About Connect Education & Care

The Consortium offers everyone a core health care provision, which includes dental and optical cover. As part of a wider group, the company also offer an employee assistance programme, a free phone advisory service offering 24 hour, 365-day support and guidance on a range of areas including bereavement, money trouble, addictions and relationship breakdown. There is an open minded approach to work flexibly, a cycle to work scheme, healthy food options in the canteen and an outdoor green space with garden furniture for colleagues to enjoy their breaks. The organisation believes that good management practices can help reduce work-related stress. Examples of practices The Consortium use include making sure employees understand what they have to do and how to do it by meeting training needs, involving employees in the way work is carried out and having clear procedures for handling misconduct and poor performance.

The Consortium have initiated and run schemes in schools where they look to support learning. Examples of these schemes include the Stickability scheme, which is run with the Bath Rugby Foundation. Employees go to the same school for a term on a weekly basis alongside a rugby player and the representative from Bath Rugby who is a trained teacher. In these sessions the company aim to help the students learn life skills with a reward based approach. Many staff support local secondary schools, for example the St Augustine’s Industry Day in Trowbridge, with interview skills and CV writing. In June six members of staff supported a Careers Fair at Melksham Oak community school and in September 10 employees supported a similar event at The John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge. The Consortium also work with Job Centre Plus within the work experience scheme they run, who support the long term unemployed back into the Workplace.

The Consortium recognise employees for their efforts by awarding 'a Value Champion' of the month. Each winner is then entered into a draw to win Employee of the Year. This is voted for by all staff and the winner is announced at the annual End of Year presentation. The company also offer an All Staff discretionary bonus scheme, with payment based on company performance.