British Antarctic Survey Wins Prestigious Inclusivity Excellence Award for Wellbeing and Belonging

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is proud to announce that it has won the "Wellbeing and Belonging at Work" category at the Inclusivity Excellence Awards hosted by the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (enei). This recognition highlights the extensive efforts BAS has made to foster a culture of workplace diversity, inclusion, and belonging, alongside promoting the physical and mental wellbeing of its staff.

This achievement reflects a 15-year journey of continuous improvement, shaped by staff feedback and a commitment to creating a psychologically safe and inclusive environment. Through proactive measures, BAS has developed a comprehensive framework to support both managers and staff, ensuring everyone feels valued and supported.

A Holistic Approach to Wellbeing

BAS's wellbeing initiatives are rooted in evidence-based strategies and a commitment to building resilience and positive mental health across the organisation. The support framework includes:

• Dedicated Personnel and Support Services:
  Confidential assistance is available through the Health & Wellbeing Manager, Welfare Officer, and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Employee Assistance Programme:
  A resource accessible to staff and their families, offering guidance and practical help.
• Health and Wellness Initiatives:
  Regular wellbeing clinics, health promotion webinars, relaxation classes, and advice on nutrition and sleep help staff maintain a balanced lifestyle.
• Mind Collaboration:
  Training sessions in partnership with the mental health charity Mind equip managers and staff to address mental health issues proactively.
• Health and Wellbeing Passport:
  A tailored tool to support staff in managing their individual needs.

Anette and Gemma at enei awards - November 2024

Embedding Safety and Wellbeing in Workplace Culture

In summer 2023, BAS launched the Safety Together campaign, an integrated approach that emphasizes mental health, social wellbeing, and physical safety as interconnected pillars of workplace safety.

Physical Safety: Prevention First

• Encouraging early identification and reporting of potential hazards and near-misses to prevent accidents.
• Empowering colleagues to speak up and actively protect one another.
• Creating a workplace culture where everyone feels confident to address safety concerns.

Mental Health: Prioritizing Wellbeing

• Promoting mental wellness as a key component of overall health.
• Encouraging activities such as mindfulness, hobbies, and exercise to reduce stress.
• Providing accessible support for those facing challenges, ensuring no one feels alone.

Social Wellbeing: A Shared Responsibility

• Advocating for empathy, setting boundaries, and calling out unwanted behaviour to nurture a respectful and inclusive workplace.
• Encouraging teamwork to build a community that values safety and wellbeing for all.

A Model for Excellence in Inclusivity and Belonging

BAS’s dedication to its staff's wellbeing and its inclusive approach have been pivotal in earning this award. The organisation recognises that fostering a supportive work environment not only enhances staff satisfaction but also strengthens the resilience and safety of the entire workforce.

Winning this award is both a milestone and a motivator for BAS to continue leading the way in inclusivity and wellbeing, ensuring its workplace remains a beacon of excellence for years to come.

Congratulations to everyone at BAS for this remarkable achievement!