A COUNTY Durham multi-academy trust has been recognised for its commitment to employee wellbeing.

The Advance Learning Partnership (ALP), which has19 schools in the region, was awarded the Gold Better Health at Work Award for addressing health issues in the workplace and promoting healthy lifestyles to its employees.

Julie Gibson, ALP’s compliance manager and lead health advocate, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be one of just a handful of organisations in the North East to receive this award.

“It’s an accolade backed by the Trades Union Congress, and we had to meet strict criteria to be successful, so it’s very satisfying to have achieved this.”

One of the initiatives that helped ALP secure the award was a 'Smoothie Bike' event for National Smoothie Day, where employees made healthy smoothies by pedalling a bicycle attached to a blender.

Other activities included a ‘meringue-making workshop’ led by ALP catering manager, Paul Frankland, to mark National Egg Day, and a variety of wellbeing and health workshops.

Neve Reynolds and Jack Race try to crack the perfect meringue on National Egg DayNeve Reynolds and Jack Race try to crack the perfect meringue on National Egg Day (Image: Advance Learning Partnership)

Organisations being considered for this award are also required to contribute to their local community, something ALP has done through litter-picking events and encouraging employees to donate blood, as well as it’s ALP Active provision that offers holiday clubs, childcare, and facilities hire in the communities close to its schools.

Assessor Becky Gustard praised the trust in her report, writing: “ALP have yet again delivered an outstanding workplace health submission, going above and beyond to deliver numerous interactive and highly informative activities spread across the whole of the assessment period.

“The team are passionate about improving the working environment and employees’ health & wellbeing, which was demonstrated during the pre-assessment interview, detailed presentation & uploaded evidence. Julie is constantly looking for new and interesting topics, quite often in her own time, and is always keen to introduce ‘fun’ elements to increase engagement.

ALP staff from the trust’s central services team lead a litter pick in Spennymoor. From left: Alex Nelson, Jensen Bates, Amanda Jackson, Big Spring Clean mascot Tidy Ted, Julie Gibson, and Virginia StoneALP staff from the trust’s central services team lead a litter pick in Spennymoor. From left: Alex Nelson, Jensen Bates, Amanda Jackson, Big Spring Clean mascot Tidy Ted, Julie Gibson, and Virginia Stone (Image: Advance Learning Partnership)

Kelvin Simpson, chief executive of ALP, said: “Julie’s commitment to creating a culture of health and wellness, both within our organisation and the wider community, is truly inspiring.

“Her ability to make health initiatives fun and engaging has had a profound impact on our staff and the communities we serve.”