Practices: The council recognises excellent performance through outstanding contribution awards. Individual, team and volunteer category awards are announced at a prize-giving ceremony. All winners receive £250 towards training or personal development with the overall winner receiving £1,500 towards training or personal development. The council has a regular bike week, where employees are encouraged to cycle to work. Free breakfasts are provided for cyclists on Bike to Work Day. Also, there are free bike checks under the Dr Bike scheme every March, June and September. More than 200 corporate courses for employees are offered. Additional learning on offer includes in-house directorate courses, external courses, conferences, seminars, secondments, shadowing, continued professional development and e-learning. There is a strong ethos of coaching in the council. Wellbeing days are held for employees and stress audits for managers. Once a month a room is available for employees as a quiet place for meditation, prayer and reflection. Pay and benefits: The council offers home working, compressed and reduced hours and flexi time. Its flexible retirement plan allows employees to continue working on reduced hours or in a lower graded post. Career breaks are available to employees with at least three years' service. Subsidised sports facilities are offered and discounts with local businesses. Employees can access an external counseling service, for four sessions at no charge. 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/
