There are a range of information and support services available to staff at Heriot-Watt, including health and wellbeing support and information and advice on University conduct. More information can be found on the Staff Portal.
CareFirst
CareFirst are an independent, leading provider of professional employee support services. They employ professionally qualified Counsellors and Information Specialists, who are experienced in helping people to deal with all kinds of practical and emotional issues such as wellbeing, family matters. Relationships, debt management and workplace issues.
You can speak to a counsellor by calling 0800 174319. The service is free of charge, and you don’t have to ask your manager to use it.
The CareFirst Lifestyle website also offers extensive resources including support articles, stress questionnaires and online counselling in real-time.
You can access CareFirst and find out more about the Assistance Programme on the Wellbeing Sharepoint within your Staff Portal.
Respect Ambassadors
Heriot-Watt have a network of Respect Ambassadors across all our campuses. This network supports colleagues across the University community in its goal of providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment for all. Respect Ambassadors can provide confidential guidance and support to staff who have witnessed or experienced inappropriate behaviour or are having a difficult time.
UK-based staff can contact any UK-based Ambassador on any campus, given that there may be the potential for conflicts of interest.
More information about Respect Ambassadors and who they are for each campus can be found on the Staff SharePoint page.
Grievance Policy
The University is committed to promoting and maintaining a working environment where any grievances can be discussed openly between colleagues, and staff are treated with respect and dignity.
The University encourages employees to raise any concerns as soon as they arise in order to settle any concerns as promptly and effectively as possible.
Any issues or concerns should be first raised with your line manager. If you are not sure who to speak to, you should approach someone in HR for advice.
More information on Heriot-Watt’s Grievance Policy and Procedure can be found here.
Chaplaincy
The Chaplaincy exists to promote spiritual and social wellbeing. It is open to everyone – both staff and students – from all backgrounds and cultures. People of all faiths and no religious faith are welcome. This is somewhere for you to feel comfortable to chat about anything you may need, as well as meeting people and making friends.
Edinburgh’s full-time Chaplain, Rev. Jane Howitt, can be contacted by calling 0131 451 4508 or emailing j.howitt@hw.ac.uk. You can also contact the part-time Muslin Chaplain, Imam Hassan Rabbani, by calling 07544 840100 or emailing S.Rabbani@hw.ac.uk.
For Chaplaincy information for Scottish Borders and Orkney campuses, please see the Faith and Belief sites. https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/students/health-wellbeing/borders/faith-and-belief.htmhttps://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/students/health-wellbeing/orkney/faith-and-belief.htm