RCSI has been awarded the prestigious Ibec KeepWell Mark, a workplace accreditation which demonstrates the university’s commitment to employee health, wellbeing and safety. In signing up to the award, RCSI is making a pledge of commitment to providing the highest standard workplace wellbeing.

The accreditation process includes benchmarking and an assessment against recognised standards in workplace health, safety and wellbeing with a personalised report being prepared with recommendations for corporate wellbeing strategy and a certificate of accreditation which is valid for two years.

In 2016, RCSI launched the RCSI INSPIRE programme which aims to promote the benefits of health and wellbeing to staff of the university. RCSI INSPIRE is based on four health pillars: physical, nutritional, mental and occupational health. The programme runs employee wellness activities throughout the year from mindfulness sessions to mental health awareness coffee mornings and healthy recipes tips. The events are run in collaboration with University-wide initiative including the Sports and Club club, RCSI Gym and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Unit.

As an international not-for-profit health sciences university, RCSI is committed to ensuring all employees, who work across a number of locations, have a positive, healthy and engaging employee experience. The KeepWell accreditation highlighted the impact of RCSI initiatives including flexible working options, policies and family-friendly initiatives and facilities that safeguard the health and wellbeing of employees in the workplace.

Speaking on behalf of RCSI Inspire, Yvette Moffatt and Brid Mahon said: “We are delighted to receive the KeepWell mark which celebrates our dedication to ensuring workplace wellbeing is prioritised. We would like to thank all colleagues who supported the application, sharing their personal experiences of health, safety and wellbeing in our university.”

Addressing the award, Professor Cathal Kelly, RCSI CEO said: “The KeepWell mark underlines our commitment to the highest standards of employee wellbeing across all aspects of our university. As medical educators and researchers, it is our responsibility to use our expertise to foster improvements in health and education in our communities and around the world, starting with those closest to us – our colleagues.”

Sophie Moran, The KeepWell Mark Ibec, commented: “Improved wellbeing leads to an overall happier and healthier workplace and better company culture. We are delighted to present this accreditation to RCSI who have shown their commitment to workplace health and safety and wellbeing.”