About West Oxfordshire District Council

They have an internal leadership development programme and also attend MKOB management development courses such as managing conflict, authentic team leader and relational leader. They have several trained mentors throughout the council and they also have three qualified coaches who are currently providing coaching for others both inside and outside of the organisation. They have various toolkits including a partnership working toolkit and a managing change toolkit.

The Council's safety adviser gives advice and support for quitting smoking and holds a budget to fund smoking cessation products. We have lunchtime fitness classes at the Council such as ‘gut busters’, Pilates and yoga. They have run several health screening days where staff can have their cholesterol, blood pressure, BMI and bone density. They also have a range of flexible working policies including non standard working hours, flexi-time, flexible working for parents and carers and paid time off for urgent family leave. They also hold events such as ‘Bring your children to work’ day.

The organisation have team lunches to celebrate birthdays and other special occasions or achievements. The council encourages staff to put themselves forward for external awards and recognition. Wherever appropriate staff from the team will be sponsored by the council to attend award ceremonies and events. They are running three pilot schemes for "an even better place to work" programme which will be rolled out across the council in the New Year. This is an inclusive and innovative programme to assist staff to manage their morale and motivation and build better relationships within the team.