“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
