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
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The UK's only multi-utility regulator protects the short and long-term interests of energy and water consumers in Northern Ireland. More than 90 engineers, accountants, economists and administrators work for The Utility Regulator in Belfast – and their development is a point of pride for senior managers.
The success of the structured support and development programme, UR People, was a major factor to help the organisation win Investors in People Silver accreditation. Set up in 2007 as a non-ministerial government department, the Utility Regulator oversees electricity, gas, water and sewerage industries worth billions of pounds.
People have had to learn new skills and grapple with unfamiliar technology in different environments as they adjusted to pandemic working conditions. Everyone was issued with a mini-desktop computer or laptop to equip them to work from home, and could take home office chairs or other equipment. Effective communication increased significantly the contact between senior staff and team members.
The regulator made use of SMS messaging to make employees aware of key developments, as well as regular updates and a weekly all-staff meeting with the CEO. A staff wellbeing survey in June 2020 was repeated in January 2021, providing valuable feedback. The latest results showed employees felt that the greatest boost for their health and wellbeing was the support they got from their line manager.
I am happy with the balance between my work and home life
A homeworking checklist was produced for the intranet to provide guidance for staff during the pandemic, including links on how to balance work and homeschooling and keeping active. Staff get together for virtual coffee breaks, a book club, yoga and Pilates sessions.
I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job
Employees are offered excellent working conditions at The Utility Regulator including a competitive salary as well as a civil service pension and flexible working conditions. They also benefit from an increase in the scope and volume of learning and development opportunities.
My organisation encourages charitable activities
Although many volunteering opportunities have been suspended due to Covid-19, staff continue to donate to their nominated charities. The organisation has made a range of changes to reduce its environmental impact, providing staff with water bottles and reusable coffee cups and recycling more waste.
Companies where at least 40% of the staff have worked there for more than five years.
Companies offering a final salary scheme to all employees, or one in which the employer's contribution is at least 5%.
If you like what you see and are interested in exploring any opportunities, please visit the organisation's careers page for more information.
