Supporting our workforce
Our colleagues are our biggest asset and we ensure there are benefits and support available.
Benefits of working at the Trust
Access to education
We provide opportunities to further develop in your career through a number of options, including apprenticeships.
On-site nursery
There is a Busy Bees nursery on the hospital grounds.
Work-life balance
We know the importance of a healthy balance between work and life. We are committed to supporting flexible working, and all staff also receive annual leave entitlements that are much more generous than the statutory minimum. We have a range of family-friendly policies.
One of the UK's best pension schemes
The NHS Pension Scheme is one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK. Every new employee automatically becomes a member and you will get an excellent package of pension benefits, fully protected against inflation and guaranteed by the government. Visit NHS Pensions for more information.
Car parking
Car parking is available at our sites. We operate a car park permit system for staff which charges a small monthly fee for a car park pass.
Lease cars
The Trust operates a lease car arrangement where employees can purchase a new car through a salary sacrifice scheme.
Cycle to Work scheme
Employees can purchase a bike through a salary sacrifice scheme.
Healthcare
Employees can join Westfield Health for support with private healthcare fees such as Chiropractors, Opticians etc. Westfield Health is available as a deduction from net pay.
Purchasing annual leave
Employees can purchase up to a week of additional leave and should refer to the Trust’s policy for purchasing annual leave for further details on the process.
Wagestream
Via our partner, Wagestream, all our staff are able to gain early access to a proportion of their wages, purchase discounted supermarket vouchers and easily build up savings pots to support them in managing their finances.
Celebrating our workforce
We are proud of our colleagues and celebrate their achievements in a number of ways.
Proud Awards
Every year, we hold our Proud Awards. Nominations can be submitted by our colleagues for a number of categories. We also ask members of the public to nominate their healthcare heroes in our Public Recognition Award. Winners are announced at our large award ceremony.
Excellence Awards
Colleagues can nominate a team or individual for the Excellence Awards. The recipients are chosen each month by our Chief Executive and announced at the Team Brief. Winners go forward to the Excellence category at the annual Proud Awards
Long Service Awards
Those reaching 25 years of NHS service are recognised for their hard work and dedication. We also hold a Long Service Award ceremony for those reaching 40 years of service to the NHS as part of the Proud Awards.
Staff networks
We embrace the diversity within our workforce and make everyone feel welcome.
We have three staff networks:
- BAME staff network
- LGBTQ+ staff network
- Disability staff network
The networks are all staff-led.
Health and wellbeing
Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
Occupational health
Occupational psychologist
Other wellbeing activities
Defence Employer Recognition Scheme & Armed Forces Covenant
We recognise the value that serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families bring to the Trust. As well as being Veteran Aware accredited, we also hold a Bronze Award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. This means we support the Armed Forces' community as an employer and our values align with the Armed Forces Covenant.
If you are interested in transitioning from a role in the armed forces into a career in healthcare, please take a look at the wealth of information available on the Step Into Health website.