Health and Wellbeing Action Group
The Health and Wellbeing Action Group (HWAG)’s purpose is to improve data-driven and evidence-based decisions for the prevention and management of health and wellbeing issues in the industry.
The specialist risk group has replaced the Business Engagement and Measurement Group, the Health Cultures Group, the Mental Wellbeing Group, and the Musculoskeletal Disorders Group as part of the restructure of the Rail Wellbeing Alliance’s subgroups.
Track our progress on delivering the strategy. View one-page activity summaries.
"A rapid revolution is approaching in all aspects of workplace health and wellbeing, and the rail industry must prepare for it. The availability of higher-quality evidence and more effective use of data is already enabling us to analyse how employees’ health and wellbeing impact companies and their performance. Wellbeing is a science, and we are finally beginning to understand and approach it as such.
Moreover, wellbeing is everyone's responsibility. Just as we wouldn't expect an employee to take full accountability for their safety without appropriate PPE or risk assessments, there is a growing expectation that employers will take greater ownership of their workforce's health—especially as the NHS struggles to meet the ever-growing needs of the population. In the rail industry, where an aging workforce is a concern, these pressures will become even more pronounced.
Finally, the rail industry must ensure it secures the necessary resources for wellbeing. Wellbeing teams need to be adequately staffed with individuals who possess not only a passion for wellbeing but also the right qualifications and knowledge. This is essential if we want to make tangible changes in how we approach wellbeing in the industry and ensure that our people thrive.
At HWAG, we want to ensure the industry is prepared for those changes and challenges, by improving data driven and evidence-based decisions for the prevention and management of health and wellbeing issues in the industry."
Scope
HWAG is required to:
- help rail organisations understand and address organisational risks to the health and wellbeing of employees.
- encourage the development of a wellbeing culture that focuses on preventative health and drives proactive, positive health behaviours at all levels.
- engage business leaders through quantifying the impact of health on UK rail, improving investment decisions in health and wellbeing at company and industry level.
- use relevant data to identify and prioritise programmes that address the most critical health and wellbeing challenges and risks.
- support an industry-wide change in the prevention and management of health and wellbeing.
The following areas are not within the group’s scope: occupational hygiene risks, legal compliance not related to stress, and fitness for work. These areas will be covered by the Occupational Health & Hygiene Advisory Group.
Membership
The group has members representing these industry stakeholders:
- infrastructure managers and owners
- passenger train operators
- suppliers
- Transport for London
- RSSB.
Chair: Magdalena Wronska, Transport for London
RSSB main representative: Joana Faustino
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Group members
Name Company Representing Status Andrea Wheale Office of Rail and Road Regulator Observer Apeksha Naik Great British Railways Transition Team Infrastructure Managers Member Clare Forshaw RSSB Occupational Health and Hygiene Advisory Group Member Grazia Elsehimy Network Rail Infrastructure Managers Member Helen Hannar Freightliner Freight Operating Company Member Joana Faustino RSSB RSSB Member Laura Campbell Govia Thameslink Railway Passenger Operating Company Member Magdalena Wronska Transport for London (TfL) Infrastructure Managers Chair Michelle Gard Amey Infrastructure Contractors Member Odis Palmer Great British Railways Transition Team Infrastructure Managers Member Ruth Pott Bam Nuttall Suppliers Member Sharon Daly Irish Rail Infrastructure Managers Member Steve Best Arriva Rail London Passenger Operating Company Sponsor Steve Lewis Southeastern Railway Passenger Operating Company Member Tracy Orlandi East Midlands Railway Occupational Health and Hygiene Advisory Group Chair OHHAG
