The place to be recognised

To us, job satisfaction is the biggest benefit of working here. The other more tangible benefits are great too though, and you can read about them in this part of the site.

Some sections have PDF attachments to download, but bear in mind that what you'll see here is an overview - full and detailed explanations of the benefits (including maternity/paternity leave and sickness entitlements) are included in the welcome pack; sent to all new starters.

PACKAGE

Pension

The NHS Pension scheme is based on length of service and salary at retirement (not dependent on investment returns). It provides a retirement pension based on 1/80th of your pensionable pay at retirement for each year of Scheme membership and a tax free lump sum on retirement equal to 3 times your pension.

There are early retirement options (subject to actuarial reduction), ill-health retirement pension (if you are unable to work due to incapacity) and compensation benefits on early retirement due to redundancy.

You will be automatically entered into the scheme when you join (although, there is an option to opt out, once your employment has begun).

http://www.nhspa.gov.uk/site/index.cfm

Allowances

Allowances are paid for a variety of reasons. For example, if you are required to work unsociable hours (which include evenings, weekends and bank holidays), or anything beyond your normal working hours (this will always be agreed in advance).

There are a number of posts which attract allowances, and these will be stated in your contract and explained to you fully prior to your start date. In agreement with your line manager, expenses will also be paid.

NHS Discount Scheme

The NHS Discount scheme cuts the cost of many things from computers to car insurance, mobile phones to meals out; as an NHS employee you're entitled to discounts on a wide range of products and services from high-street retailers and on-line shopping sites. All you need to do is register and logon to www.nhsdiscounts.com and membership is free. It also brings news of health related events and services and has a jokes section. There are also monthly prize competitions and a lottery-style cash prize.

Annual pay increases

Annual pay increases are part of our commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels valued. We review salaries annually so you are always being rewarded for the work you do.

Annual leave

We appreciate there's more to your life than working, and we actively encourage our staff to make the most of their holiday allowances.

Our holiday year runs from the 1st of April to the 31st of March. To begin, your allowance is 27 days per year, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after completing 10 years. The allowance is pro-rata according to the terms of your contract.

If you've been employed within the NHS before joining NHSBT, your previous employment service is counted towards your entitlement to annual leave.

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TRAINING & SUPPORT

We'll be committed to your training and development from day one. When you join you'll receive a structured induction programme, and have the opportunity to attend a variety of skills-related courses. Some examples include Coaching Skills, Communication Skills and Leadership & Motivation. We also have a buddy system where experienced staff help new starters to settle in.

Furthermore, we support our staff to achieve any professional qualifications that will benefit them and the organisation. NHSBT may provide financial assistance to any employee who wishes to pursue an educational and/or professional course of study provided by an external body, within set criteria. Click here to see the full policy.

As part of our ongoing commitment to your wellbeing, all members of staff, their families and close friends have access to a 24-hour confidential service. This service offers specialist information and counselling on all kinds of matters, for example legal, educational and financial.

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES & DIVERSITY

As a significant employer, NHSBT needs to attract and retain a workforce with a variety of skills, backgrounds and experience and therefore seeks to ensure that all job applicants and employees are considered solely on their merits and suitability.

We actively encourage equality of opportunity for all our employees. We're also aware of and responsive to individual's varying requirements and expectations at different times of their working lives. Our Equal Opportunities policy aims to embrace positive practices and working arrangements, which promote equality in employment.

Click here to see our full EO Statement & Code of Practice.

Disability Equality Scheme

The NHSBT Disability Equality Scheme sets out our vision for promoting equality for disabled people. Through this strategy we aim to remove all barriers for those with disabilities; addressing issues such as sensory and physical impairments, deafness, learning difficulties, long-term mental health problems, hidden impairments and HIV/AIDS.

People with impairments are disabled by the attitudes of others and the environment where they live, work, study and enjoy themselves.

Click here to see full details of our Disability Equality Scheme.

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AWARDS

Improving Working Lives

Our accreditation for the Improving Working Lives award is evidence we support a higher standard of working life for our people.

The Improving Working Lives (IWL) Standard is a blueprint by which NHS employers and staff can measure the management of human resources. After we achieved Practice Stage in 2003, we carried on making improvements, and this work was recognised at the end of 2006 when we were awarded Practice Plus status.

We continue to work on our strategy to improve the working lives of our staff, through our policies on training and development, equality and diversity, staff communication, flexible working, staff benefits and the promotion of a healthy workplace.

Click here for more information on IWL.

Positive about Disabled People

Our commitment to improving the lives of our workforce has also been recognised by the Employment Service, who have awarded us 'Two Ticks' status.

This award acknowledges our commitments regarding the employment, retention, training and career development of disabled people. These commitments ensure that all of our disabled people are supported and treated fairly at every stage of their selection and employment.

As a 'Two Ticks' employer, we pledge to take action on these five commitments:

  • To interview all applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for a job vacancy and consider them on their abilities
  • To ensure there is a mechanism in place to discuss, at any time (but at least once a year), with disabled employees what we as an employer and they as employees can do to ensure professional development, using their abilities
  • To make every effort when employees become disabled to make sure they stay in employment
  • To take action to ensure that all employees develop the appropriate level of disability awareness needed to make these commitments work
  • Each year, to review the five commitments and what has been achieved, to plan ways to improve on them and let employees and the Employment Service know about progress and future plans

Click here for more information on the Positive About Disabled People Award.

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GETTING THE RIGHT BALANCE

Work/life balance

We recognise that people have different commitments, from children to dependent relatives. Everyone's situation is unique - that's why we offer a good work/life balance. NHSBT supports flexible working, and we offer a number of working patterns to suit most people.

Home working is also an option in some circumstances, following discussion with your line manager.

We are also conscious that some of your requirements and expectations may change at different times in your working life and NHSBT always strives to accommodate these as much as possible.

Childcare

To help you balance work and home responsibilities, we have two childcare Co-ordinators available to help and advise on accessing affordable childcare, as well as help with completing your tax credit forms. And, you can begin using their expert advice, as soon as you're offered a role with us.

We also offer a childcare Voucher Scheme, which can save you money on childcare costs. And, as an NHSBT employee, you will qualify for discounts on Holiday Clubs.

Our mini-site, 'Childcare Works' is an in-house Intranet network which allows you to contact colleagues with similar considerations to yourself.

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IT SUPPORT

If your role requires it, you will be supplied with an NHS email address, an intranet log-in and internet access.

And because we're keen for all our employees to be well-equipped to carry out their day-to-day tasks, we support the study of Microsoft Packages for all levels - whether you're a beginner or an expert.

Our links with the European Computer Driving Licence Foundation (ECDL) mean that you can study for a computer skills certification programme that's world-leading and globally recognised.

Click here to learn more about the ECDL Foundation.

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