Officially a Very Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Very Good
Company to Work For
Officially an Outstanding
Company to Work For
Officially an Outstanding
Company to Work For
Officially a World Class
Company to Work For
Officially a World Class
Company to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
Officially a Good
Company to Work For
Next Stage's mission is to care for and provide support to vulnerable children, young people and adults within the community.
Based in Bolton, Lancashire, its aims to inspire people by “showing that we care,” it says. “We earn their trust, we build them up and we help them accept life's challenges.” It believes in the power of positive inspiration and the effect that it can have on a person's life.
Next Stage, which was established in 2002, engages with local communities and bolsters individuals' learning and growth within a safe, supportive working environment. Its employees can access a wide range of benefits in line with the firm's belief that in order to provide the best possible care for its service users, it needs to look after staff by offering a market-leading package. These include childcare vouchers, an employee assistance programme, a cycle-to-work scheme and discounts on gym membership and cinema tickets. Health and social care qualifications are available via an accredited college and for one day a year, Next Stage pays for staff to support a charity.
This large company operates employee forums at which concerns can be raised, with Covid-19 a standing item on the agenda. Weekly meetings on the pandemic with the senior leadership team highlight any immediate issues, which can be addressed if required. One of its initiatives is Investment Week, scheduled every three months, when employees focus on one particular value and complete activities associated with it.
My team is fun to work with
The use of Teams and Zoom was stepped up during lockdowns and furlough periods. Social media helped in the distribution of information and support to colleagues. A variety of competitions took place, such as baking and TikTok challenges, and these were shared across the business.
I am happy with the balance between my work and home life
The company continued to run challenges and activities during the pandemic to reduce feelings of isolation among its workforce. It issued “thank you” letters to all employees and their children to acknowledge their commitment to helping Next Stage carry on its work.
This organisation is keen to help people from disadvantaged backgrounds
Next Stage is committed to upcycling items for use in its services or sourcing them locally via Facebook Marketplace or buy-sell swap sites. This reduces its carbon footprint as these products are not being bought brand new and cuts the number of delivery miles.
Companies offering a final salary scheme to all employees, or one in which the employer's contribution is at least 5%.
At least 40% of senior managers are women.
