Best Companies Factors: Wellbeing

Thomas Carroll Group

The 'Thomas Carroll Academy' fast-tracks employee development, offering clear career paths and the opportunity to gain a chartered qualification. The company also supports employees in gaining qualifications and provides financial rewards upon completion.

The 'TC&Me' platform keeps employees informed about various wellbeing issues. The company also encourages participation in physical activities, such as the Welsh Three Peaks Challenge, to promote physical and mental health. The hybrid working policy further supports a balance between work and home life.

Thomas Carroll's charitable trust supports local individuals and causes. The company also participates in community initiatives such as the Christmas PJ appeal and the Aviva Broker Community Fund Award, reflecting its commitment to giving back to society.

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Insurance

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Thakeham

Thakeham funds and encourages all employees to attend a regular health screening through Nuffield health. The organisation has trained Mental Health First Aiders and champions and also provides access to an in house counsellor at no cost for employees. They can see the counsellor in the office, via teams/zoom or at her practice off site.

The leadership team uses a range of channels and digital to share information and encourage feedback from employees. The CEO and CSO shares regular video messages. The videos are unscripted to maintain authenticity. The videos are easily accessible on smart devices and all comms activity then comes together in its weekly newsletter to all staff.

The organisation has implemented technology so that people can join team and board meetings remotely and in person at the same time. Thakeham also has a working group covering all departments who meet every 2-3 months to discuss ideas, thoughts and suggestions that are fed back to senior leadership so that actions can be implemented.

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Housing Associations

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Softwire

Softwire provides permanent health insurance which pays 75% of an employee’s salary (less state benefits) until normal retirement age in the event that they are unable to work for a prolonged period due to most forms of sickness or accident. All employees are automatically covered for this benefit without having to explicitly sign up.

The organisation celebrates employee achievements and contributions during the "Softwire Awards". Potential winners are nominated by colleagues, and four prizes of £500 are awarded to the people who had most embodied each of the company’s four values (Kindness, Trust, Fun, and Caring about what we do).

Softwire provides specific Line Manager Training to all employees who are starting in a management role. This training has a mixture of management and leadership theory, workshops around how to give and receive great feedback, discussion forums where employees can bring real-life scenarios, and resources to continue to learn how to develop those skills.

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Technology

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Ampa Group

Wellbeing is structured around four pillars—Mental, Social, Physical and Financial. Support includes an EAP and Mental Health First Aiders, with visibility enhanced via intranet badges. The Wellbeing Inclusion Group promotes activities like walking groups and book clubs to support holistic health.

In 2024, Ampa Group hubs raised over £16,000 for charity, while the Ampa Foundation donated more than £48,000 to causes including Nottingham’s Breast Cancer Research Centre and the Spinal Injuries Association.

Managers are empowered to recognise achievements through the Star Award gift voucher programme, enabling immediate, meaningful recognition. This supports a culture of appreciation and reinforces Ampa Group’s values in day-to-day interactions.

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Law

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Rainbow Trust Children's Charity

The charity has an active wellbeing group called the Feel Good group, which runs wellbeing initiatives, activities, challenges and communications throughout the year on various topics. Employees are encouraged to get involved in initiatives aimed at improving their mental, physical and financial wellbeing, as well as promoting team dynamics, understanding and cohesion.

Employees are encouraged to nominate a Star of the Month, which celebrates an individual or team who has demonstrated the charity’s values, or gone above and beyond their role to support a colleague. The winner is celebrated in the monthly briefing and an Employee of the Year is celebrated at the annual staff conference.

Rainbow Trust has a clear process for supporting employee development. Discussions about competency, training and development needs and career aspirations are held formally during its annual performance review process. It has a talent management programme, which is driven through the annual performance reviews, 360 feedback and self-assessment. The programme is tailored to the individuals.

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Charity's

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QCS Staffing

Employees at QCS Staffing have access to a range of wellbeing resources, including: AXA private healthcare; SMART time provided by in-house trainers, to confidentially discuss any concerns; the Healthshield cash plan; enhanced maternity and paternity pay; increased holiday allowance with length of service and extra time off for all over Christmas; and more.

The organisation rewards employees through objectives set to each individual each month. If all four objectives are hit, they receive a 3pm finish or money; three months in a row, they receive a half-day holiday or money; and six months in a row they receive a seat at Directors club or half-day holiday.

QCS Staffing’s FastTrack to Future Leadership programme is completed by all managers who join the business. Its internal trainers provide training, coaching and support on a range of topics from communication and coaching to motivation and management activities. This is accompanied by role play exercises and knowledge sharing sessions with senior team members.

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Recruitment

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Policy Expert

Policy Expert’s commitment to employee wellbeing is evident in its provision of health guides, mental health champions, and access to onsite wellbeing rooms. It also provides external health support through its employee assistance provider, ensuring colleagues are supported in their physical and mental health.

The leadership team at Policy Expert establishes a clear vision for the business, regularly communicating this through quarterly business updates and bi-annual leadership conferences. They ensure alignment and collaboration towards achieving shared goals, fostering a sense of unity and purpose.

Policy Expert’s partnership with the Blue Cross demonstrates its commitment to giving back to society. It hosts fundraising days and other activities, and even offers customers the option to donate any refund amounts to the charity. This initiative reinforces their societal contribution beyond profit motives.

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Pinnacle Consulting Engineers

Employees at Pinnacle Consulting Engineers have access to a range of wellbeing benefits. This includes the organisation’s team of Mental Health First Aiders and its Employee Assistance Programme. To support physical wellbeing, the company provides a cycle to work scheme and subsidises sports and social groups.

The organisation has a Performance Management System that incorporates an Annual Appraisal and an Interim Review for all staff. Graduates and Apprentices receive quarterly reviews. It also has a Training Agreement with Institution of Civil Engineering for engineers to follow a structured route to Chartered Membership.

All Principal Engineers and above hold management roles. They are Chartered members of their Institutions - Institution of Civil Engineering and Institution of Structural Engineering. Alongside their externally accredited technical skills, the organisation supports managers with the people and project management skills needed to lead teams of people to deliver projects for its clients.

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Consultancy

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Pertemps Recruitment Partnership

Pertemps prioritises employee development through its e-learning platform, Elevate, which offers a range of courses. This, along with partnerships like the one with Kallidus, provides opportunities for skill development and career advancement.

Pertemps' Employee Benefit Trust allows employees to share in the company's success. Long-service awards, additional annual leave days, and the option to dress-down on Fridays further demonstrate Pertemps’ commitment to treating employees fairly.

Pertemps places immense importance on employee wellbeing. Initiatives like the Employee Assistance Programme, wellness hub, and promotion of work-life balance contribute to the positive impact on employees' health and performance.

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Recruitment

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Northern Monk

Northern Monk prioritises employee wellbeing, evidenced by its participation in St John's Ambulance's Mental Health Responder Course. It also provides opportunities for employees to volunteer at charities, fostering positive mental health and community connection.

Northern Monk’s leadership champions the company’s core values in all aspects of decision-making, creating an authentic and value-driven culture. They engage with employees through monthly company-wide Huddles and newsletters, ensuring transparent communication at all levels.

Through its Faith in Futures Foundation, Northern Monk has raised over £100,000, supporting local businesses, charities, and projects. This initiative affirms the company's commitment to its community, demonstrating its belief in giving back to society without profit motives.

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Food & Drink

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Wellbeing Matters

Thomas Carroll Group

Thakeham

Softwire

Ampa Group

Rainbow Trust Children's Charity

QCS Staffing

Policy Expert

Pinnacle Consulting Engineers

Pertemps Recruitment Partnership

Northern Monk

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