EXCLUSIVE: Oxfam has launched an employee assistance programme (EAP) for its 1,300 UK-based employees.
The programme, provided by CIC, replaces an in-house service previously offered by the charity. The EAP offers 24/7 telephone assistance and face-to-face counseling, as well as debt and legal advice, support with family care and everyday matters, and a managerial consultancy line for managers and supervisors.
Oxfam’s humanitarian support personnel can access the service via phone, email or Skype while outside of the UK. They can then access the face-to-face counseling when they return home.
As part of the EAP roll-out, Oxfam hosted employee briefing sessions at its main UK offices, including London, Oxford, Cardiff, Manchester and Bristol.
The programme was launched using a poster campaign across the business, as well as online support and information via CIC’s wellness website.
Jane Avis, senior staff health adviser at Oxfam, said: “Our employees have benefited from in-house occupational counselling for nearly thirty years.
“But, with the retirement of a key member of staff, we recognise the opportunity to introduce an employee assistance programme and collaborate with CiC, who will support our UK-based team, including staff at all of our UK offices, warehouses and our humanitarian support personnel.”
