Health and wellbeing: Macmillan Cancer Support

Our Voice is Macmillan’s colleague representation forum. Representatives sit in each part of the organisation and are there to support colleagues and advocate on their behalf. 

Macmillan’s eight colleague networks and additional support groups foster a sense of community, support and belonging for members. They help the organisation to challenge inequities and drive inclusion, while also supporting personal and professional growth. 

A menopause policy – Following feedback from colleagues, the organisation has made menstrual and menopausal health a priority area. With significant contributions from the Gender Equality Network, additional support is now accessible through the establishment of a menopause support group and dedicated menopause buddies. The policy includes awareness-raising, identifying symptoms, information on support and workplace requirements, as well as practical recommendations for workplace requirements and adjusted absence procedures. Macmillan has also worked with its health providers to improve the support available in this area, such as a cognitive behavioural therapy module dedicated to the menopause.  

A fast-track requirements process – Feedback from colleagues around the importance of having the information, support and adjustments they need to thrive at Macmillan has led to the organisation developing a fast-track process for people to access workplace requirements, alongside a dedicated, comprehensive wellbeing toolkit. The process was simplified to align each core support function and bring together a wealth of information in one place. This has improved processes underpinning a range of support – from accessing ergonomic equipment and accessibility technology, through to neurodiversity support, and guidance for wellbeing conversations.  

A neurodiversity support pathway – As part of its work to fast-track workplace requirements pathways, gaps in support for neurodiverse colleagues were identified. Through collaboration between the Neurodivergent Network and core support functions, and support from Macmillan’s private medical insurer and occupational health provider, colleagues can now access assessments for a range of neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as further support including dedicated support groups.   

A support programme for line managers – Recognising the pivotal role that managers play in colleague experience and wellbeing, Macmillan set up a cross-organisational taskforce to design a dedicated programme with support and resources, including guides, self-assessment tools, objectives, direct report feedback, action planning and peer support. People managers and colleagues collaborated to define what good people management looks like and co-created a range of manager commitments that move beyond traditional performance management measures.  

An evidence-based approach to health and wellbeing – Macmillan has implemented a new colleague experience dashboard, which encompasses health and wellbeing and other people-oriented data. The plan is to use this data to make more informed decisions on colleague health and wellbeing, ensuring the right support is in place.  

Navigation and accessibility around health and wellbeing support – Finding new ways to help colleagues navigate the wide range of information and resources available to access what they need with ease. This includes refining and embedding resources such as the wellbeing toolkit, finding new ways to engage colleagues with the significant support available, and continuing to enable people managers to support their line reports in prioritising their health and wellbeing.  

Quality assurance for workplace health and wellbeing practices – Exploring best practice in how the organisation approaches health and wellbeing, including how to ensure the right accountability, as well as implement and measure progress against defined standards, guidelines and recommendations.