Ten Borough businesses commended for commitment to improving staff's health and wellbeing

The awards, supported and coordinated locally by the Council's Public Health team, recognise employers who take practical steps to support the health and wellbeing of staff within their organisation.

Councillor Jim Beall, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Leisure and Culture, said: "Despite the considerable challenges of offering health information and support as well as working through the training and assessment processes in the context of the pandemic, these businesses and organisations have excelled themselves in attaining these awards.

"These awards recognise their commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of their employees and I was proud to help present them in the online awards ceremony.

"There's no doubt that a healthier workplace brings all manner of benefits for everyone directly involved and knock-on positive effects for the people around them.

"Our Public Health team have had to adapt as well to the circumstances of COVID-19 and have worked hard to deliver the advocate training and support those taking part to complete the assessments virtually.

"Of course, I'm especially pleased that the Council has achieved the 'Maintaining Excellence Standard' which reflects our passion as a large employer to lead by example and really care for the wellbeing of our staff."

The successful businesses and organisations in full:

• Queensway Dental (Silver Standard)
   
• Suez Tees Valley (Silver Standard)
   
• Education Training Collective (Gold Standard)
   
• WM Morrisons PLC (Continuing Excellence Standard)
   
• Clipper Logistics PLC (Maintaining Excellence Standard)
   
• Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council (Maintaining Excellence Standard)
   
• Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies (Maintaining Excellence Standard)
   
• Navigator Terminals North East (Maintaining Excellence Standard)
   
• SHPP Manufacturing UK Limited (Maintaining Excellence Standard)
   
• North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust (Maintaining Excellence Standard)

Jill McGee from North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust also picked up the 'Special Recognition' award after going the extra mile for her colleagues.

Jill and her team at the University of North Tees Hospital rolled out an organisation-wide set of improvements including a virtual 'wellbeing festival' for staff last year.

In total, there are currently 24 businesses and organisations actively engaged in the award scheme at all levels with more expressing their interest in recent months.

The North East Better Health at Work Awards are a partnership between the Northern Trades Union Congress (TUC), 11 North East councils and their Directors of Public Health.