International Recognition for Gateshead College

Staff at Gateshead College are celebrating after receiving international recognition at this year’s UK & European Employee Engagement Awards.

The college was highly commended in the Wellbeing Award category at the prestigious awards ceremony at Twickenham Stadium where high profile companies including VISA, e-on and Unicef were recognised.

The Principal and CEO said “I am delighted our approach to staff wellbeing has been recognised and acknowledged on an international stage. Looking after our people and ensuring they are fit, well and happy in their work is extremely important to us and this award highlights our commitment to ensuring this.”

Over recent years the college has introduced a range of initiatives and campaigns to improve both the physical and mental health wellbeing of its employees including fitness campaigns, mindfulness and meditation sessions, laughing yoga and the introduction of a healthy mind app.

In 2018 the college launched its Mental Health Champions scheme and also became the first FE provider in the region to sign the Time to Change employer pledge with the aim of improving attitudes and behaviour towards mental health problems. All staff were also enrolled on a mental health awareness training course to help them spot the signs and symptoms of a friend or colleague in distress.

This award comes on the back of the college being recognised as North East’s Best Places to Work in 2018 as part of NCJ Media’s Invest in the North East campaign.