Rewards and benefits

We are committed to creating a workplace where colleagues feel supported, valued, and able to thrive. Health and wellbeing sit at the heart of everything we do, and we take great  pride in offering a extensive  range of initiatives designed to help employees look after both their physical and mental health. 

Comprehensive wellbeing support - We offer a wide range of services to ensure employees can access help when they need it, including: 

• Free, confidential counselling and support services delivered by qualified professionals 
• Guidance and signposting for mental health, stress management and resilience 
• Support for physical health, including access to wellbeing programmes and healthy lifestyle initiatives.  

Discounts and active lifestyle benefits - To help you stay active and enjoy local fitness opportunities, we offer: 

• Discounted membership at local leisure centres, making it easier to build exercise into your weekly routine 
• Access to a wide range of classes, swimming, gym facilities and wellbeing activities at reduced cost 
• Whether you’re already active or looking to take your first steps toward improving your fitness, these benefits help make wellbeing achievable for everyone. 

Cycle to work scheme - Our Cycle to Work Scheme gives employees the option to purchase a bike and accessories through a tax efficient salary sacrifice arrangement. And it’s a great way to stay active while contributing to a cleaner, greener city. 

Supporting your whole self - We want every colleague to feel their best - emotionally, mentally and physically. That’s why our wellbeing offer is continually evolving and includes: 

• Resources for stress reduction and selfcare 
• Support for managing work–life balance 
• Opportunities to take part in wellbeing days, workshops and campaigns

We offer a reward package that recognises your contributions and supports your long‑term financial wellbeing. Our pay and pension benefits are designed to provide stability, security and flexibility throughout your career with us. 

Competitive pay - We offer competitive rates of pay that reflect your skills, experience and professional expertise. Our salary structure ensures fair progression, allowing you to grow and advance as your responsibilities and capabilities develop. We believe in rewarding talent and ensuring colleagues are recognised for the value they bring to our organisation. 

Local Government Pension scheme (LGPS) - As a council employee, you will have access to an excellent defined‑benefit pension scheme, providing long‑term financial security and peace of mind. 
Key features include: 

• A guaranteed income in retirement, based on your career earnings 
• Employer contributions that significantly boost your pension pot 
• Full access to resources and guidance to help you plan for the future 

The LGPS is widely recognised as one of the most generous public sector pension schemes, helping you build a stable and reliable foundation for life after work. 

 Pension AVCs via Salary Sacrifice. To give you even more control over your financial future, we also offer Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) through a salary sacrifice arrangement. 
This allows you to: 

Enhance your pension savings in a tax‑efficient way 

Benefit from Income Tax and National Insurance savings 

Increase or reduce your contributions at any time to suit your needs 

AVCs are an excellent option for colleagues who want to build additional retirement savings. 

From your first day onwards, you’ll have access to a wide range of learning opportunities designed to support your development, build confidence, and enhance your career path. 

We provide a blend of classroom‑based learning, remote training, and e‑learning courses, ensuring that development is accessible, flexible, and tailored to modern working patterns. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your existing skills or explore new areas of professional interest, there are opportunities at every stage of your journey.

We offer a variety of apprenticeship routes and management development programmes, supporting colleagues who want to gain new qualifications, progress into leadership roles, or retrain in a different professional area. These schemes combine practical experience with structured learning, giving employees the chance to earn, learn and grow at the same time.

We are proud to champion an inclusive and supportive workplace through a diverse range of staff owned networks. These networks reflect the richness of our workforce and help create a culture where colleagues feel valued, represented, and able to be their authentic selves at work. They provide safe, open and collaborative spaces for individuals with shared identities, lived experiences or interests to come together, connect, and influence meaningful change across our organisation. 

Our employee networks play a vital role in: 

• Offering peer support, encouragement and mentoring 
• Creating safe spaces to share experiences and raise concerns 
• Acting as consultative groups that inform council policy and service design - particularly through Equality Impact Assessments 
• Helping to shape a workplace that is fair, equitable and inclusive for all colleagues 
• Celebrating the diversity of our workforce through events, campaigns and awareness initiatives throughout the year 

Why our networks matter - Our staff networks are an integral part of our equality, diversity and inclusion framework. They help us: 

• Build a workplace where every colleague feels valued, heard and respected 
• Challenge discrimination and champion equity 
• Shape policies that reflect the needs and lived experiences of our workforce 
• Strengthen belonging and celebrate the cultural vibrancy of our community 
• Foster a positive, supportive culture where colleagues can thrive 

Throughout the year, our networks lead and contribute to a wide range of initiatives - from awareness raising events and cultural celebrations to workshops, campaigns, and storytelling that showcase the diversity and talent within our workforce. 

Early careers network - A welcoming network for colleagues at the beginning of their careers, apprentices, graduates and those exploring new professional pathways. This group provides opportunities for development, networking, peer support and confidence building as staff take their next steps within the council.

LGBTQIA+ staff network - An inclusive space for LGBTQIA+ colleagues and allies. The network raises awareness, provides support, and champions equality in policy, culture and everyday practice. It plays an important role in fostering visibility and belonging across the council. 

Disability and neurodiversity inclusion network - This network supports colleagues who are disabled, neurodivergent, or living with long-term health conditions. It offers peer support, promotes accessibility, and works with leaders to ensure our workplace, culture and policies are inclusive and barrier free. 

Ethnically diverse network - A network for colleagues from ethnically diverse backgrounds, providing a safe space for shared experiences, cultural celebration and collective empowerment. Members support one another and help the organisation challenge inequalities and promote racial equity. 

Menopause network group - A supportive forum focused on raising awareness of menopause and perimenopause, influencing policy and working practices, and ensuring colleagues experiencing symptoms are supported, understood and treated with dignity. 

Endometriosis friendly employer group - As an Endometriosis Friendly Employer, we provide a supportive environment for colleagues affected by endometriosis through awareness, advocacy and tailored workplace adjustments. 

Armed forces covenant and forces friendly support - In line with our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we proudly support colleagues who are serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families. This includes awareness raising, workplace support and involvement in forces friendly initiatives across the council.

We recognise the importance of rest, balance and time away from work. Our leave benefits are designed to support your wellbeing, your personal commitments, and the moments in life that matter most. 

Up to 33 days annual leave - Employees can enjoy a highly competitive leave package, starting with a strong base entitlement and increasing with service. 28 days annual leave, and after five years of continuous service, annual leave rises to up to 33 days, ensuring long serving colleagues are rewarded with additional time to recharge and spend with family, friends or simply doing what they love. This entitlement comes in addition to 8 statutory bank holidays, giving you even more opportunity for rest throughout the year.

Annual leave purchase scheme - We understand that sometimes you may need more time away — whether for travel, personal commitments, or simply to extend a break. Our Annual Leave Purchase Scheme allows eligible employees to buy additional days of leave each year, offering greater control and flexibility over your work–life balance.

We’re committed to offering benefits that truly support your lifestyle, financial wellbeing and peace of mind. Our wide-ranging reward package is designed to help you make the most of your money, access valuable services, and enjoy everyday savings that make a real difference. 

Car salary sacrifice scheme - Our Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme, provided through Tusker, gives you access to a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle for a fixed monthly amount taken directly from your salary. This tax efficient scheme includes maintenance, insurance, breakdown cover and road tax, helping you enjoy greener, more affordable motoring.

Free will writing service - Employees can access a free will writing service, giving you the reassurance that your affairs are in order and your loved ones are protected - at no additional cost.

Health cash plan provider - Through Paycare, you can claim money back on a range of everyday healthcare expenses such as dental treatment, eye care, physiotherapy and more. This helps reduce the cost of staying healthy and maintaining your wellbeing. 

Home electronics salary sacrifice scheme - Our Home Electronics Salary Sacrifice Scheme makes essential tech and home appliances more affordable. Spread the cost of products from leading brands - from laptops and phones to kitchen appliances - through simple monthly deductions from your salary.

Lifestyle savings - Through our benefits platform Vivup, employees gain access to a wide suite of lifestyle savings. With over 750 discounts from major UK retailers, restaurants, travel providers, leisure venues and more, you can save on everything from essential shopping to special treats. 

• Your Vivup savings include discounts on: 
• Online and high street shopping 
• Food shopping and eating out 
• Family days out and local attractions 
• Cinema tickets 
• Weekend breaks and holidays 
• Gifts, experiences and home goods 
• Travel and transport 
• And so much more 

These savings help your salary go further - whether you’re treating yourself, planning family activities, or simply reducing the cost of everyday essentials.