We recognise the importance of having an attractive employment package to recruit and retain staff that display our values and achieve our aspirations. We have an exciting and broad range of employee benefits and work hard to constantly enhance these.
Salary
We offer competitive salaries and a progressive, graded pay structure. All salaries are reviewed annually and any pay award takes effect on 1 April.
Flexible Working
We are committed to flexible working. We have a flexitime system and are positive about flexible working and remote working requests from all employees (including new starters).
Annual Leave
Our generous annual leave scheme starts at 30 days, including bank holidays. This will rise according to the grade of the post. An additional five days are added after five years' continuous local government service.
Pension & Life Assurance
The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a valuable part of our pay and reward package. All employees will automatically become members of the LGPS from day one, although there is an opt out option. The employee’s contribution is between 5.5% and 12.5% of pensionable pay depending on salary and the employer currently pays the balance of the cost of providing the benefits. There is also a 50/50 option where you can pay half the normal contribution and build up half the normal pension. It is a defined benefit occupational pension scheme (so how much you get depends on your salary and length of service, rather than how much you have paid in).
Essential Car User Allowance
Where a car is necessary to carry out the duties of the job you will be entitled to a subsidised lease car or cash alternative.
Occupational Sick Pay
If you are unable to attend work due to sickness you will be entitled to occupational sick pay.
Learning & Development
We are committed to our employees’ learning and development. When you start with us your manager will discuss your work objectives and development needs with you and this will form the basis for your training. These will be reviewed annually in a personal development discussion as part of our appraisal process.
Employee Discounts
Our enviable employee discounts package will see you scooting to the shops (or online) to take advantage of the great discounts that we have available. Discounts are available at the Ashford Designer Outlet, supermarkets, restaurants and retailers. So from food to fashion, holidays to healthcare, DIY to days out, there will always be something for our employees to save some money on.
Volunteering Programme
You can access one paid day a year to volunteer, so if you have interests in helping the community within the borough then you will be able to take advantage of this offering.
Car Parking
All employees have free car parking in various car parks in the town centre.
Cycle Scheme
Our Cycle To Work Scheme is a salary sacrifice scheme. You can use this to hire a bike and safety equipment and pay less tax and national insurance.
Stour Centre Membership
We are next door to the Stour Centre and employees can take full advantage of sports facilities and the swimming pool at reduced membership fees. Lunchtime classes are also available. Employees can also use their shower facilities after a lunch time run in the parks and footpaths around the Civic Centre.
Socials
We arrange a large programme of social events for our staff each year and recently this has included;
- Bowling
- Dodgeball
- Quiz night Rounders
- Bubble Football Staff Awards
- Beat The Blues Bash
- Cinema – private screening
Clubs
Our employees run clubs which provide a brilliant opportunity to socialise, develop new interests and get to know your colleagues. Currently we have the following clubs:
- Walking club
- Art club
- Book club,
- Film club
- Running club
- Tai-chi club
- Badminton
- Five a side football
- Workplace choir.
Wellbeing
Our enhanced wellbeing offering includes a wide range of training and activities. These including: mindfulness workshops, healthy eating classes, free health MOTs and health checks, onsite flu jabs, onsite holistic and beauty treatments and discounts at a local Chiropractic practice.
Savings and Loans
We also promote good financial health, so for the savers our payroll deduction is an easy and convenient way to save on a regular basis. You will also have access to a ‘Save As You Borrow Loans’ which will enable you to save a small amount at the same time as making repayments.
Employee Assistance Programme
Ashford Borough Council values the health and wellbeing of all employees. We have an employee assistance programme that can greatly help employees to achieve a positive balance in their lives. This is provided through a free, 24/7, information helpline and free counselling.
Facilities
The Civic Centre is a five minute walk from the town centre and Ashford International Station. Our offices are open plan and are currently being refurbished with a fresh and minimalist theme. We have a large staff room with a pool table.