University work features in new campaign

2 June 2011

The head of health, safety and wellbeing at a major UK university has been profiled as part of IOSH's new Li£e Savings campaign. John Hamilton, a Chartered Member of IOSH, was instrumental in developing a recent wellbeing strategy at Leeds Metropolitan University, and his work has been captured in one of a series of new case studies showcasing the work of IOSH members.

The Li£e Savings campaign has a simple message - with first class health and safety management, businesses can not only save lives, they can also save money. The campaign shows that significant 'side benefits' can include cost savings, operational efficiencies, greater productivity and profitability, a more motivated workforce and an enhanced reputation.

Leeds Met created a new wellbeing programme to tackle bullying and stress-related problems. The programme has gone a long way towards resolving the issues at the university – stress related absences fell by 16 per cent - and it's also saved around £75,000 a year. On top of this, the innovative wellbeing website, developed almost entirely in-house, has gone on to create a revenue stream of its own through a licensing scheme involving other colleges, hospitals and local authorities.

Says John: "We're proud of the fact that the programme has united the university in taking a genuinely integrated approach to wellbeing. The initiative is good for our people, and morally it's the right thing to do. But it's also good business."

Read more about the Leeds Met programme and other case studies, and find out about the new campaign on the IOSH website. If you have a success story to share, please contact us.