About ESS, IS Shared Services & Strategy

Managers receive resources, information and support from their line-managers.They have access to named HR business partners who provide advice and guidance on HR related issues, Learning and Development interventions etc. All staff including managers have access to the Well Programme - which incorporates support, education and information on a wide range of health and wellbeing issues. Management champion the strategic importance of people development by building a strong culture of continuous learning through a range of interventions.  The programme covers Leadership, Change, Coaching, Delivering Results through Teams and Communication in the context of ICT delivery.  Two managers have completed the Master of Science in Innovation Management in the Public Service and two are in the process of completing it. Managers develop skills and knowledge required to implement successful transformational in the public sector. 

The Teleworking Scheme has enhanced work life balance and welfare of staff, giving them greater flexibility in how they organise their working lives and balance the demands of their career with their domestic responsibilities and personal wellbeing. Staff take part in the annual 'Step Challenge' each year and have to achieve 10,000 steps a day. This is a lot of walking/running to do. If you don't achieve 10,000 steps each day you forfeit £1. Total forfeits are donated towards our charity.

This is an example where staff can receive a tangible reward for providing an excellent service. All compliments received in writing or through the monthly surveys are logged on the IS Shared Services & Strategy Compliments Register. Every year a draw is held from names of staff on the Register, and the winners are rewarded with a prize donated by the Director. Other examples of how they reward staff are by bringing staff to the NICS ICT yearly Conference. The Director personally sends a thank you card/email to any team or individual staff member who has received a compliment from a customer either by providing exceptional customer service or the achievement of a successful project.  Staff are also rewarded by seeing their suggestions for service and business improvement being taken forward, through the Service Improvement Register. There is also a Bonus Scheme in place.