This programme focused on better understanding the work required by VCS organisations to embed wellbeing into their systems and culture.
The Better Support Systems programme provided a framework and grant funding to five VCS organisations. The aim was to collectively explore and capture lessons about how to better support their frontline worker’s wellbeing and solidify an understanding of the value of wellbeing and how to embed a culture of care. The programme was designed to enable organisations to undertake work relevant to their own context while VAS gathered insights for the wider sector. This work was funded by Public Health Sheffield City Council and is a part of an expanding workstream at VAS focusing on VCFSE workforce wellbeing.
While the sector faces immense structural challenges, funding uncertainty, high workloads and emotional fatigue, the participating organisations showed that small, intentional changes can have a ripple effect that benefits their workers’ wellbeing.
Through a series of learning events and practical internal assignments, ranging from consulting workers, to hosting wellbeing events to drafting a wellbeing policy, the programme explored what leaders or wellbeing champions in VCS organisations can do to enable a culture that has a more positive and ongoing impact on their frontline workers’ wellbeing.
Key findings include:
- A complex tension, that while organisations are deeply committed to their staff, they are often operating in ‘survival mode’ making strategic wellbeing development difficult.
- “Wellbeing” as a term can carry stigma, often requiring alternative language to engage staff
- Structural boundaries, clear job descriptions, and management competency are just as critical to wellbeing as social support
- Peer support is a vital protective factor.
By validating the experiences of programme leads, de-stigmatising the language of worker wellbeing, and grounding organisational support in solid systems backed by policy and competent management, organisations can create environments where frontline workers are empowered to thrive, not just survive.
Download the briefing below to read more, and see the recommendations that emerged.
Key Information
Further information and enquiries
Please contact Natasha Munoz, Head of VCFSE partnerships and opportunities N.Munoz@vas.org.uk
Workforce Wellbeing Workstream
This is an emerging workstream at VAS. The vital role that the wellbeing of the VCFSE workforce plays in the extent, quality and sustainability of vital services.
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