WHEN STAFF AT Gateshead College were asked to think of ways to make savings and generate income they rose to the challenge with ideas that reduced expenditure (apart from wages) by more than £500,000. Engagement levels are high at the college, where more than half of the workforce of 509 people has been on the payroll for at least five years, including 34 who have notched up two decades' service or more. Employees, who were given the opportunity last year to develop and deliver the content for the staff conference, believe they can make a difference within the college as well as a valuable contribution to its success, returning positive scores of 77% and 81%, the latter in 16th place among mid-sized organisations. Gateshead College, which runs a wide range of courses from A-levels to degrees, ranks 16th overall for employees' positive views of the organisation. Camaraderie is strong, with colleagues going out of their way to help one another. They care a lot about each other, too (both 78%). The average salary of a lecturer is just under £30,000 and people are happy with their pay and benefits (64%) which include a final-salary pension, free sports facilities and access to free courses. www.gateshead.ac.uk