Harrogate Borough Council
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Employee Benefits
Pensions - Look Forward with Confidence
Note: if you currently or have previously worked within local government and have service before 1st April 2008 you will have a separate entitlement based on 80ths which will also include a lump sum.
Flexible Working
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
The council recognises that it can benefit from allowing certain employees to work from home, while recognising that the benefits to the Council come first. The Council supports and encourages 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
Work Life Balance
The Council believes in work life balance for its employees and has a number of policies which support this stance.
Benefits
Leisure Facility Discounts
Staff receive a 20% discount on admission fees for Council leisure facilities (during all opening hours) and 10% 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.
Workplace Nursery
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.
The Council has entered into an agreement with 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
The Council puts you in touch with affordable private medical insurers to take away the pain of everyday health care costs. There are a number of options depending on the level of protection you want. Subscription is made by deducting the cost from your salary.
The helpline is a free confidential and independent counselling service provided by the Oakdale. It is available for any employee, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Professional Fees
The Council encourages employees to pursue training, professional qualifications and continuous professional development. Most professional bodies charge a membership fee. The Council 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
The Council has Investors in People status. This means that it is fully committed to developing its people to achieve its aims and objectives, and plans what its people 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, this Council is 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
The Council operates a no smoking policy in Council office buildings and in council owned vehicles with enclosed cabs.