Practices: A feeling of wellbeing and belonging make Vale Royal Borough Council the best council to work for, it says. The council spent £5,000 on fun and social events for staff in the last financial year. Strawberry cream teas were served on Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Staff dressed up to raise money on Jeans for Genes Day, Red Nose Day and Children In Need. Casino Vale Royal — inspired by the latest James Bond film — proved a popular way to raise cash for good causes. And Monopoly money exchanged hands at the gaming tables. To promote further involvement in the community, staff are encouraged to become magistrates on paid leave through an awareness programme. Employees have a “tremendous respect” for their chief executive, Anne Bingham- Holmes thanks to her handson management style which keeps her in touch with the workforce, it says. There is an emphasis on two-way rather than topdown communication. Bingham- Holmes leaves the confines of her office to meet managers and eat lunch in the staff canteen, making the most of the opportunity to speak to employees at all levels. The chief executive and the directors also hold an annual roadshow, called “Let's think”, to review the past 12 months' achievements and to look ahead with the employees. Staff are then invited to give feedback through discussion groups. Staff have the opportunity to rate their own managers through 360 degree appraisals. The council is a friendly place to work. “There is a great camaraderie not only between immediate colleagues but across departments,” it says. While away days build strong relationships within teams. The council has taken steps to support home and flexible working: the latest time for staff to clock in is 11am, and earliest time for clocking out is 3pm. A significant number of employees return to work on a jobshare basis after maternity leave. The council's record of sickness and absence compares very favourably with other organisations. An on-site nurse is available to discuss health matters with employees twice a week and there are targeted campaigns to raise health awareness. The council believes that its workforce are “our best publicity,” it says. “They talk with pride and belief in their organisation — both during work hours to customers and our of hours to neighbours, friends and family.” Pay and benefits: Vale Royal Borough Council employs around 640 permanent staff, with most earning between £15,000 and £25,000. The majority of those working for the council are women and those on maternity leave can expect to receive 90 per cent of their salary for six weeks, followed by half of their salary for three months — in addition to the statutory allowance. For their part, dads are entitled to one week off on full pay. Childcare vouchers are also available to help parents make ends meet but there are no on-site crèche facilities. Staff are entitled to use the council's leisure facilities for £30 a year. Free car parking is another highlighted perk. 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/