Practices: The council believes in staff recognition and has a scheme for managers and staff to nominate individuals and teams who they think have worked “above and beyond” the call of duty to receive a bonus and certificate. Managers can be nominated for the annual “Top Manager Award”. These awards are presented by the chief executive and chairman of the human resources committee at an annual awards ceremony. The council funds one or two large social events each year, such as a Christmas party organised by the chairman of the council and a staff summer ball. On Christmas Eve the directors and senior officers cook breakfast for the outdoor staff before they go out on their rounds. Kennet has successfully recruited staff to meet future organisational needs. A number of these now hold senior positions, including one manager who joined the council as a YTS student. The council is putting its own house in order on environmental issues by recently agreeing to install solar panels on its main building. Pay and benefits: A wide range of flexible working options are available to staff. Job sharing, reduced hours and term-time only contracts are available to all. Staff with at least two years' service are eligible for unpaid sabbaticals of up to a year. Staff who work from home are provided with a laptop and those who are mobile also have laptops with PC docking stations in the office. Childcare vouchers and subsidised sports facilities are available and staff can buy and sell holiday days. 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/