Training programs

Selecting a workplace mental health training service provider

• Consider the following when selecting a mental health training service provider:

  Ensure that the training:

  • is evidence-based
  • involves and specifically targets employees (and their differing training needs) at every level (ie. Corporate and boards; Managers and supervisors; Human resources and health and safety professionals; frontline workers
  • targets any identified workforce risks and current workforce issues
  • provides an opportunity to raise awareness of employer-provided health and wellbeing strategies
  • is part of a broader workplace strategy to address health and wellbeing and to foster an open and supportive culture towards mental health

  The training facilitator should:

  • be an appropriately qualified and experienced professional person
  • have suitable experience and capability in providing engaging workplace training or facilitation to a wide range of participants and either
    • mental health qualifications (for example, psychology, occupational therapy or social work) and 2 years related clinical or workplace experience

    or

    • 5 years professional experience related to mental health in the workplace and the ability to demonstrate a strong understanding of the impact of mental health problems for both the individual and the workplace
  • have excellent interpersonal and communication skills
  • be skilled to respond effectively to participant personal disclosures both during training, and in post-workshop discussions, and to seek debriefing where required

  The training format you select will depend on organisation objectives, budget, time restraints and location of participants. The advantages of different training formats are outlined in the following table:

  Short duration (1-2 hours)	For basic information and key messages, e.g. briefing for senior leaders who have limited time and need to be informed of key messages and objectives.
  Medium duration (2-4 hours)	Allows for additional content for those in specific roles where they have a responsibility for staff or customers
  Long duration (1 day)	In-depth or multi-topic training e.g. more comprehensive information on mental health conditions, management topics (WH&S, HR, workers’ compensation interplay), front-line skills, and/or how to act in a ‘first aid’ capacity.
  Modular approach	Can be completed in stages. Format allows for flexibility and offers different options to particular groups.
  Online and/or virtual	Flexibility with when and where training is completed and how many people participate at one time.
  Integration into existing training	Embed content across existing core training modules e.g. induction, line manager training, leadership development, customer service skills.