SMS plc

SMS plc installs, manages, and intelligently operates carbon reduction (CaRe) assets – including smart meters, battery storage, solar PV and EV charge points – that together enable a smarter, greener, and more affordable energy system. Established in 1995, SMS additionally provides energy and carbon reduction strategy services to large private and public sector organisations. With its mission to lead the low-carbon, smart energy revolution in the UK, SMS is committed to reducing its own carbon emissions to net zero by 2030. The company is headquartered in Glasgow with 12 locations across the UK and Ireland and employs more than 1,200 people.

How does your organisation contribute to preventing suicide and supporting those affected by it?

We have a dedicated Wellbeing page for our employees on our Intranet and signpost to an array of support organizations for mental, physical and financial health. We post information on bereavement support, suicide prevention and support, domestic violence, men’s health, alcohol and drug dependency, fertility treatment, baby loss and much more.

We have 26 trained Mental Health First Aiders.

We also use an external Occupational Health Doctor for additional support.

We have free and confidential support available to all of our employees:
• Employee Assistance Program (via Health Assured), available for employee support, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and
• SMART Health – Expert health and wellbeing advice at your fingertips, which includes a free 24/7 online GP (really helpful if you are struggling to get a GP appointment) and a range of other health and wellbeing services. Log on and use it as many times as you need (there’s no limit), whenever you need it – it’s available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Medicash
We offer support by access to trained counsellors and additional paid time off work.

What are your current priorities?

My remit includes leading the people strategy and driving the culture, whilst ensuring that engagement, wellbeing, and equality, diversity and inclusion are paramount, to support performance, change and growth.

We have a large proportion of our annual training budget dedicated to mental and physical health support.

We are currently communicating and supporting a hybrid return to office based work trial (2 days in the office per week) and continue to share Government advice with regards to health and safety during the pandemic.

What challenges are you currently facing?

Like many organisations recruitment is a slight challenge just now, as is retention.

Many employees’ priorities have changed following the pandemic with many wanting to work closer to home, fully from home, or have a complete career and life change. We are exploring these options and accommodating where we can.