Sevenoaks District Council

Hidden mission statement
http://www.sevenoaks.gov.uk

Officially a Very Good
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Officially a Very Good
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Officially an Outstanding
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Officially an Outstanding
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Officially a World Class
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Officially a World Class
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Officially a Global*
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Best Company
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“IF YOU HAD £500, what would you improve?” staff were asked at Sevenoaks district council. Their answers have provided free fruit boxes, refurbished toilets and a lick of paint here and there at its base in Kent. England's first financially self-sufficient local authority owns a supermarket, petrol station and office block. This protects, in an era of government cuts, the 70 services it offers the people of Sevenoaks. It was the first public body to be awarded platinum status by Investors in People last May. The workforce of 298 staff is inspired by chief executive Pav Ramewal (a 72% positive score) and has faith in senior managers (74%, eighth among mid-size organisations), who welcome new ideas and are keen to develop talent within their team. The organisation likes to remind staff that “the customer is anyone who isn't me”, creating an environment in which people go out of their way to help each other (82%, 10th). Employees have fun together (78%) at work and outside working hours, at quiz and party nights and regular fundraising activities. People are proud to work for the council (78%). www.sevenoaks.gov.uk

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Sevenoaks District Council

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Featured Workplace Factors

My Company

90% of staff agreed

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

The Senior Management Team is absolutely dedicated to the organisations values and go out of their way to ensure there is a continual focus on them in their actions and in the way they communicate across the organisation. The Chief Executive is the first to ask to be involved and is pictured holding a "no blame culture". It's what matters most to him. Things may not go well but the focus is always on how it can be done better next time. The Senior Team make themselves available and have an open door policy. Nobody will be turned away if they have something they need to ask. The Chief Executive meets regularly with all staff and is always available to attend team meetings. Success is always celebrated informally by a quick thank you or a letter to staff. Investors in People made Sevenoaks the first public sector organisation worldwide to reach their new Platinum Standard. Whenever there is news that needs to be shared with the whole organisation there is no hesitation in sending a communication, often by email, that gives an honest assessment of the situation and clarity about what steps the organisation are taking. The Chief Executive ensures that each of the Chief Officers in his team operate in the same way and if he cannot be available there is always someone in the Leadership Team available to engage with staff. Staff Briefings are exceptionally popular with staff. Attendance exceeds 80% and they provide not just an opportunity for the Chief Executive to talk directly to staff but an opportunity for them to give their feedback and seek answers to any questions they may have. A simple but effective post-it session at each briefing means staff can give their opinions anonymously if they choose and it has seen engagement levels improve dramatically.

My Team

90% of staff agreed

People in my team go out of their way to help me

The Council's Staff Social Club coordinates a range of activities throughout the year to support the work of national and local charities. The Council always supports McMillan Coffee Mornings, Jeans for Genes, Children in Need, Comic Relief and Sports Aid. Activities are arranged for the whole office to take part in, including a bingo competition with the numbers shared over Email during the working day, cake sales and fancy dress. The Council are proud to have raised over £1,000 each year in support of these causes. The organisation's male staff come to the fore each November to support Movember. In 2015 the Council's team of Movember Men raised an incredible £1,200. Additionally the Social Club aims to run each of the events it holds to cover its costs. Where excess funds are generated through raffles and cake sales that money is always passed to a local charity. Many local organisations have benefited in the past, including Hospice in the Weald & Porchlight. Through the Volunteering Policy they aim to offer over 100 volunteering days annually to support organisations working in local communities. Staff are gifted a day's additional volunteering leave to take part in the cause that matters most to them. The Council provides a HERO Scheme in its local community. The scheme aims to provide support to residents that need assistance with Housing, Energy Costs, Retraining and Employment and other family and budgeting issues.

Giving Something Back

84% of staff agreed

This organisation has a strong social conscience

The Senior Management Team is absolutely dedicated to the organisations values and go out of their way to ensure there is a continual focus on them in their actions and in the way they communicate across the organisation. The Chief Executive is the first to ask to be involved and is pictured holding a "no blame culture". It's what matters most to him. Things may not go well but the focus is always on how it can be done better next time. The Senior Team make themselves available and have an open door policy. Nobody will be turned away if they have something they need to ask. The Chief Executive meets regularly with all staff and is always available to attend team meetings. Success is always celebrated informally by a quick thank you or a letter to staff. Investors in People made Sevenoaks the first public sector organisation worldwide to reach their new Platinum Standard. Whenever there is news that needs to be shared with the whole organisation there is no hesitation in sending a communication, often by email, that gives an honest assessment of the situation and clarity about what steps the organisation are taking. The Chief Executive ensures that each of the Chief Officers in his team operate in the same way and if he cannot be available there is always someone in the Leadership Team available to engage with staff. Staff Briefings are exceptionally popular with staff. Attendance exceeds 80% and they provide not just an opportunity for the Chief Executive to talk directly to staff but an opportunity for them to give their feedback and seek answers to any questions they may have. A simple but effective post-it session at each briefing means staff can give their opinions anonymously if they choose and it has seen engagement levels improve dramatically.

My Company
%

90% of staff agreed

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

The Senior Management Team is absolutely dedicated to the organisations values and go out of their way to ensure there is a continual focus on them in their actions and in the way they communicate across the organisation. The Chief Executive is the first to ask to be involved and is pictured holding a "no blame culture". It's what matters most to him. Things may not go well but the focus is always on how it can be done better next time. The Senior Team make themselves available and have an open door policy. Nobody will be turned away if they have something they need to ask. The Chief Executive meets regularly with all staff and is always available to attend team meetings. Success is always celebrated informally by a quick thank you or a letter to staff. Investors in People made Sevenoaks the first public sector organisation worldwide to reach their new Platinum Standard. Whenever there is news that needs to be shared with the whole organisation there is no hesitation in sending a communication, often by email, that gives an honest assessment of the situation and clarity about what steps the organisation are taking. The Chief Executive ensures that each of the Chief Officers in his team operate in the same way and if he cannot be available there is always someone in the Leadership Team available to engage with staff. Staff Briefings are exceptionally popular with staff. Attendance exceeds 80% and they provide not just an opportunity for the Chief Executive to talk directly to staff but an opportunity for them to give their feedback and seek answers to any questions they may have. A simple but effective post-it session at each briefing means staff can give their opinions anonymously if they choose and it has seen engagement levels improve dramatically.

My Team
%

90% of staff agreed

People in my team go out of their way to help me

The Council's Staff Social Club coordinates a range of activities throughout the year to support the work of national and local charities. The Council always supports McMillan Coffee Mornings, Jeans for Genes, Children in Need, Comic Relief and Sports Aid. Activities are arranged for the whole office to take part in, including a bingo competition with the numbers shared over Email during the working day, cake sales and fancy dress. The Council are proud to have raised over £1,000 each year in support of these causes. The organisation's male staff come to the fore each November to support Movember. In 2015 the Council's team of Movember Men raised an incredible £1,200. Additionally the Social Club aims to run each of the events it holds to cover its costs. Where excess funds are generated through raffles and cake sales that money is always passed to a local charity. Many local organisations have benefited in the past, including Hospice in the Weald & Porchlight. Through the Volunteering Policy they aim to offer over 100 volunteering days annually to support organisations working in local communities. Staff are gifted a day's additional volunteering leave to take part in the cause that matters most to them. The Council provides a HERO Scheme in its local community. The scheme aims to provide support to residents that need assistance with Housing, Energy Costs, Retraining and Employment and other family and budgeting issues.

My Company
%

90% of staff agreed

I believe I can make a valuable contribution to the success of this organisation

The Senior Management Team is absolutely dedicated to the organisations values and go out of their way to ensure there is a continual focus on them in their actions and in the way they communicate across the organisation. The Chief Executive is the first to ask to be involved and is pictured holding a "no blame culture". It's what matters most to him. Things may not go well but the focus is always on how it can be done better next time. The Senior Team make themselves available and have an open door policy. Nobody will be turned away if they have something they need to ask. The Chief Executive meets regularly with all staff and is always available to attend team meetings. Success is always celebrated informally by a quick thank you or a letter to staff. Investors in People made Sevenoaks the first public sector organisation worldwide to reach their new Platinum Standard. Whenever there is news that needs to be shared with the whole organisation there is no hesitation in sending a communication, often by email, that gives an honest assessment of the situation and clarity about what steps the organisation are taking. The Chief Executive ensures that each of the Chief Officers in his team operate in the same way and if he cannot be available there is always someone in the Leadership Team available to engage with staff. Staff Briefings are exceptionally popular with staff. Attendance exceeds 80% and they provide not just an opportunity for the Chief Executive to talk directly to staff but an opportunity for them to give their feedback and seek answers to any questions they may have. A simple but effective post-it session at each briefing means staff can give their opinions anonymously if they choose and it has seen engagement levels improve dramatically.

Quick Facts

Organisation established in
Total number of UK employees
Number of UK locations
Employee average age
Male : Female employee ratio
Employees earning £35k+
Employee turnover (voluntary)
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Benefits

Long Service

Companies where at least 40% of the staff have worked there for more than five years.

Maternity

Companies offering at least 10 weeks’ full pay or generous alternative.

Pensions

Companies offering a final salary scheme to all employees, or one in which the employer's contribution is at least 5%.

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National Position
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48
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