Workplace Health, Advice & Services
Many of us spend the largest proportion of our time in the workplace so creating a healthy, safe and supportive work environment is essential to help us feel comfortable, healthy and happy at work.
If you are in crisis and need urgent help, please call the emergency services on 999.
- Workplace Dignity Network
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The Workplace Dignity Network offers a confidential, supportive space for staff to discuss wellbeing concerns such as bullying or harassment, stress, work relationships, work/life balance, or mental health worries. Network members are trained listeners who can talk through your situation and signpost you to other helpful resources.
You may contact any Network member, including someone outside your work area, and arrange to meet in a location where you feel comfortable. They will listen to your concerns, follow your preferences on how to proceed, and help you explore possible next steps or sources of support.
While Network members are not counsellors, mediators, or mental health professionals, they can guide you toward the appropriate University services. Conversations are kept strictly confidential except in exceptional circumstances.
At the start of your meeting, you’ll be asked to agree to the Service’s code of conduct to ensure respectful and supportive discussions for both you and the Network member.
For further information about the Workplace Dignity Network, contact Sam Waldram, Senior HR Partner, Organisational Development, email sam.waldram@abdn.ac.uk
Network Members
Heather Crabb, Head of Principal's Office 
Heather joined the University in 1999 and is currently Head of Principal's Office. Between 1999 and 2014, she supported members of staff and managers across all areas of the University as a member of the Human Resources team.
Since 2013, Heather has been the key point of contact between the University and the DFN Project SEARCH University of Aberdeen programme which supports young people with learning disabilities to gain skills and experience to move into employment. She was a founder member of the Harassment Advisers Network and so has experience of dealing with a wide range of sensitive and confidential matters.
Heather is happy to support colleagues from all areas of the University who feel they would benefit from speaking to a member of the Workplace Dignity Network.
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 272404
Email: h.crabb@abdn.ac.ukLisa Clydesdale, School Administration Manager, School of Engineering 
I joined the University in 1994, with the School of Engineering. Since then, I have held several administrative and student facing roles across the institution, returning to the School of Engineering in 2023.
I have some previous nursing experience, I completed a BScHons in Health Sciences (Health Promotion) in 2014 and I have also undertaken courses in Counselling Skills.
I am passionate about positively promoting health and wellbeing, and openness around mental health and I am happy to support any colleagues who feel they may benefit from a quiet chat and a listening ear.
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 274137
Email: l.clydesdale@abdn.ac.ukMoira Cruickshank, Research Fellow, Health Service Research Unit 
I have undertaken courses in counselling skills, workplace coaching and mental health first aid. I firmly believe in the power of listening as a way of helping and supporting people to find a way through problems that is best for them. Please don't hesitate to get in touch if I can help in any way.
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 438412
Email: mcruickshank@abdn.ac.ukBrian Paterson, Technical Resources Manager, School of Natural and Computing Science 
He became a Harassment Advisor from the inception of the role and been involved in the discussion and creation of the expanded role of Wellbeing Coordinator.
He is a trained first-aider and has recently undertaken Mental Health First Aid training as well as being an active member of the university's Employee Engagement Group and Mental Health Working Group.
He has extensive experience of working with colleagues to address individual and collective issues both informally and formally and is always able to have a quiet chat with anybody in the community who feels they need some advice or assistance.
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 273804
Email: b.paterson@abdn.ac.ukPatricia Spence, Head of the Centre for Academic Development I have worked at the University in various roles for more than 20 years and am currently the Head of the Centre for Academic Development which is part of the Joint Directorates of People and Academic Services & Online Education.
I have held line management positions in Professional Services areas for most of the time I have worked here and I currently oversee a team of around thirty staff including full-time, part-time and temporary student roles.
My line management and life experience has given me a particular interest in mental health and in the importance of feeling able to talk openly about health and wellbeing in the workplace. I am a trained Mental Health First Aider and one of the Directorate's Mental Health Champions. I am also a member of the University's Mediation Team and have experience of mentoring and work-based coaching, all of which can support a positive approach to tackling challenging circumstances in the work environment.
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 27 3924
Email: p.spence@abdn.ac.ukCarol Lawie, Deputy School Administration Manager, School of Law 
I feel very strongly that it's important for people to have the opportunity to discuss any issues they have impartially and seek support when they need it. I am also a Mental Health First Aider (MHFA), the Law School Health & Safety Adviser and the Law School Inclusion Officer.
I am happy to hear from colleagues from all areas of the University who would benefit from speaking to a member of the Workplace Dignity Network, so please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Tel: +44 (0) 1224 272441
Email: carol.lawie@abdn.ac.uk - Support Services
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For information on the support available to you as a staff member including the employee assistance programme, occupational health, counselling, mental health first aid, online reporting tool and disability support click here .
- Staff Equality Networks
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For information on the staff equality networks including the LGBTQ+ network, parent and carers network, menopause network, race equality network, disability network and more click here .
- Workstation Set Up
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For information and support on enhancing your workstation set up click here, alternatively further information can be found here.
- Display Screen Glasses
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If your job requires you to wear glasses to operate display screen equipment the University will contribute (up to £50) towards the costs of frames, lenses and any special prisms or tinting requirements for Display Screen usage.
More information can be found within the Expenses & Benefits Policy.
A How to Guide on how to make an expense claim for prescription glasses can be found below.
- Returning to work after ill mental health
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1:4 people will experience a mental health problem each year and we want to ensure you can access support if you need it.
Your line manager should be in touch with you during your period of absence and will work with you to put in any adjustments you may need for your return. Discussions with you about adjustments are confidential and they are aimed at assisting you to effectively manage your time in work. Examples include increased flexibility, variable working hours, amendments to contracted hours (temporary, phased return), arriving at work later or leaving earlier to avoid very busy periods or slight alterations to roles and responsibilities. Reasonable adjustments are tailored to individual circumstances, and your line manager and/or HR Partner can help you to explore these further.
If you have a mental health condition that meets the definition of disability in the Equality Act 2010 you may also be able to access additional support at work through the Access to Work Mental Health Support Service. You can speak to your line manager or HR Partner confidentially about this further.
More information and advice about eligibility is available at: https://atw.maximusuk.co.uk/