South Oxfordshire and Vale of White Horse District Councils
IMPROVING THE QUALITY of life for the 120,000 people it serves is the aim of South Oxfordshire District Council, with its 274 employees on hand to deal with everything from environmental health and recycling to community safety and housing benefits. The council gives staff a fair deal — it is ranked sixth by its employees out of all 75 public sector organisations for this factor. A planning officer earns on average £28,598, and the benefits package includes dental insurance, personal insurance, an occupational health programme and an employee assistance scheme. There is also a final salary pension scheme for all staff. Staff are happy with their pay and benefits (68%), reporting that their salary fairly reflects their responsibilities and that they are paid fairly compared to colleagues (both 64% and top five scores for mid-sized bodies). Team-mates get on well, and colleagues don't tend to be disruptive (63%), and if there is an issue, managers tackle it head on rather than try to avoid conflict (52%, ranking the council 12th). Managers are well equipped for their roles, and are given financial support and time off to study for qualifications related to their job. There is also mentoring and coaching. Important information is shared with staff by managers (67%), who do a lot of listening as well as telling (68%). www.southoxon.gov.uk