Why work here

There are many reasons why working at West Notts is rewarding. We have a benefit package that not only makes us an attractive employer but also demonstrates how we value, reward and recognise our employees. Our ambition is to become an ‘employer of choice’. In March 2010 we were placed 14th in the Top 75 places to work in the public sector.

We also hold the Investors in People gold award and recognition for how we ensure the well being of staff.

We have a Pay and Reward Strategy that promotes transparency and forms the basis of how the College will reward and recognise staff. The college uses a nationally agreed job evaluation scheme.

We offer:

• An attractive annual leave package
• Final salary pension schemes for both teaching and support staff 
• Flexibility of working hours with fractional, term-time and full-time posts 
• Free on-site parking (at most sites) and a free shuttle bus providing a service to local bus stations; making it easier for staff to use public transport 
• Voluntary benefits scheme through ‘You at Work’ including access to childcare vouchers 
• Generous family friendly procedures
• Occupational health service
• Free Confidential 24 hour Staff counselling service
• Internet access.
• Onsite Library
• Corporate gym membership rates
• Car Share Scheme
• Free eye tests and a contribution towards glasses where eligible
  
  

We hold a number of annual events to recognise the contribution of both individuals and teams. The ‘Star Awards’ recognise individuals who have gone the ‘extra mile’, demonstrated outstanding teaching and learning practice, team achievement and innovation.

We also hold annual recognition for staff who have worked for the College for over 25 years. These individuals are recognised for the service, commitment and dedication they have given to the College.

The College has a number of opportunities for staff to get involved in the local community. We encourage all staff to give something back, both in terms of raising funds for local and national charities and volunteering themselves and supporting students to volunteer within the community.

We have supported both staff and students in the following volunteering projects:

• Supporting staff to undertake a volunteering project in Ghana 
• A range of volunteering for local community projects
• Getting involved in fun activities at College to raise money for Children in Need, Comic Relief, supporting Asda’s ‘Tickled Pink’ campaign, MacMillan Coffee morning, and Race for Life

We recognise the importance of a work/life balance and employee wellbeing, and promote a number of activities that support this:

• Variety of social events, celebrations and fund-raising events
• On-site Occupational Health Practitioner for both health referrals and wellbeing promotions including cancer awareness raising sessions, 'Know your Numbers' campaigns (blood pressure, cholesterol and weight), and healthy eating advice
• Access to a counselling service
• Subsidised Hair and Beauty Centre with 10% discount for staff 
• Subsidised onsite restaurant
• On-site nursery.
• Low-cost catering service all year round.

We are committed to working in partnership with recognised trade union representatives. We encourage staff to join a trade union. The trade unions recognised by the College are UCU, UNISON and AMiE.

We also provide large annual investment of both time and finance for training and development. A wide, flexible variety of training methods and subjects are available, enabling staff to remain up-to-date with their chosen field and also gain higher-level qualifications for career progression. We know that staff development is crucial to the success of the College and we pride ourselves on our commitment to continued professional development of all our staff. We invest in the development of staff in the following ways:

• Five staff development days annually
• Access to College courses
• Financial support for professional and long courses.

In May 2010 we were assessed against the new Investor in People Gold standard, as well as the Investor in People Health and Wellbeing Good Practice Award. The College was successful in achieving both awards making it the first organisation in the East Midlands to do so.

As part of the process for the Best Companies accreditation scheme an employee survey was sent out to all staff in December 2009 and received a one star accreditation as a result of staff feedback.

It achieved top rankings in the following categories (out of the 75 companies listed):

• 2nd for 'Personal Growth' – what employees feel about training and their future prospects; 
• 4th for 'Leadership' – how employees feel about the head of the organisation, senior managers, and the organisation's values and principles; and 
• 6th for 'My Company' – the level of engagement employees have for their job and organisation. 

Mrs Khemka OBE said: "I'm really proud the college has achieved such a high ranking and is recognised as one of the top public sector organisations to work for in the UK. It's especially pleasing that the results came from the views and opinions of staff, which shows we have a happy and committed workforce, people feel supported in their jobs and are positive about their future prospects.

"We value each and every member of staff and recognise the role they play in making us the top-performing college that we’ve become."

More than 200 organisations competed for a place on the list, produced on behalf of Best Companies Ltd, and the views of 45,000 employees were canvassed. It comes shortly after West Nottinghamshire College retained its star rating in the 2010 Best Companies accreditation scheme, which recognises excellence in the workplace and organisations that show high levels of employee engagement.