Work-Life Balance Standard a first for West Suffolk

28th January, 2003

West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust¹s commitment to improving the quality of working lives for all its employees has earned it national accreditation, and a place in the record books, for being the first NHS Trust to achieve the Work-Life Balance Standard.

The Trust¹s policies and procedures to support employees in achieving a better work-life balance have been independently assessed by the Work Life Balance Consultancy (WLBC) - the private organisation registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to provide work-life balance consultancy to companies throughout the UK."

Jan Bloomfield, Director of Personnel and Corporate Resources, said: "It is wonderful news that the policies that we have now embedded within the Trust have been recognised as meeting the benchmark for the Work-Life Balance Standard.

"Creating the opportunity for flexible working patterns and introducing family friendly policies is so important in helping the Trust recruit and retain valuable staff. Achieving the Standard is a significant step towards the Trust¹s strategic aim to become an ŒEmployer of choice¹.

When informing the Trust of its achievement of the Work-Life Balance, Sue Levett, Managing Director of Work Life Balance Consultancy, said: "We are impressed by your commitment to helping all employees balance their working lives and WLB appears to be enshrined within your culture."

Since receiving accreditation, West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust has been featured on the Work Life Balance Standard web site¹s home page, and has been asked to take part in a case study to demonstrate the benefits derived through creating an effective work-life balance culture.

Notes to the editor

Prime Minister Tony Blair launched the Work-Life Balance Campaign in March 2000 to help bring about a better balance between work and other aspects of life in the workplace.

For more information, please see the DTI website.