The NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) has implemented a financial wellbeing platform as part of its investment in the wellbeing of its 550 employees.
The platform, which is provided by Bippit, gives employees access to free and professional one-to-one sessions with financial coaches holding Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)-recognised qualifications. They are matched to employees’ needs following questions about their financial concerns and provide personalised guidance based on each individual’s financial needs and goals.
The service, which is free of charge for staff, also provides tools to navigate the cost-of-living crisis, personalised learning resources, monthly webinars on topics such as pensions and protection, and tools and calculators to track goals, analyse their spending habits and review financial health checks.
Shajeda Ahmed, chief people officer at the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “Looking after the health and wellbeing of our staff is a key priority, and this also includes their financial wellbeing too. Money worries can affect anyone, and the stress can have a big impact on health. However, it’s an area of our lives which is very sensitive and private, making it hard to know where to turn for support and guidance.
“It’s important that our workforce feels empowered to seek help and support if they need it, which is why we’ve partnered with Bippit which offers a range of financial health services, including one-to-one sessions with financial coaches.”
NHS Black Country ICB also offers employees flexible working through job-sharing, reduced, condensed or term-time hours, flexible start and end times, discounts on a range of goods and services, a free will writing service, access to employee benefits platforms and a salary sacrifice car lease scheme.