Devon & Cornwall Constabulary EAP Reduces Absenteeism

Home Office Supported Funding

Devon & Cornwall Constabulary has reported a significant drop in the level of absenteeism amongst police officers and support staff, following the introduction of Validium’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

Covering the second largest force geographical area in England, the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary decided to introduce an employee assistance programme to help large numbers of officers to deal with work issues such as their workload, traumatic incidents and organisational restructuring, as well as personal concerns.

Validium, the integrated EAP provider and specialist HR support consultancy, provides a confidential and independent support service to employees in the form of a free telephone help line.  This allows employees to discuss a wide variety of issues including stress, anxiety, addictions, bereavement, relationship concerns or employment worries with Validium’s professionally trained counsellors.

In 2002, a national strategy for a healthy police service was launched by the Home Office in response to the relatively high rate of sickness absence nationally.  Funding for the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary’s EAP has been made available under this initiative.

Since the introduction of the EAP and other internal initiatives such as a firmer application of the absence policy, absence in Devon & Cornwall police is steadily falling. Within the first year of Validium’s service, 64% of those who used face-to-face counselling reported improved stress levels, one-third claimed that the service saved them taking time off work and 14% stated that they returned to work more quickly as a result of counselling.

“The review of Validium’s EAP service is hugely encouraging, as it is evident that it is making a significant difference to both the personal and professional life of many of the officers and staff from the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary.  Our services provide a cost-effective solution that assists organisations in achieving well-being within their working environments through a confidential support service,” said Mike Shaw, Managing Director, Validium.

Aside from providing 24 hour telephone counselling and face-to-face counselling to employees and their dependent family, Validium’s EAP service at Devon & Cornwall Constabulary also includes guidance by telephone on financial, legal and medical matters.

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