Banks Group earns top wellbeing mark

A North East-based employer is being recognised for its sustained commitment to workplace health and wellbeing after successfully retaining a leading regional accreditation.

Property and mining firm Banks Group has been reaccredited at the ‘Maintaining Excellence’ level of the Better Health At Work Awards, marking the second consecutive time it has achieved the scheme’s highest standard. 

The initiative, managed by the Northern TUC with support from public health bodies and local authorities, promotes healthier workplaces across the North East and Cumbria.

More than 400 regional employers now take part in the programme, with Banks Group among only a small number to both achieve and retain the top accreditation. 

Bosses say the reaccreditation reflects long-term engagement with the scheme, including meeting all criteria through detailed assessment, evidence portfolios and sustained delivery.

Sarah Carr, who coordinates the Banks Group’s Better Health At Work programme alongside colleagues Becky Styles, Laura-Jane Foster and Jamilah Hassan, said: “The whole company has been really positive about Better Health At Work ever since we first signed up to it, and this enthusiasm has been a key part of reaching the Maintaining Excellence standard once again.

“Our team gains greater awareness of health issues and practical help in improving their own and their families’ wellbeing, while the company gets improved employee morale and engagement through all the activities we put on which hopefully result in a healthier workforce.

“We encourage everyone to take individual actions about the topics we cover, and to share the information we make available with their families and friends, so that it has the maximum possible positive impact across our community.

“As a long-term participant, we’d very much encourage other North East firms to look at the benefits that being part of this project would deliver for them and their staff.”

Banks Group first joined the awards programme in 2012 and has since embedded health and wellbeing into its wider business culture. 

A network of trained health advocates operates across the organisation, meeting regularly to plan campaigns focused on both physical and mental wellbeing. 

Mental health first aiders are also in place across sites, supported by a wide-ranging internal health information library.

To meet and exceed scheme requirements, Banks runs more than ten wellbeing campaigns annually, covering areas such as mental health, fitness, menopause awareness, cancer support and financial wellbeing. 

External speakers are also regularly brought in to broaden awareness and encourage open conversations.

Nick Hobdey, group human resources director at the Banks Group, added: “People are the greatest asset of any business and are naturally the key to its long-term success, so it makes clear sense for employers to take proactive steps to support them in every way possible.

“The quality of the work done by our Better Health At Work team and all our health advocates has a tangible impact on our business operations and we’re very pleased to be retaining this high-level accreditation once again.”

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