ANGUS COLLEGE HAS done its homework and figured out the formula for a great working environment: strong leadership, generous benefits and low stress levels. Lecturers at this medium-sized Arbroath-based further education college on the east coast of Scotland teach vocational and leisure courses to full and part-time students, and they have working conditions that peers from larger institutions would be green with envy at. Headed by principal John Burt for the past 14 years, college staff tend to stick around. The average length of service is five years and 61 of the 340-strong workforce have 15 years' service or more under their belts. Holiday allowance, which starts at 34 days per year, goes up by seven days at an employee's five-year anniversary and reaches a maximum of 60 with extra tenure. There is a final-salary pension scheme open to everyone, with a contribution of 14.9% from the college and 6.4% from the employee. Maternity and paternity leave is enhanced and there is the holy grail for working parents — an on-site crèche, as well as childcare vouchers to help pay for it. Flexible working options are extended to the whole staff and, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere, there is a children's Christmas party and an annual family fair. At 68% positive Angus College has the 10th best score of any mid-size organisation for its employees' contentment with their pay and benefits. Staff feel fairly paid compared to others at the college and compared with others in the sector (both 64%). Burt, whose leadership inspires a great deal of faith (73%) is often seen chatting to lecturers and students and even served chips in the canteen on one occasion. People say senior managers are good at listening rather than just telling, the 59% positive score for this question bettered by just 17 other mid-size organisations. angus.ac.uk
