CHOICES HOUSING ASSOCIATION aims to enrich the lives of people with a disability by providing quality housing and care and support services that enable them to live independently. That work is an important part of employees' lives, winning an 80% positive score in our staff satisfaction survey, a top 30 result. Employees think Choices, which is based in Newcastle-under-Lyme in Staffordshire, makes a real difference to the world (72%). To ensure staff are equipped for the job, the association invests an average of almost £190 in the training of each of its 263 employees, who deliver services across 19 sites in Staffordshire, Cheshire, and Telford and Wrekin. The training facility within the organisation has been recognised as a centre of excellence by the British Institute of Learning Disabilities and the training manager received the care innovator award at the 2010 Great British Care Awards. Courses range from health and safety to safe handling and managing behaviour, in addition to which job secondments enhance the development of potential managers and those wishing to add to their work-based skills. Between these learning opportunities and doing the job there's not much time to be bored (79%, ranking 12th) and staff, who are clear about exactly what is expected of them, think their job is good for personal growth (both 75%). Workers' skills are being used effectively, according to a 57% positive score which places the association just outside the top third on this point. An employee forum was introduced last year and this, together with the management forum, staff meetings and focus groups, ensures staff are kept up-to-date and involved with business developments and are able to air concerns. People think the firm is run on strong principles (78%). Managers talk honestly and openly to them (76%) and would respond quickly if anyone showed signs of being under too much pressure (73%, ranking 16th). Choices gets its highest ranking for Wellbeing, placed 38th overall in this category. Employees don't feel so stressed they can't concentrate (74%), they find their job doesn't interfere with their responsibilities at home (70%) and few feel they are spending too much time working (63%, a top 20 score). Team members work a 30-hour week on average while supervisors and managers clock up 37 hours. A support worker typically earns just under £9,000 a year and, depending on the performance of the organisation as a whole, everyone gets a bonus in addition to their salary. Team lunches are held in recognition of outstanding effort or performance. Those putting in exceptional performances get a letter of congratulations from a member of the senior management team and a gift at the company's annual gala dinner. There is a company pension, a generous maternity and paternity scheme and a range of family-friendly policies. Flexible benefits include performance-related pay, childcare vouchers, extra holidays, personal insurance, life assurance, an employee assistance programme and discounted services. Employees, almost half of whom have been on the payroll for more than five years, think the organisation provides a great service to clients (82%). Colleagues go out of their way to help each other (78%) and the experience they gain in the job is valuable for the future (74%). choiceshousing.co.uk
