Award shortlist for health champion Diane

Published by Kelly Elliott for Derwentside Homes Ltd in Housing and also in Communities

A health-conscious human resources advisor, who has introduced a range of initiatives to promote wellbeing in her workplace, has been shortlisted for an important industry award.

Diane Dixon, who works for County Durham housing association Derwentside Homes, decided to focus on health and well-being at work whilst studying for a Human Resources Management degree at the University of Sunderland.

Her efforts, which have resulted in the introduction of free health checks, exercise classes and weight management sessions, have now been recognised by the Chartered Institute of Personal Development (CIPD), with Diane shortlisted for one of the organisation’s prestigious People Management Awards.

She is one of six finalists in the Michael Kelly Outstanding Student Award: Postgraduate-level category and will find out during the awards ceremony in October if she has scooped the top prize.

The shortlisting is the latest in a line of recent achievements for Diane, who studied for her PgD MSc qualification while working full-time and officially graduated last week.

Earlier this year, Derwentside Homes won the Small/Medium Enterprise Business Award at the annual Better Health at Work event, organised by the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

And in December last year, the Association achieved the Silver Working for Health Award, which was presented by Dame Carol Black, the National Director for Health and Work.

Diane said: “I’m absolutely delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. A happy and healthy workforce is a productive and innovative workforce and investing in health initiatives for our employees not only results in better staff morale but has also contributed to a reduction in absenteeism through sickness and raised awareness of health issues and healthy lifestyles.

“The changes and initiatives we have already introduced at Derwentside Homes have had a significant impact and we are planning plenty more activities in the future.”

Under Diane’s leadership, Derwentside Homes have set up walking groups, offered free pamper days, discounted gym membership, physiotherapy sessions and a scheme which allows staff to buy bicycles at a reduced rate – which has resulted in a group of employees taking part in two bike challenges, raising thousands of pounds for charity.

The health initiatives have also had a significant impact on the organisation’s sickness levels, which have been reduced by more than half, with figures in 2012 already showing further reductions.

Chief Executive Geraldine Wilcox said: “Diane has been instrumental in putting health and wellbeing well and truly on the agenda at Derwentside Homes.

“Her positive and innovative health and wellbeing initiatives have had a profound effect, embedding health into the culture and values of the organisation.

“She really deserves to be shortlisted for this award and we will be crossing our fingers for her and hoping she wins on the night.”

The CIPD People Management Awards are delivered in partnership with People Management Magazine and recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in HR and the impact HR has on business success.

The Awards are open to all types of organisations, regardless of size or sector. The winners will be revealed at a showcase Awards event at The Brewery in central London on the evening of 17 October 2012.