About Benenden Health

They were founded in 1905 with the purpose of people joining together to help pay for medical care, when they may need it. At the time, postal workers were contracting tuberculosis and there was no mechanism in place to diagnose or assist in their recovery. Charles Garland their founder, created their mutual organisation in which everyone could contribute to a central fund, which members could draw on for TB treatment.

Their founding principle of many people joining together to help pay for medical care, is still central to their values today. They still exist for the benefit of their members and remain a not-for-profit society. Their mission is to help people avoid the worry and complications that waiting on the NHS can bring.

Their purpose is "together we improve the nation's health," making life better for their members and wider society, by taking the strain off the NHS. They are the affordable alternative to health insurance and aim to complement, not replace the NHS, supporting their members when they are facing a delay in obtaining diagnosis or treatment.

Their employees know that their members are at the heart of everything they do and their drive is to provide the best service they can. They have a great culture and strive to keep Benenden Health a place where their people are proud to work. They know that their employees are what makes them a great place to work and they are committed to keeping it that way.

What is it like to work for Benenden Health

My Manager

91% of staff agreed:

I feel that my manager talks openly and honestly with me

Benenden Health developed 2018's leadership development programme and split it into two separate programmes. The first part was renamed Living Our Values, a two day development programme for all colleagues. The second programme is called Leading Our Values which is a three day development programme for their manager population. Living Our Values covers their business challenges, personal impact, authenticity, brand, their purpose, culture and building resilience. Leading Our Values covers building high performing teams, engagement and collaborative leadership. Skills learned are embedded through manager support. Living Our Values is also attended by all new employees as part of their 3 day induction programme. They have also offered degrees in BA (Hons) Management and Leadership (Degree Apprenticeship) and Executive Master of Business Admin (MBA) in partnership with a local university.

91% of staff agreed:

I feel that my manager talks openly and honestly with me

My Team

93% of staff agreed:

My team is fun to work with

As Benenden Health are a not for profit mutual they don’t have huge budgets for team events so they have to be creative and often adopt a “DIY” approach as opposed to contracting big event organisers.The summer of 2019 they hosted a “Summer Festival” at a local sports club in York when they were blessed with good weather to assist with a festival vibe! Colleagues were greeted with flower garlands, music from a local band and a BBQ sizzling! They hosted a tug of war challenge where colleagues were able to unleash their competitive spirits, it was a fantastic competition with lots of vocal support for the teams! They also had a limbo competition as well as a festival themed quiz. In order to get well and truly in the festival vibe colleagues could also get glitter face painting which really created a festival theme! This is the second year they have had an after-work event at this venue and colleagues have given them such great feedback about the event. It’s very laid back and relaxed which promotes socialising and a great sense of fun. Their senior leaders are always in attendance and get involved – their CEO headed up one of the tug of war teams! This provides opportunity for colleagues to speak with their leaders in an informal social setting. This event is open to all colleagues with approximately 60% of their colleagues attending from a variety of teams.

93% of staff agreed:

My team is fun to work with

Fair Deal

72% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

Benenden Health find alternative ways to recognise and reward colleagues for their contribution to the success of their organisation in line with their not for profit mutual ethos with a number of schemes teams can utilise. "Be Recognised" is a variety of recognition schemes which are all designed to recognise their colleagues for all that they do and give to their organisation.

"Living our Values Everyday” (L.O.V.E) enables all colleagues to recognise each other for demonstrating actions or behaviours that are reflective of their 4 values: Be Caring, Be Connected, Be Brave, Be Smart. Using L.O.V.E means colleagues and managers can recognise each other with a note of thanks, taking the time to showcase colleagues who role model their values and behaviours.

Teams also have budget for recognition and engagement activities and this works really well because every team is so different. A flexible pot enables managers to recognise their teams in a way they know will have the best impact, as opposed to a "one size fits all" approach. Christmas presents, career anniversary gift vouchers, award ceremonies, a summer and winter event and lots of celebrations throughout the year for things like Easter and Valentine’s Day.They also issue annual total reward statements to all employees to really showcase the full value of all their benefits and reminding the employees that they offer much more than a salary.

72% of staff agreed:

I am happy with the pay and benefits I receive in this job

Learn more about the 8 factors of workplace engagement here

Benefits:

Charity Activities

At least 40% of staff are known to undertake charitable activities during business hours without incurring financial loss
Women

At least 40% of senior managers are women
Gym

Companies offering either free gym/ sports facilities or subsidised gym membership for all employees
Health Insurance

Companies offering private health insurance for all employees
Maternity

At least 10 weeks’ full pay or generous alternative