A great place to work
North Yorkshire is an excellent place to live and with the range of benefits available to when you work for us, Harrogate Borough Council is a great place to work.
Pensions
The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is available to all employees under the age of 65.
It is a final salary contributory scheme and the rate of contribution is between 5.5 per cent and 7.5 per cent (depending on how much you earn) of your pensionable pay.
If you work part time your rate will be based on the whole time rate for your job. The pension scheme includes life assurance cover.
If you want to know more about our pension benefits, visit our pension fund website:
www.northyorks.gov.uk/PensionfundNote: if you currently or have previously worked within local government and have service before 1 April 2008 you will have a separate entitlement based on 80ths which will also include a lump sum.
Flexi time scheme
Provided that they attend work during certain agreed hours the flexi time scheme permits certain employees to work hours, which suit their personal lifestyle and commitments. The overriding consideration of the scheme is that it should meet public service requirements.
Working from home
We recognise that it can benefit from allowing certain employees to work from home, while recognising that the benefits to the Council come first. We support and encourage managers to allow homeworking where it will assist in achieving its aim of a well-managed Council while at the same time, balancing the needs of employees.
Leisure facility discounts
Staff receive a 20 per cent discount on admission fees for Council leisure facilities (during all opening hours) and 10 per cent on Turkish Baths and health spa (restricted to 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m.) The discounts are available on a full range of leisure facilities at swimming pools, sports centres, fitness suites, games in parks, Turkish Baths, health spa and museums throughout the District.
Work life balance
We believe in work life balance for our employees and we have many policies that support this.
Workplace nursery
All employees have the opportunity (subject to availability) to use the Council run Coppice Valley Nursery, for their own children between the age of six months and five years old. The Nursery is run by qualified staff and provides excellent facilities in a friendly and stimulating atmosphere. The aim is to create a pleasant and secure foundation for your child's social and educational development.
Childcare vouchers
We run a salary sacrifice scheme with Busy Bees childcare whereby the parent/guardian agree to take a salary sacrifice in exchange for Busybee childcare vouchers.
Car loans
Employees occupying posts which carry an essential user or authorised casual car allowance are eligible to apply for a car loan.
Bicycle loans
Employees who use their bicycle to travel to and from work or in the course of their duties can have an interest free bicycle loan.
Cycle to work scheme
We have entered into an agreement with Wheelies Direct Cycles Solutions (WDCS) to provide cycles directly to employees on behalf of the Council who will be the owner of the bikes. The Scheme is open to all permanent employees who have completed their probationary periods. It is also open to temporary employees who have fixed term contracts of sufficient length as to be able to make all the payments required under the Scheme.
Private medical insurance
We can take away the pain of everyday health care costs by putting you in touch with affordable private medical insurers. There are a number of options depending on the level of protection you want. Subscription is made by deducting the cost from your salary.
Employee helpline
The helpline is a free confidential and independent counselling service provided by Oakdale. It is available for any employee, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Professional fees
We encourage employees to pursue training, professional qualifications and continuous professional development. Most professional bodies charge a membership fee. We will pay for one professional fee where it is a requirement of your job. Check with your manager to confirm that your own professional body is appropriate for payment of the fees.
Investors In people
We have achieved Investors in People (IiP) status and are fully committed to developing our staff to achieve individual aims and objectives. We plan what our staff need to do to achieve those aims and objectives. Performance appraisals are carried out for all employees to assist in the development of people to improve the Council's overall performance.
Data matching
In order to deter and detect fraud of public funds, along with other public sector bodies, we are legally obliged to participate in a regular data matching exercise run by the Audit Commission. This involves the submission of specified data from the Council's payroll, housing benefit and council house rents record. The Commission then matches the data supplied by Harrogate Council to that submitted by other organisations.
Smoking policy
We operate a no smoking policy in our office buildings and in council owned vehicles with enclosed cabs.