About Bernicia

They moved to new offices in October 2012 and utilised the principles of human centred design. The prototype was shared with staff at the staff conference in 2011 where their suggestions were used to bring the project to life. Key was having an office that complimented the open and engaging approach that is championed by the senior management team. As well as providing comfortable and informal meeting areas the office was designed to encourage communication between colleagues and teams. Through an open and supportive style of management people are empowered and encouraged to be themselves and to do what’s needed in their areas of work. They are a customer facing service where  values drive what they do every day. Their commitment to the values and how they operate under these is embedded within the day to day work and is evidenced by the quality and performance produced. Teams and individuals are signed up to the values because these are how, as a service, things are done.

Over the past three years the company has successfully worked towards the Better Health at Work Gold Accreditation and are now focusing on Continuing Excellence. During this time have introduced advice on healthy eating, alcohol intake, cancer awareness, exercise and introduced free fruit Fridays. Have in-house Yoga and keep-fit sessions heavily subsidised by the company as well as a walking and running group. This year they upped their game and offered free Indian head massages to all staff. 57 took up the offer and we received overwhelming feedback: - 'It was lovely, it cleared my head for the afternoon and helped me to concentrate'. Staff are encouraged to take part in events and in March supported the Homes for Britain campaign taking a lead role in the north east section. Around thirty members of staff took part in covering the route from Alnmouth in Northumberland to the Tyne Bridge in Newcastle either by cycling, running or walking all or part of the route. During Stoptober hypnotherapy was offered to members of staff who wanted to stop smoking. Offer annual health checks that cover; weight, blood pressure, body composition, spirometer, oximeter, blood glucose and cholesterol with 95 members of staff taking part. On receiving  Better Health at Work Gold Award, they were complimented on the innovative approach to improving workplace health.

At Bernicia they really value staff and created the Bernicia Staff Awards to recognise some of the brilliant work they know goes on every day, reflecting the determination, dedication and professionalism of the staff with over 40 staff nominated from across the business: Going the extra mile – someone who doesn’t just do what’s required and is willing to go the extra mile; someone who is proactive and takes things to the next level without being asked. Inspirational Colleague –regularly inspires others with their positive and enthusiastic attitude in the workplace. Best Team/Campaign – delivering something innovative that has improved quality, performance, efficiency, services or the work environment. Rising Star – recognising potential - someone showing promise and talent, an inspirational leader of the future.