Trust ‘selectively targeted’ by workplace regulator after rise in work stress

The national workplace regulator has told an ambulance trust to do more to tackle staff stress as part of a programme in which it is “selectively targeting” high-risk organisations.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspected East of England Ambulance Trust for the first time in September 2024, after the NHS Staff Survey showed an increase in work-related stress. 

East of England has had well-documented cultural issues over the past few years and has been ordered to make improvements by the Care Quality Commission and the Equality and Human Rights Commission. However, early last year it was released from NHS England’s special measures.

The trust said the HSE identified a number of actions it should take, including:

• Implementing measures to reduce unplanned overtime at the end of shifts.
• Developing protocols to protect staff from exposure to abuse.
• Reviewing mandatory training and ensuring appropriate line management and clinical supervision are available.
• Updating its work-related stress risk assessment. 

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Source: HSJ, 19 May 2025