Staff benefits

You can apply for a Flexible Working Arrangement in order to achieve a better balance between work and home life. All requests are handled objectively, fairly and consistently. We are also willing to consider flexible working if you're working part time, job sharing, compressed hours, staggered hours and term time only.

The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) has 4.6 million members. It is one of the largest public sector pension schemes in the UK and provides employees with a secure future income. A career average scheme, it also offers peace of mind with a death in service lump sum of 3x pensionable pay. You can make Additional Voluntary Contributions to boost your Local Government Pension via salary sacrifice.

• Local Government Pension Scheme
• AVC Wise

Annual leave entitlement provides up to 32 days leave dependent on length of service. Employees are also entitled to a discretionary day which is normally taken at Christmas, as well as up to 3 days compassionate/special leave to support the passing of a loved one.

An interest free season ticket loan is cheaper than paying for travel on a weekly or monthly basis. To apply, all you need to do is submit a form to Payroll.

Under the Government’s Tax-Free Childcare scheme, which was launched in 2017, eligible families will get 20% of their annual childcare costs paid for by the government.

For every 80p you pay into a Childcare Account, the government will contribute 20p. The government will top up the account with 20% of childcare costs up to a total of £10,000 - the equivalent of up to £2,000 support per child per year.

Find out if you are eligible on GOV.UK:

• Tax-Free Childcare: 10 things parents should know
• Apply for Tax-Free Childcare

Enhanced Maternity and Paternity pay - up to 18 weeks Occupational Maternity Pay (dependent on continuous service), and a week's Occupational Paternity Pay at full pay.

EAP, provided by Medigold Health - employees can access confidential support, counselling and advice via a 24/7 freephone helpline. Available to all staff and family members, you can seek advice on a variety of personal, family or workplace issues.

Employees can save up to 39% on a bike and accessories. Nothing to pay upfront and payments are taken tax efficiently via salary sacrifice. Now up to a limit of £2,500.

Cycle Confident can teach you how to ride or improve your cycling skills and confidence. Whether you're a complete beginner or a regular cyclist who would like to improve your on road skills, their free 1-1 cycle training can help.

• Book your place today

We provide a Career Break Scheme, where an employee can take an unpaid employment break of up to two years. This could be for a number of reasons, such as to care for children or dependents, to focus on education and training or to go on overseas travel. A career break is subject to line manager approval.