Practices: People really seem to enjoy working for Chichester District Council. “They are the happiest staff I have ever interviewed,” commented an inspector for the Investors in People award in 2006. The council is rated “excellent” by the Audit Commission, and the management team says there is a direct correlation between customer satisfaction and a motivated workforce. Training has a high priority, and a mix of learning options are offered. Staff are encouraged to take part in professional, management, internal and on-the-job training, and a dedicated diploma in management studies course is offered to those with ambitions to rise up the council's ranks. Chichester's staff awards scheme rewards up to 12 staff a year with £200 in vouchers, while the team of the quarter gets £500. Employees also enjoy quiz nights, dance classes and subsidised fitness activities ranging from quit smoking groups to yoga. Pay and benefits: Chichester has 623 permanent staff, with an average of 9.7 years of service. There are almost equal numbers of men and women on the payroll. The 14-strong senior management team is overwhelmingly male, however, (there are only two female executives). Many staff are on flexi time or the council's reduced hours scheme. They also have the option to condense their working hours into nine-day fortnights. For more information on 'The Times Best Councils to Work For 2007' list please visit http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/career_and_jobs/specials/best_councils/
