Dear Kirsty,
RE: INFORMATION REQUEST DATED 7th DECEMBER 2018
REF: FOI-01161
Further to your request for information please see our response below.
REQUEST
1. How many support service staff have been employed with a mental health remit (e.g.
counsel ing, wel being) in each of the last 5 academic years. If a breakdown is not available
for mental health staff, please provide a total for the closest possible category.
RESPONSE
3.8 FTE counsel ors
2 FTE Student Wel being Advisers
2 FTE Mental Health Advisers
REQUEST
2. Budget for mental health support for each of the last 5 academic years, and where
possible a breakdown on how that money is al ocated, e.g. staff, marketing, equipment etc
RESPONSE
Total Pay – Staff Salary
Total Non-Pay – Other
REQUEST
3. Number of students seeking mental health support in each of the last 5 academic years.
RESPONSE
•
2017-18: 1,491 (new requests for support)
•
2016-17: 1,369 (new requests for support)
•
2015-16: 1,021 (new requests for support)
•
2014-15: 684 (new requests for support)
•
2013-14: 447 (new requests for support)
REQUEST
4. Average waiting time for mental health support in each of the last 5 academic years.
RESPONSE
We cannot provide this information as we do not store the data. Waiting times vary according to the
issues raised by the student (risk issues are prioritised) and the availability of the student to attend
appointments. It is also dependant on the type of support required: for example whether the support
is instant – There is instant access to 24/7 online support through the Big White Wall.
REQUEST
5. Any internal reports or reviews relating to mental health provision over the last 5 years.
RESPONSE
Since July 2018 we have been undertaking a wide-ranging review of our mental health provision and
training activities for staff and students. As a result we have introduced a new operating model for
the Counsel ing and Wel being Team, are about to advertise two new posts within this team, have
increased our counsel ing hours, have developed new information for students on seeking support,
and are developing a suite of online mental health training packages for staff and students.
If you are dissatisfied with the handling of your request, you have the right to ask for an internal
review. Requests for an internal review should be made to the Information Governance Manager at
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xx.xx or by writing to: Information Governance Manager, Birmingham
City University, 15 Bartholomew Row, Birmingham, B5 5JU.
If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review, you have the right to apply directly
to the Information Commissioner for a decision. Please se
e https://ico.org.uk/concerns/getting/ for
details of their procedure. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: Information
Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5AF.