Recognition for commitment to health, wellbeing and safety

ISO 45003 is a new international guidance standard designed for the management of psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Its main aim is to reduce the incidence of mental health issues amongst staff by promoting organisational wellbeing.

Compliance with the standard is a strong external endorsement of Cardiff University’s commitment and proactive approach to staff wellbeing.

Chris Moores, Operations Director from the certification body, NQA said: “There was no requirement for Cardiff University to get this certification so the very act of going for it shows how forward-thinking the university is and how committed you are to staff wellbeing. It’s really refreshing to come here today and see the investment you’ve made in the organisation, the people, the management system, and hopefully that’ll bear fruit for you going forward.

“Thank you for being the shining light for IS0 45003 in the higher education sector. You being the first to do this in your sector is a huge testament to you and to what you’ve achieved.”

Professor Colin Riordan, President and Vice-Chancellor, Cardiff University, said: “What I like about the ISO 45003 approach is that it requires our decision-makers to think about the psychological health and mental wellbeing of our staff, as well as their physical safety. It really has changed the way we think about leading and managing the university.

“I would like to thank all those at the university who have made this achievement possible. This is a beginning and not an end. We are committed to creating a mentally healthy learning and working environment where every member of our university community can thrive. This is a road of continual improvement and this certification shows that we are heading in the right direction.”

Cardiff University is committed to enabling staff to thrive through healthy working lives. Other recent achievements in this area include:

• against the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Wellbeing), Cardiff University is now ranked 4th in the UK and 41st in the world against over 1,000 higher education institutions
• inclusion in a Healthy Working Wales report on best workplace wellbeing practice during the COVID-19 pandemic
• a Health and Wellbeing Achievement Award from the Universities Safety and Health Association (USHA). This peer acknowledgement recognises the university’s good work in this area and solidifies its position as sector-leading.