Research was carried out into best practices in mental health inclusivity across European VET, with their common features and approaches analysed, as well as the current laws and legislation surrounding mental health in each of our countries. This research fed into a series of minimum requirements which a VET organisations should adhere to in order to consider their provision inclusive of learners with mental health challanges. These requirements are presented in a ‘Mental Health+ Charter’.

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IO1 downloadable resources:

• European report into mental health inclusion

• eBook of inclusion initiatives and best practices

• Mental Health+ Charter

The findings from the research in IO1 were used as the foundation for the development of an interactive assessment tool for VET organisations to benchmark their current mental health inclusion policies. Results of the Benchmarking Tool highlight areas for improvement and provide recommendations for how these can be addressed (e.g. what institutional changes, training etc. is needed) through links with the Charter. Organisations that receive an excellent result will be awarded a MH+ quality mark which can be used to promote their mental health inclusive status. 

Appointing a Mental Health Champion will be a key feature of a mental health inclusive provision as a dedicated member of staff will be employed to drive policy development. During the development of this output, field research will be carried out with equality and diversity leads, HR professionals, VET school leaders etc. to identify the specific needs of this role, presented as a formal skills profile. This research also informs supporting resources (guides, service-set up tools etc.) to help VET schools establish such a role.