In addition to the two core priorities of the Herefordshire Health and Wellbeing Strategy, there are six supporting priorities which are also critically important for population wellbeing.  Good work for everyone is one of these six priorities.  This paper updates on progress made to date including the new Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care System (ICS) Health and Work Strategy, and WorkWell.

David Collyer provided the introduction to the slides ‘Good work for everyone: The relationship between work and health’ and further slides were presented as follows:

i.             Alexia Heath presented the slides: Get Britain Working Plan; and Get Marches Working Plan, including objectives, key statistics, and summary of the priority groups for the Marches area.

ii.            David Mehaffey presented the slides: Finalising the Health and Work Strategy; The Vision; Four Strategic Ambitions; and Strategic Outcomes – Seeking to change.

The Chairperson acknowledged that the partner organisations were significant employers in the county and invited board members to comment on the health and support pathways available to employees.  Overviews were provided in respect of: Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service; West Mercia Police; Wye Valley NHS Trust; NHS Herefordshire and Worcestershire Integrated Care Board; and Herefordshire Council.

The Leader of the Council noted that job satisfaction and enjoyment at work were important to staff members’ health and wellbeing.

iii.          Gillian Pearson presented the slides: Talk Wellbeing – WorkWell; and Talk Wellbeing – Workplace Health Checks.

In response to questions, it was confirmed that: work was being undertaken with the agricultural sector, including through Hereford Livestock Centre and local ploughing matches; and that there had been engagement with hvoss (Herefordshire Voluntary Organisations Support Service) and ECHO (Extra Choices in Herefordshire) on the Get Marches Working Plan.

Resolved:  That

a)           progress towards the priority of achieving good work for everyone be noted;

b)          the Herefordshire and Worcestershire ICS Health and Work Strategy be supported; and

c)           member organisations consider how they can contribute further to this priority.