Case study
Next
We partnered with Next in 2017, starting with the creation of their initial Wellbeing charter and policy then developing customised Mental Health, Wellbeing, Conflict Management and De-Escalation courses and Train the Trainer programmes.
What we did
Wellbeing charter
Working with Next, we developed a Wellbeing Charter to clearly outline what the organisation stood for.
Top down approach
We developed and delivered training from the CEO, to Senior Leaders and managers across the business.
Mental health first aiders
We trained mental health first aiders from various departments to provide initial support.
Train the trainer
We developed a bespoke course for role out, and then trained Next's Trainers how to deliver it.
Next, the UK’s largest clothing retailer, operates across the UK, Europe, and Asia. To support the mental health and wellbeing of its 44,000 employees, we collaborated with senior leaders to understand their objectives and key challenges.
Together, we identified that existing processes were fragmented, policy-driven, and reactive.
We developed a 'whole organisation approach' starting with a Wellbeing Charter and Policy, which we launched in a tailored training session for Directors and Senior leaders.
We trained Mental Health First Aiders and developed an ongoing programme of support for them.
We also created a bespoke 'Trainer' programme, enabling their own internal trainers to deliver training and key messages across the wider business in a cost-effective manner.
We tailored our Manager eLearning programme to reflect relevant legislation and positions around mental health in the workplace and employment law in different countries.
What we did
Wellbeing at the core
Mental health and wellbeing is now a pro-active core element of their Health and Safety strategy.
Flexible working
is now formally recognised. Historically, this was not the norm.
First aiders being used
10,000 minutes of conversations had, preventing absence and speeding up appropriate support.
EAP Usage up
Significant increase in usage of Employee Assistance programme, due to earlier signposting.
What the client said
"Terry was an excellent trainer and we came away with a much clearer picture of how mental health issues affect people at work. The training was engaging, accessible, informative, important and mind-broadening. Most of all, the training helped to dispel the stigma and fear of mental health - giving delegates the confidence to recognise some of the symptoms and a desire to do what we can to help people through periods of mental ill-health."
Lord Simon Wolfson
CEO, Next
"Oakwood have helped Next to embark upon their journey to improve the way those who experience mental ill-health are recognised, heard and helped. From the development of corporate objectives and a Mental Wellbeing Charter to the creation and delivery of a comprehensive training programme and procedures, Oakwood have been incredibly supportive at every stage."
Andy Latham
Head of Health, Safety and Wellbeing, Next
"Since partnering with Oakwood in 2017, we have built a fruitful, long-lasting relationship that sparked our organisational wellbeing journey. Starting with the creation of our initial charter and policy, Oakwood first trained our managers in Mental Health Awareness, before helping us develop our own in-house trainers to ensure sustainable, ongoing delivery. Today, as our wellbeing offering and culture continue to grow, Terry and his team at Oakwood are still working alongside the wellbeing team, helping us stay current, progressive, and focused on helping our team thrive."
Claire Kershaw
Health and Wellbeing Manager, Next
