Skipton Building Society

Understanding the issues for sustainable resolution

Skipton has a dedicated fully trained counsellor on site to assist with initial crisis, supporting staff and HR consultants.

The organisation recognised that personal issues can impact considerably on people’s work performance and that setting performance targets was not the answer.

For sustainable resolution there was a need to understand the problems and uncover the true picture.

It was essential to find the root causes of the individual’s difficulties.

A move to comprehensive provision

As the organisation continued to grow and demand on Human Resources increased, it became clear that the team did not have the time or advanced skills to follow all cases through, and there was a conflict between the team’s reputation for being open and approachable with the need to manage disciplinary and redundancy situations.

Therefore the move from an ad hoc referrals system to a more structured and comprehensive provision was a natural progression.

After a detailed analysis of different providers Skipton chose Oasis for a number of reasons:

• Oasis is a nationally recognised provider of counselling provision.
• Oasis has high credibility – Skipton had received excellent positive feedback from colleagues.
• Oasis has provided a high level of support – there were real success stories walking around Skipton. Some people visibly looked different and they were able to talk about their experiences of counselling.
• The comfortable and non-confrontational relationship Skipton had had with Oasis over several years was important. The key contacts at Skipton know they can give feedback honestly and it will be heard.
• Oasis also has other areas which the Society could access – so some people attended a mentoring course which was fundamental to the establishment of an organisation-wide mentoring programme which has become embedded as part of the Skipton culture.

The Skipton’s recruitment literature focuses heavily not only on available benefits and career opportunities, but also on well-being as a major part of the employment package.

It is part of a holistic approach to managing their people and Oasis plays a crucial part in the well-being aspect of the individual.

Good value for money

The Society’s Retail Board are very supportive of the service and feel it represents good value for money.

The mid-year reports to the SRB quantify in a generic and confidential format the benefits accruing to both individuals who have accessed the service and to the Society.

The reports play an important part in validating the investment and are a useful means of measurement and a useful tool to persuade other group companies of the benefits of this service.

The company has a Stress Policy in place which is supported by stress awareness events and workshops, many of which have been run by Oasis.

A bespoke and flexible service

One of the benefits of the service has been Oasis’ ability to be flexible and create a bespoke aspect.

For example when the Skipton merged with other companies during 2009/10, Oasis provided counselling and assistance for people who were directly affected by the change and this helped to normalise abnormal sets of circumstances.

Some comments people have made who have used Oasis have been:

• “It helped me to focus and work towards a goal and learn how to move forward.”
• “It helped me to view things from all angles.”
• “To do what I want to do and not what others want me to do.”
• “Without this help my job would have suffered greatly and my health been affected.”
• “I have understanding of my problems and more self-belief.”

Chris Worts, Human Resources Manager, said: “The relationship with Oasis has developed over time to the extent where they are viewed as an extension of the society, however they retain the very important attribute of being seen as an independent and, therefore, confidential resource to be accessed at times of need by anyone within the organisation in a discreet and personal manner.