Employment Personnel Records Question

[Billstopay]

Hi, I work In the NHS. Recently I had a short period of depression and took some time off work.

Just before I was due to come back, my line manager rang me for a welfare check, which is obviously perfectly reasonable. But, I felt a little forced to tell her the reasons behind my depression (neither of which are work related) on the call and heard her typing away, The next day I rang to inform that I would return for duty the next day and queried about these reasons being on my file. I was told that obviously my file was confidential etc etc, but my panic is that these reasons are stuff only my husband and best friend know about and I don’t want them on my staff record!

AIBU that my staff record should just show I had depression for non work related reasons (nothing safeguarding related) and these things should not be on there? I’m less than a year in the NHS so I’d be grateful for any advice from any other NHS Staff on this before I look for more formal advice from the Union. I’m starting to get in a state about it.

You shouldn't have felt forced. A detailed note of an informal meeting/call should not be on your personnel record. You can ask to see your file.

Are you sure she was typing the conversation. I regularly respond to emails whilst on a teams call.

Thank you ❤️

It was confirmed to me that the reasons for my depression are on my work file btw.

If the manager noted for example: I rang bilstopay on xx.xx.xx, at 3pm to see how they were, to offer support: OH, EAP, and to see when they might be able to return. I explained how their return could be supported. bilstopay is having a difficult time due to some personal issues and is exploring ways of managing her anxiety with her GP. They are due to return tomorrow and will put in place a stress risk assessment

That would be fine wouldn't it? It evidences management care and want to support your return.

It's difficult. If nothing is done to stay in touch management don't care and did insufficient to support a person's return. If we stay in touch, it can be perceived as interfering.

A detailed note of your personal circumstances should not be recorded.

Good luck at work and take care.

Thank you @RosesAndHellebores this is how I interpret a welfare call as well so I will move forward with this. I will start with a formal written request to have these records removed.

It is actually starting to make me spiral into depression again if I am honest.