Professional bereavement training by the National Bereavement Service equips people in organisations spanning almost any sector with the tools needed to navigate the emotional and practical aspects of bereavement, supporting bereaved people sensitively, empathetically and backed by relevant, up-to-date knowledge.
But how does bereavement training make an impact in our client organisations?
We don’t believe in quick fixes. Training sessions are delivered by experienced experts to inspire long-term change in delegates’ behaviours, understanding and skills, that will carry a lasting impact in their organisations.
Last year, the National Bereavement Service delivered bereavement training to the University of Leicester’s Student Outreach team, part of the Future Students Office. We’ve kept in touch to follow up, and it’s been great to hear how the team’s knowledge has driven long-term, meaningful change in the university.
About the University of Leicester
Around 20,000 students study at the university, and about 41% of those are international students. The University of Leicester prides itself on its social inclusivity and commitment to providing fair and equal access to higher education, with 20% of students coming from some of the UK’s most deprived areas.
Around 4,000 staff are employed by the university, making the organisation one of Leicestershire’s largest employers.
The Student Outreach team contacted the National Bereavement Service, seeking training and knowledge to help the university improve its practices and support for bereaved students and colleagues. The team participated in a bereavement training session delivered by our expert trainer, face-to-face over a one-day session on site.
What’s happened since?
The university has made some important changes over the last 12 months, in particular:
- Implementation of a new Bereavement Leave Return to Work Policy & guidance for line managers & bereaved people, which has been signed off by senior management & re-emphasised by the client team internally
- Incorporation of Bereavement Leave Policy & guidance within new staff induction processes for the department team
- Implementation of the Bereavement Leave Policy & guidance within the wider Future Students Office department
- Planned updates to the staff & management handbook to incorporate the Bereavement Leave Policy in the next edition
- Continued conversations for wider implementation by teams across the university
- Implementation of an informal buddy system. This will be volunteer-based, and has been created to offer an immediate point of contact for someone who has experienced a bereavement
A new Bereavement Leave Return to Work Policy & guidance for the university
The university’s Future Students Office has implemented a comprehensive Bereavement Leave Policy and issued helpful guidance for line managers around how to support bereaved people in a compassionate and inclusive way. The policy helps to ensure a smooth transition for bereaved colleagues as they return to work, respecting the needs of each individual.
Guidance includes signposting for line managers to access professional grief counselling and support, flexibility around return to work dates and guidance around communicating with empathy.
Colleagues returning to work can expect a back-to-work meeting to explore necessary support or adjustments, phased return to full duties to reduce stress, clear communications and discussions by line managers with wider team members according to the wishes of the bereaved colleague.
The policy and guidance are new introductions to the university team, and we’re looking forward to hearing how they’re put into practice following a rollout period.
Long-term change through professional bereavement training
Our team is delighted to hear how our training is making a real, tangible and meaningful impact at the University of Leicester.
The university has embraced its learning, applying new skills in a practical way that’s accessible and inclusive to colleagues across the board, and adding real value to its colleagues’ work experiences.
As adoption of the policy is discussed amongst wider university teams, it’s exciting to know that thousands of employees stand to benefit from empathetic, practical and individualised bereavement support at one of life’s most challenging times.
What does the university say?
“The discussion, resources and subsequent were and will be invaluable for ensuring all colleagues in the team (and hopefully more across the institution!) feel empowered around the topic of bereavement.”
“The training we received from Zoe…was absolutely fantastic.
From putting together a very thorough proposal that clearly met the needs of the team identified in advance, to delivering an expertly-handled, interactive session, we couldn’t have asked for a better approach to a really sensitive topic.
We would totally recommend any organisation and team taking part in training from the NBS to enhance the support provided for employees and line managers.”
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Professional bereavement training from the National Bereavement Service
Do your people, managers, service providers or volunteers know how to:
- Communicate & have a conversation with a bereaved person?
- Give practical & appropriate support to bereaved colleagues, employees or customers?
- Understand the emotional impact of bereavement?
Professional bereavement training from the NBS’s experienced facilitators helps your organisation to have better conversations and to support bereaved people more effectively and sensitively, with invaluable guidance at what can be an extremely challenging time.
A huge range of organisations, from universities, schools, primary and secondary care providers and nursing homes, to banks, insurers, charities, housing associations and utilities providers, work with the NBS to train their people managers, customer service teams, Mental Health First Aiders and volunteers.
Providing access to practical and emotional understanding, support and new skills, bereavement training brings greater confidence and lasting positive impact for client organisations, their people and customers.
Find out more about bereavement training services from NBS
Call 0800 024 6121 or email info@theNBS.org
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