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This leaflet provides information for employers on facilitated discussions with their employees.

This is an impartial discussion facilitated by a NHS North Cumbria Talking Therapies Employment Advisor with the employee and the employer.

No. Our advice is impartial and considers your business needs and well as the employee’s needs.

Yes. We can advocate on behalf of the employee to explain how their mental health is being affected at work. This is usually agreed before the meeting and requires the written consent of the employee.

We can offer advice about managing common mild to moderate mental health conditions in the workplace. We can only share information about the employee if they have given us written permission to do so.

We believe that facilitating an informal discussion to address any worries or concerns leads to better outcomes for the employee and the employer. It also enables any issues to be addressed quickly without the need to follow a more formal procedure which can be stressful for the employee.

In most cases we can resolve matters to everyone’s satisfaction. This can lead to helping the employee to recover and increase their productivity in work.

If the issues cannot be resolved mutually then we can advise both parties about their employment rights and obligations. This may include signposting to ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) or independent legal advice.

We are unable to mediate in specific disputes or offer representation.

NHS North Cumbria Talking Therapies Employment Advisor
Telephone: 0300 123 9122

NHS North Cumbria Talking Therapies
Elmwood, Tynefield Drive, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 8JA.

Further information about the content, reference sources or production of this leaflet can be obtained from the Patient Information Centre. If you would like to tell us what you think about this leaflet please get in touch.

This information can be made available in a range of formats on request (Braille, audio, larger print, easy read, BSL or other languages). Please contact the Patient Information Centre on 0191 246 7288.

Published by the Patient Information Centre
2025 Copyright: Cumbria, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust
Ref: PIC/UP EA facilitated discussions March 2023 V2

Website: www.cntw.nhs.uk
Telephone: 0191 246 7288