6 Sutton Park Road, Sutton, SM1 2GD
Student Mental Health Policy
Policy Statement
The School is committed to ensuring all students can fulfil their aspirations through education. We provide flexible support structures, promote mental health awareness, and train staff to recognise and assist students in need. Our policy ensures access to diverse assistance, including plans, adjustments, and referrals to external support like Student Space. We work closely with medical and charitable organisations to support our students' well-being.
Principles
- Wellbeing: Valuing the overall wellbeing of students as foundational to their academic and personal successes.
- Support: Offering a range of support services that are easily accessible and sensitive to diverse mental health needs.
- Awareness: Promoting mental health awareness across the School community to foster an understanding and supportive culture.
- Education: Providing educational programmes that equip students with the knowledge and skills to maintain good mental health.
- Prevention: Focusing on early intervention and preventative measures to support student mental health.
- Confidentiality: Respecting students' privacy in matters related to mental health and well-being.
- Inclusivity: Ensuring that mental health services and support are inclusive and open to all students without stigma or discrimination.
- Training: Delivering appropriate training for staff and faculty to better support students' mental health needs.
- Collaboration: Encouraging collaboration between mental health services and academic departments for holistic support.
- Respect: Treating every individual with dignity and respect in all matters related to mental health.
- Responsiveness: Reacting quickly and effectively to mental health crises with appropriate interventions.
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and enhancing mental health policies and services based on the latest research and feedback from the School community.
Regulatory Context
This Policy has been developed in line with the applicable laws, regulations, regulatory advice, and sector best practices, including the following:
Understanding Mental Health Concepts
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Definition
Understanding and Addressing Mental Health Difficulties Mental health refers to the emotional and spiritual resilience that enables us to enjoy life and endure pain, disappointment, and sadness. It encompasses a positive sense of wellbeing and a belief in the dignity and self-worth of ourselves and others. Mental health difficulties range from temporary reactions to painful events to more persistent and debilitating conditions, categorised as follows:
Relying on clinical definitions of mental health problems can be unhelpful in an institutional context, as it may lead to labelling. Instead, the focus should be on providing appropriate responses and support tailored to the individual needs of students. |
Regulatory and Legal Obligations
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Rule
Student Support and Contractual Obligations A contract between the student and the School includes both teaching and pastoral care. This contract may be breached if the student feels inadequately supported in accordance with the agreed terms and conditions, or if support promised during admission is not provided. The School is obligated to fulfil the support commitments made to students as part of their contractual agreement. Failure to do so could result in a breach of contract, potentially affecting the student’s wellbeing and academic success. |
Rule
Duty of Care in Higher Education Institutions Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have a duty of care to both students and staff, encompassing the following responsibilities:
HEIs must fulfil their legal and ethical obligations to ensure the safety, wellbeing, and educational needs of students and staff. This duty of care requires a balanced approach, particularly when considering the needs of one individual alongside those of others within the institution. |
Rule
Compliance with Health and Safety Obligations for Student Wellbeing The institution must take all reasonably practicable measures to ensure the health and safety of everyone affected by its activities, including students. This entails implementing appropriate systems and practices to manage and support students with mental health difficulties. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, the institution has a legal duty to safeguard the wellbeing of its students. Effective management and support of student mental health are essential components in fulfilling this responsibility. |
Rule
Equality Act 2010: Protecting Disabled Students from Discrimination The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against individuals with protected characteristics, including disabilities. Under this Act, a person is considered disabled if they have a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to perform normal day-to-day activities. Higher education institutions are required to make reasonable adjustments for disabled students in areas such as:
These adjustments must be made when a disabled student is at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled peers. Disabled students are also protected from:
The Act also protects individuals based on perception (believed to have a disability) and association (connected to someone with a disability). The Equality Act 2010 consolidates and replaces previous anti-discrimination laws, including those related to disabilities. The Act ensures that higher education institutions provide equal opportunities for disabled students by enforcing protections against various forms of discrimination and requiring reasonable adjustments to support their needs. |
Rule
Public Sector Equality Duty in Higher Education The Equality Act 2010 introduces the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED) in England, Scotland, and Wales, requiring Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and colleges to:
The PSED ensures that HEIs actively promote equality and inclusivity, creating a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff. |
Policy Execution and Enforcement
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Commitment to Mental Health and Wellbeing The School is dedicated to promoting the mental health and wellbeing of its community by:
The School recognises the importance of mental health and is committed to creating a supportive environment where students and staff feel encouraged to seek help and where mental health is proactively addressed. This ensures a safer, more inclusive community that upholds legal and ethical standards. |
Scope and Applicability
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Health and Wellbeing Policy for Students and Staff This policy applies to all students and staff enrolled or employed at the School, whether on School premises or engaged in School-related activities elsewhere, including locations managed by third parties. It covers situations where health and wellbeing concerns may affect the individual or others, such as students on School-organised work placements. The School has a duty to support students with mental health difficulties and illness, often enabling them to continue their studies. However, in some cases, temporary or permanent withdrawal may be necessary. The School must balance its duty of care and confidentiality with the need to ensure the safety of others who may be at risk. |
Privacy and Information Disclosure
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Rule
Confidentiality and Disclosure of Disability When a student or staff member discloses a disability, including mental health difficulties, the institution is legally obligated to provide reasonable support. School staff must be aware of this duty and take appropriate action. If the individual requests confidentiality, this must be respected, though they should be informed that this may limit the support or adjustments available. Key principles include:
The School has a legal and ethical responsibility to protect the confidentiality of students and staff while ensuring appropriate support is provided. Adhering to data protection laws and maintaining transparency about the limitations of confidentiality helps balance the needs of individuals with the institution’s obligations. |
Roles and Responsibilities: School, Staff, and Students
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Mental Health Policy and Support Framework The School will:
These measures ensure that the School proactively supports mental health, complies with legal requirements, and creates a safe, inclusive environment. By integrating mental health into various aspects of the School’s operations, the institution fosters a supportive community and addresses the needs of its members effectively. |
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Staff Responsibilities for Supporting Mental Health All staff should:
These practices ensure that staff support a respectful and informed approach to mental health, while maintaining professional boundaries and protecting confidentiality. This helps in fostering a supportive environment where students feel safe and encouraged to seek the help they need. |
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Student Responsibilities for Mental Health Support All students should:
These guidelines ensure that students contribute to a supportive community, understand their responsibilities, and access appropriate help for themselves and others, fostering a respectful and effective approach to mental health. |
Metrics and KPIs
The following metrics will be measured and regularly reviewed as key performance indicators for the School to ensure the effectiveness of this policy and associated operations.
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Number of Collaborative Initiatives with External Organisations
Count the number of collaborative initiatives with medical and charitable organisations each year. Demonstrates the institution’s proactive approach in leveraging external expertise and resources for student support. |
Number of Student Success Team Consultations Per Month
Measure the total number of consultations held by the Student Success Team each month. Reflects the level of engagement and demand for mental health support services. |
Percentage of Students Receiving Initial Support Within 48 Hours
Measure the percentage of students who receive initial mental health support from the Student Success Team within 48 hours of making a request. Timely support is crucial in addressing mental health issues early. This KPI ensures responsiveness and effectiveness in initial contact. |
Student Satisfaction with Mental Health Support Services
Conduct surveys to measure student satisfaction with mental health support services, targeting a satisfaction rate of 80% or higher. Gauges the effectiveness and quality of the support services from the students' perspective. |