Institutional Vision Statement for Wellbeing
Our commitment to the wellbeing of our students and colleagues at the University of Salford.
At the University of Salford, we are committed to embedding a whole-university approach to the health and wellbeing of all our people. This means moving beyond largely reactive responses to poor health and wellbeing through the provision of support services and interventions, to also fostering a university environment that proactively enhances the health and wellbeing of our whole community.
By working together across departments and disciplines with the unified goal of enabling healthier living, we bring together critical knowledge, experience and expertise to create a collaborative advantage of institution-wide innovation and transformation.
Our wellbeing
Focusing on the wellbeing of all our people leads to improved performance and outcomes for both students and colleagues and contributes to the institution's success in delivering high-quality education and research.
Our wellbeing ambitions
To be exemplary in our wellbeing offer for students and colleagues, and through pioneering academic research.
To demonstrate that the wellbeing of our people is a priority, strengthening our reputation as a university, employer of choice and a valued partner within the local community.
To foster a psychologically safe culture that challenges stigma, values lived experience and encourages open conversation.
Our Vision for Wellbeing
We recognise that every aspect of university life can support wellbeing. Our approach therefore must be multi-faceted; shaped by how it feels to work and study here, the research undertaken, and the impact we have on the local community and wider world.
Empowering all to fulfil their potential
- Student and colleague wellbeing are inextricably linked. Research shows that colleague stress affects academic outcomes, while increasing student mental health needs have a growing impact on the colleagues providing support.
- We aim to foster a culture that empowers all to thrive and fulfil their potential, finding the appropriate balance between supportive interventions in times of difficulty, and preventative measures that address the cultural and structural barriers to wellbeing.
Fostering collaborative environments
- Psychologically safe, collaborative environments are key to inclusive, innovative research cultures where our people can develop into creative leaders.
- Our pioneering academic research addresses critical wellbeing challenges, by not only finding solutions but translating them into practical solutions that benefit society on a local and global scale.
Driving long-term systemic change
- The University of Salford is committed to equity, inclusion and celebrating diversity, both within and beyond our campus
- As a civic institution we use our role in education, employment and research to engage with the local community – advancing healthcare, reducing inequalities and collaborating with others to advance social justice and drive long-term systemic change
In action
We strive to ensure that everyone in our university community:
- Can easily find and access services and support
- Feels empowered to take control of and manage their own wellbeing
- Encounters an environment that is conducive to good mental health and wellbeing
We will...
Consciously consider our influence as a university over factors known to contribute to wellbeing such as culture, teams, peer groups, common practices, behaviours and the physical environment
Recognise that all aspects of university life can support or detract from wellbeing and therefore a proactive approach to improving wellbeing is as important as the provision of services and interventions in times of need
Facilitate opportunities for students and colleagues to develop insight, understanding and skills to manage and maintain their own wellbeing
Work collaboratively across teams and disciplines to share our expertise and learning, ensuring a truly whole-university approach to wellbeing
University Mental Health Charter
In September 2024 we were pleased to announce that we joined the University Mental Health Charter Programme - an initiative by UK student mental health charity Student Minds.
The programme encourages universities to take a holistic, “whole university” approach to student and colleague mental health, considering how mental health and wellbeing is promoted to everyone within the university community. The Mental Health Charter Framework will inform our actions going forward, with the goal of applying for Charter status following a two-year development process.
What's next?
We have laid strong foundations by working collaboratively across student and staff wellbeing, but we know there is more to do.
Even with a whole university approach, tailored interventions remain essential to meet the distinct needs of our student and colleague populations.
To realise our ambitions, we require engagement and collaboration across teams and disciplines, and a consideration of wellbeing in every decision made at all levels of the university.
The student and colleague wellbeing teams will continue to:
- Work in partnership with academic and research colleagues
- Embed wellbeing, research and social justice into our activities
- Report progress to the Professional Services Leadership Group for governance and accountability.