Falkirk Council

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Thursday, August 28th 2008
Home > Services > Corporate & Commercial Services > Human Resources > Creating a positive working environment

Creating a positive working environment

Falkirk Council values its employees and considers itself an employer of choice where flexible benefits and working arrangements go hand in hand with a working culture committed to learning, improving and growing as well as the health and wellbeing of its employees.
 

Flexible working

 
We recognise the importance of work life balance issues and have developed a wide range of flexible working options to support our employees.  These include:
  • annualised hours: working a set number of hours per annum.
  • compressed working hours: number of contracted hours over fewer days.
  • flexible retirement scheme: either reduce hours prior to retiring or continue working beyond the normal retirement age (65).
  • flexible working hours: flexible start and finish times within defined limits.
  • home working: working all or part of your contractual hours from home.
  • job share: two people sharing the duties of one post.
  • part time: working less than full-time hours.
  • term time working: a working pattern which is similar to the school term.
  • voluntary reduced work time: reducing weekly hours for an agreed period of time for up to a maximum of 2 years.
Certain employees also have the right to request to work flexibly and consideration will be given to any such requests.
 
 

Flexible leave

 
The Council offers a range of Leave provisions over and above the annual leave entitlement for employees which ranges from 20 to 25 days per annum depending on length of service and up to 14 days public holidays per annum.
 
Flexible leave options available include:
  • adoption leave
  • career break
  • carer's leave
  • maternity leave
  • maternity support leave
  • parental leave
  • paternity leave
Special leave is also available in certain circumstances e.g.
compassionate leave, jury service/prosecution witness, service in non-regular forces and volunteering for reserves.
 
 

Additional benefits

 
In addition to competitive salaries, there are many other benefits of working with Falkirk Council. These include:
  • AA membership scheme
  • relocation package where applicable
  • final salary pension scheme
  • flexible benefits package (which includes the childcare voucher scheme)
  • long service awards
  • occupational sick pay scheme
  • voluntary benefits package (which includes discounted shopping, holidays and leisure facilities)
 

Employee development

 
The Council is committed to the on-going development of its employees including trainees and modern apprentices.  To support this we offer a wide range of training opportunities, which include:
  • communication skills
  • customer care skills
  • equal opportunities
  • health and safety skills training
  • IT training
  • management development
  • modular courses relating to Council policies and procedures
  • personal effectiveness training 
Employees are also able to use the well equipped Learning Resource Centre (LRC) to enhance their development.
 
 

Health, safety and care

 
The Council is committed to the health and wellbeing of all its employees and is a Gold SHAW (Scotland's Health at Work) Award holder.
 
To support this, a number of policies and procedures are in place including:
  • Dignity at Work Policy
  • Drug and Alcohol Policy
  • Employee and Manager's Stress Guidelines
  • Health and Safety Policy including a Risk Assessment process
  • Sickness Absence Policy
  • Smoking Policy 
A number of Health Promotion initiatives are in place including the Healthy Lifestyle Card and reimbursement for eye tests for dedicated VDU users.  Regular ad hoc events also take place to encourage healthier life choices.
 
The Council aims to have a workforce that is happy and healthy.  
 
Contact Us
  • By Post:
    Human Resources
    Corporate & Commercial Services
    Falkirk Council
    Municipal Buildings
    West Bridge Street
    Falkirk
    FK1 5RS
  • By Telephone:
    01324 506070
  • By Email:
    hr@falkirk.gov.uk