Supporting those who serve justice: Why the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom chose Benenden Healthcare for Business

Client overview

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom opened in London on 1st October 2009.  Initially it was linked to a shared service provision provided by the Ministry of Justice.

In 2014 the Court broke from existing contracts for IT, HR Services and Payroll and put in place new more bespoke contracts that were right for a small independent organisation with only 50 employees. Previously staff had access to a confidential welfare support helpline and a suitable cost-effective option was required to help take care of their workforce. They came on board with a Benenden Healthcare for Business scheme on 1st May 2014.

Healthcare challenge

With a small HR Team, Chris Maile, the Head of HR, needed support to look after the wellbeing of all employees. As a public body, expensive private medical insurance wasn’t an option, so finding an affordable healthcare solution that provided the support they needed was the main challenge.

“The Ministry of Justice had offered a 24/7 welfare plan, occupational health and more. I was looking for something that could replicate these elements in a healthcare plan and offer more to staff at a reasonable cost to the business.” Chris said.

Why Benenden Healthcare for Business?

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom wanted a healthcare solution that was equal to, or better than, their previous 24/7 welfare line. Benenden Health for Business provided so much more, including physiotherapy support, private diagnosis and treatment, which helped present a strong business case to the board. The 24/7 Mental Health Helpline and access to a GP were essential in helping to provide a confidential outlet for employees. And unlike some other healthcare providers, Chris found Benenden Health clear and easy to grasp in terms of what was offered.

Chris was a satisfied member of Benenden Health himself which also helped with the decision, “I had Benenden Health as an individual member for over 10 years and had a positive experience when I had an injury to my Achilles, Benenden Health helped me throughout, from diagnosis to physiotherapy and I was both grateful and impressed.”

Chris believed it was important that the provider they chose shared their values. As a mutual, Benenden Health ticked this box of working for the benefit of its members.

“We want our people to know that we care and want to support them. The scheme enables us to do exactly that.” Plus, he loved how it complemented and supported the NHS.

The Supreme Court of the United Kingdom adopts a preventative strategy and Benenden Health is at the core of this. They want to help their employees avoid illnesses and regularly encourage staff to use the scheme if they spot health issues, before they lead to long-term sickness.

Integral part of an awarded wellbeing strategy

In 2016, the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom was awarded the Healthy Workplace Charter Award for their health and wellbeing strategy. “We included Benenden Healthcare for Business in our submission for the award. They helped us achieve our health and wellbeing strategy goals.”

How has Benenden Healthcare for Business helped?

The healthcare scheme has been engrained into the staff culture at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. “If anyone is chatting to a manager about feeling stressed or if they spot any signals of stress amongst employees, the first thing they ask is if the employee has spoken to Benenden Health and gives them the support line number.”

All the Benenden Health confidential helplines and contact details are available on the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom intranet health and wellbeing pages. Through an induction session, regular presentations from their dedicated account manager, plus posters and leaflets employees know where to get support and how to use it.

The most popular services that employees use are the 24/7 GP Helpline and the physiotherapy sessions. The healthcare scheme is included in all employee contracts for healthcare at no extra cost to staff. “It’s received as a positive benefit when people are made aware that they have Benenden Health membership as part of their contract.”

The average number of sick days across all employees at the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom on average has been less than two days a year. “Benenden Healthcare for Business was one of the reasons for helping maintain this low average. They have been a part of our preventative strategy to help support our employees.”

He also added, “I would definitely recommend Benenden Healthcare for Business to others. It’s an affordable way for organisations to show that you really care for your employees.”

Want to hear more?

Benenden Healthcare for Business provides an affordable, high quality, private healthcare solution to support all your employees. With easy setup and no exclusions on pre-existing medical conditions, we want to help make healthcare a standard of employment for everyone, rather than just a perk for the few. See how we can help you develop a healthcare solution that works for your whole business.