Wellbeing

Beacon Activities

Wellbeing Rooms: We have private, lockable rooms in each of our three research centres “available for anyone in need – whether for taking medication, to help get rid of a headache, or in terms of anxiety, mental health, or other issues”
- BSRC Room 1.03 (ground floor)
- CBD Room 7, on the 1st floor of Dyers Brae
- SOI Room 1.01 (off landing above old foyer)
Guidance on sending emails: We have developed guidance on sending emails out of hours, encouraging staff to consider the implications in terms of stress levels of an email received late at night.
Fieldwork Code of Conduct. Our Fieldwork Code of Conduct outlines responsibilities and expected standards of behaviour for anyone involved in fieldwork, field courses, work placements and conferences. Guidelines are intended to promote respectful behaviour at all times, as well as inclusivity and wellbeing for all.

Students

The university provides advice and support on student wellbeing and mental health. Student Services are the first port of call for help needed. Breathing space also provides a free confidential helpline. NHS Inform also provides advice.

Staff

The university provides several employee wellbeing webpages, and policies around flexible working and hybrid working (including a home workspace equipment policy).

*New in 2025*: Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) includes a helpline (0800 882 4102) for free and confidential health and wellbeing support available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The EAP provides immediate access to qualified counsellors for in-the-moment support, or can provide access to structured counselling sessions (up to 6 per year). There is also a free digital Health and Wellbeing App with resources on physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, work and productivity, movement, sleep, financial wellbeing, nutrition, hydration and energy.

In the School of Biology, recent wellbeing events and resources include:

Biology Workload Creep Survey. A survey of school staff in 2022 highlighted many of the issues with rising workload. We compiled a report and recommendations about how to counter this.
Staff Wellbeing: Resources and Support Event. Held 22 Jan 2021, this Teams (recorded) event showcased university wellbeing and engagement, occupational health, Human Resources, and Student Support.
Prof Carron Shankland’s seminar “Being productive and staying well” about experiences with mental ill-health in academia.

Breathing space provides a free confidential helpline. NHS Inform also provides advice.

Harassment and bullying

We are committed to a zero-tolerance approach to bullying, harassment, discrimination or victimisation of any kind. Bullying is defined as “offensive, intimidating, malicious or insulting behaviour, an abuse or misuse of power through means that undermine, humiliate, denigrate or injure the recipient”. Harassment as defined in the Equality Act 2010 as “unwanted conduct related to a relevant protected characteristic, which has the purpose or effect of violating an individual’s dignity or creating an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment for that individual”.

Staff should refer to the University staff dignity and respect at work policy. Students should refer to the University student harassment and bullying policy.

If you or someone you know has experienced bullying, discrimination, abuse, assault or harassment of any sort, you can report such incidents anonymously and access internal/external support using the University’s Report and Support tool. This tool can be used by students, members of staff, members of the public or visitors to the University.

External Resources

There are several excellent publications available from the Mental Health Foundation: