The Charter
10 Principles for Mental Health in Energy
The purpose of the charter is to create a shared framework that organisations can adopt throughout the industry, forming a universal, joined up approach using key learnings and sharing them with our peers. This is not about competitive advantages. It’s about coming together as human beings to allow us to do business better by creating improved working environments for our people.
Initiate a company and industry-wide cultural change
Driven by an industry-wide mental health and well-being task force made up of mental health experts and signatories at senior management level. Each company should have a mental health lead at board level.
Demonstrate transparency and accountability
Key performance benchmarks should include an audit of current mental health practices, absence rates, ongoing training and a review of mental health check-in touch points.
Build mental health awareness among employees
Companies must ensure all employees understand the basics of mental health, how to check in on someone, and how to recognise their own feelings.
Foster effective people
management
Management should have regular one-to-one sessions with direct reports. Every company should publish the charter on its website or equivalent public space.
Encourage open conversations and safe psychological spaces
People must be able to openly express their vulnerability. Each company should create a multi-touch-point support system including confidential hotlines and mental health first aiders.
Provide comprehensive
training
Training should be mandatory for all employees. Mental health first aiders must receive industry-recognised training and certification, reviewed annually.
Give mental health the same priority as physical health
This includes advising employees of company-recommended mental health self-assessment tools and including well-being in pre-job meetings.
Offer customised mental health support and guidance
Companies should assess all approaches to mental health, including new technology. Employees should be regularly updated on the internal and external support services available.
"Your mental health is just as important as your physical health."
Routinely monitor mental health and well-being
The mental health of all employees should be assessed regularly and measured. Companies should consider annually reviewing their progress against the charter's objectives.
Share best
practices
Companies will be encouraged to share examples of their best mental health practices so they can be adopted more widely across the sector.
