Businesses from across Suffolk have been urged to follow the lead of Sizewell B and show their commitment to keeping their staff healthy by applying for a prestigious award.

The power station, operated by EDF Energy, has become the first business this financial year to successfully apply for a Healthy Ambitions Suffolk award in recognition of its efforts towards promoting workplace health and wellbeing.

Now project leaders behind the initiative, which is designed to make Suffolk the UK’s healthiest county by 2028, have encouraged others to follow their example by taking steps to reduce sickness absence and increase productivity within their own organisations.

“We would like to congratulate everyone involved with the work which has taken place at Sizewell B to help improve the health and wellbeing of the 550-strong workforce,” said Claire Parker, Healthy Ambitions Suffolk fit for work coordinator.

“It is great to see such a large business taking positive action to promote healthy lifestyles among their employees, and we now hope that others will follow their lead.


“Having healthy staff can bring huge benefits to a business, including considerable financial savings, fewer sickness absences and increased productivity. And it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to have a positive effect – just developing opportunities for staff to become a bit more active on a daily basis, for example, can make an impact.


“Above all, these small changes can make a big difference and are both good for health and good for business. Healthy Ambitions Suffolk is here to help you to get started, and can also offer support as you introduce your own staff wellbeing programme – so get in touch to find out more.”

During the award assessment, Sizewell B presented a variety of evidence to showcase its commitment to health and wellbeing. This included policies on alcohol and substance misuse, arranging staff discounts for sport and leisure activities and providing safe storage, shower and locker facilities for those wishing to cycle to work.

Information, advice and support to help improve health and wellbeing is readily available throughout the company, while the mental health of the workforce is given a high priority.

Jim Crawford, station director at Sizewell B, said: “We are proud to receive this award from Healthy Ambitions Suffolk.


“EDF Energy is committed to nurturing a healthy and safe workforce. Safety is our number one priority and informs everything we do at Sizewell B. Our occupational health team here at the power station works hard to encourage our staff to be aware of health and safety issues. Furthermore, we have used EDF Energy’s ‘Green Britain Day’ to spearhead a range of activities from encouraging staff to bike to work through to taking part in nature walks and litter picks on Sizewell beach.”

Any other businesses interested in applying for an award can find out more by visiting the Healthy Ambitions Suffolk website at www.healthyambitionssuffolk.nhs.uk and clicking on “awards and grants” followed by “business award”. Alternatively, Claire can be contacted by emailing [email protected]