MoD Signs the Working with Cancer Pledge

Soon after being appointed MOD’s civilian Health and Wellbeing Champion, I wrote about how cancer is a topic that is particularly important to me. 

The purpose of signing up to the pledge is to reduce the stigma and anxiety of cancer in the workplace and provide a more inclusive and supportive environment for employees affected by cancer, or any serious illness or health condition, at work or in their personal lives.

A few months ago, I asked for those affected by cancer or other serious health conditions to complete an anonymous survey, to help us to prioritise where to focus our attention moving forward. The survey was open to anyone diagnosed with cancer, or who is a carer, line manager, friend or colleague to someone diagnosed.

To ensure meaningful action, I have worked with Defence’s Cancer Support Network to develop an Action Plan, which sets out ways in which we aim to support employees living with cancer, or other significant illness. While cancer is specifically referenced, this is only because it is one of the most common diagnoses in the workplace - the principles of the pledge extend to employees with any serious condition.

As part of our commitments, we have pledged as follows:

• We will promote the value of people continuing to work with cancer both to the individual and the organisation, through regular wellbeing updates and using national awareness campaigns.
• The Civil Service Health and Wellbeing Champion will utilise the network of Senior Health and Wellbeing Champions to identify and publicise great real-life experience of culture and behaviours where the MOD supports those working with cancer. 
• As part of Civ HR’s policy simplification project we will ensure that any changes to the Civil Service policies will support those working with cancer, by April 2024.
• Defence People Team will continue to provide information to support employees, D & I Advisers, DBS Caseworkers, Mental Health First Aiders, and managers to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to best support people working with cancer.
• We will support those in a primary care giver role of someone with cancer, by promoting the CS Carers Charter, providing membership of Employers for Carers, encouraging staff members to complete Carer’s Passports and actively engage with those that do to agree to adjustments. We will also promote corresponding policies, procedures and flexible working options twice a year.
• We will work with Service Personnel HR leads to reflect and incorporate how the pledge will apply to service personnel.
• This pledge will be reported on and reviewed annually in February of each year by the Defence Cancer Support Network.

While the first phase of the action plan is predominantly based on the civilian workforce, I intend to explore ways in which we can strengthen our support to all Defence people.

For me, this is only the beginning. I am committed to ensuring words turn into actions and that we continue to make progress on our promises. 

By Jolliffe, Avril