help support yourself and your team.

NHS Highland Staff Networks

Enhance Your Wellbeing with NHS Highland Staff Networks! 

A graphic of the NHSH Staff Networks, which shows a figure representing a person placed in a circle surrounded by 11 smaller circles.

Your wellbeing matters, and at NHS Highland, we’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace where every member of staff can thrive. Our Staff Networks are designed to enhance wellbeing, provide support, offering a safe space to connect with colleagues, share experiences, and find encouragement from your community. 

By joining a staff network, you’ll have access to peer support, wellbeing initiatives, and opportunities for personal and professional development. Whether you’re seeking advice, looking for inspiration, or simply wanting to be part of a positive and uplifting group, our networks are here for you. 

Prioritise your wellbeing, build meaningful connections, and be part of a workplace that truly cares. Join us today – because when we support each other, we all flourish.

NHS Highland LGBTQI+ Staff Network

If you work for NHS Highland and identify as LGBTQI+ or consider yourself an ally, you may wish to view our staff LGBTQI+ social media channels:

Twitter

Facebook

Staffing policies

‘Once for Scotland’ Workforce Policies have been developed to be used consistently throughout the NHS in Scotland. There will be no local variation from the policies, as these apply to all NHS Scotland Boards.

The following NHS Highland policies provide guidance for managers to support staff whilst addressing known inequalities in the workplace.

Gender Based Violence Policy

Unpaid Carers

The Unpaid Carers Staff Network is a supportive space for NHS Highland staff who have unpaid caring responsibilities; whether you’re caring for someone at home or from a distance. You are very welcome here.

Why This Matters

There are now an estimated 1.1 million unpaid carers in Scotland, with 400,000 becoming carers since the COVID-19 pandemic. In NHS Highland alone, it’s estimated that around 1,500 staff are unpaid carers (2024).

Supporting unpaid carers helps safeguard the future of our health and social care system.

What the Network Offers

  • Monthly Virtual Drop-ins: 30-minute informal lunchtime sessions — no pressure to talk or use your camera. Just drop in when you can.
  • Peer Support & Connection: Meet colleagues who understand the challenges of balancing work and caring.

Helpful Resources

  • NHS Highland website: The Unpaid Carers page offers signposting and information on support services.
  • Staff Intranet: Policies, updates, and staff-specific guidance are available on the Unpaid Carers Services page. Please note: this page is only accessible when using a laptop or desktop device connected to NHS Highland networks.

To join our network, fill in the form. To get started in accessing information and support we have created a Quick Start Guide.