NHS North West employs over 450 employees across a wide range of functions including public health, performance, quality, commissioning, informatics, workforce modernisation, finance, communications, information, and dental and GP education. The majority of our employees are based in Manchester city centre at Three Piccadilly Place, but we also have a large number of employees at Mersey Deanery in Liverpool and further offices in Bolton, Kirkham and Kendal.
Our visions and values are designed to help us lead organisations within our region towards delivering world class health and the highest quality health care for the people of the North West. They also shape the way we relate to you as an employee, by involving you in how NHS North West evolves, supporting your development and providing a respectful working environment.
We care about our employees and acknowledge that everyone has different needs and preferred ways of working.
There are many advantages to beingg an employee of NHS North West:
Responsible Employer
Equality & Diversity
NHS North West is committed to promoting equality, diversity and an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees. We ensure that applicants and employees are treated equitably regardless of their gender, race, colour, ethnic or national origins, age, disability, socio-economic background, religious or political beliefs and affiliations, marital status, family responsibilities, sexual orientation or other inappropriate distinction.
Pure Innovations Ltd
We believe that every person has the right to contribute and live a full and active life in society. We are currently working with Pure Innovations Ltd, a leading supported employment agency, to improve our capacity to recruit and retain the people labelled as being the most disadvantaged when it comes to accessing employment opportunities. To find out more visit the Pure Innovations website.
Mindful Employer
Mental ill health unfortunately remains an area of fear and stigma for many. For example, 52% of people with a psychiatric history have concealed this fact from their employer for fear of losing their job. By being a Mindful Employer we are demonstrating that we are willing to encourage and enable disclosure of mental ill health to take place without fear of rejection or prejudice. To find out more visit the Mindful Employer website
Positive About Disabled People
NHS North West has been awarded the disability symbol by Jobcentre Plus, which is given to organisations who have made positive commitments to employ, keep and develop the abilities of disabled employees. If you apply for a post with us and declare a disability, and you also meet the key essential or minimum criteria, we will interview you and consider you on your abilities, irrespective of the nature and extent of your disability or condition. To find out more, visit the Direct Gov website.
Backing Young Britain
We are proud to be part of the Backing Young Britain Mentoring programme, which is a cross-Government campaign aimed at providing more opportunities for young people. Our employees use their knowledge and skills to support and encourage young people with confidence building, addressing aspirations, preparing for work and searching for a job. To find out more visit Backing Young Britain Mentoring website.
Age Positive
NHS North West is Age Positive and recognises the benefits of an age-diverse workforce. We will not discriminate against someone because of their age in any decisions made about recruitment, training and retention. As part of being Age Positive we operate a flexible working policy and offer the option of flexible retirement. To find out more visit the DWP website.
Benefits
Salary
The majority of jobs at NHS North West are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales. In AfC the NHS job evaluation system determines a points score which is used to match jobs to one of the nine pay bands and determine levels of basic salary. Each of the nine pay bands has a number of pay points. New starters without previous NHS service commence at the base of the pay band so you have the opportunity to work through the band year on year and benefit from an annual incremental rise as well as a cost of living award. To find out more details of pay scales visit the NHS Employers website .
NHS Pension Scheme
When you commence with NHS North West you will be automatically entered into the NHS Pension Scheme, although membership is voluntary and you can opt not to join or leave the Scheme at any time. The Scheme provides an index linked pension and is based on Final Salary. To find out more information on the rules and benefits of the Scheme visit the NHS Pensions website.
Annual Leave Entitlement
Upon joining the NHS you are entitled to 27 days annual leave per year under Agenda for Change terms and conditions (pro rata for part-time employees). This increases to 29 days after 5 years service and then again to 33 days once you have completed 10 years service. The service does not need to be continuous and bank holidays are additional.
Annual Leave Purchase
As an employee of NHS North West you may also apply to “purchase” up to four weeks additional unpaid leave beyond your contractual entitlement. This is intended to cater for those employees who may wish to pursue additional activities outside of work, for example, or to go on extended travel.
Flexible Working
NHS North West is committed to flexible working practices that support the efficient delivery of services alongside the achievement of an effective balance between work and home-life commitments. All employees can apply for flexible working, which could be in the form of part-time hours, term-time, flexi-time or occasional working from home.
Season Ticket Loans
Season ticket loans are available to enable our employees to purchase tickets for travel over a longer period, thereby benefitting from the reduced per journey cost, without having to make the large financial outlay. The loan is offered interest free and repaid via your monthly salary payment.
Cycle to Work Scheme
As an employee of NHS North West you are encouraged to ditch the car and get on your bike with our superb cycle to work scheme. Under the scheme you can purchase a bicycle to use to travel to and from work through a salary sacrifice scheme, thereby making savings of up to 40% on the purchase price of the cycle and cycle equipment.
Car Pool Scheme
The car pool scheme, run by City Car Club, allows the organisation to rent out a car to enable you to attend meetings and other work commitments meaning not only can you can drive a lovely new car without the cost and hassle of owning it yourself, you can also help save the planet at the same time.
Child Care Vouchers
We can help you save on childcare costs if you have any dependants under the age of 16 through a salary sacrifice scheme that allows you to make tax and national insurance savings. You can purchase up to around £250 per month which can be used at registered or approved childcare providers.
Eye Tests
If like the large majority of our employees you use display screen equipment in your role, you may be entitled to reimbursement for the cost of an optician’s eye test up to the value of £20. You may also be eligible for help towards the cost of new spectacles.
Discounts
As an employee of the NHS you will be entitled to various excellent discounts, such as money off insurance, fashion, holidays and electrical goods.
Learning & Development
Training
We currently offer courses to meet the personal and professional development needs of our employees on subjects such as equality and diversity; project and programme management; appraisal skills for managers; bullying harassment and conflict resolution; health, well-being and absence management; and coaching and high impact communication skills.
Formal Study
NHS North West may be able to offer study support towards a formal qualification that is relevant to your area of work. This will be a maximum of 75% of the course fee but would of course be subject to line manager and budget approval, and certain other conditions.
Performance Development Review
As an NHS North West employee you will participate in the Performance Development Review (PDR) Process. The PDR process supports a “continuous loop” of performance review, feedback, recognition and development, clearly linked to organisational objectives, and is an essential part of the our joint commitment to maintaining and improving the quality of service we provide to both the organisations and public we serve.
Development Opportunities
Our employees have the opportunity to develop skills and experience through secondments and “acting up”, both internally and externally with other health care and partnership organisations. Other work based learning opportunities include project work, shadowing, working groups and matrix working.
Skills Register
Further to employee suggestions, we are currently developing a skills register for the organisation. This will help to ensure that we make to most of the considerable amount of skills and experience possessed by our employees.
Health & Wellbeing
Occupational Health
From time to time we can all feel under pressure, whether from demands at work or personal worries. When the usual mechanisms of coping break down, our employees can access the free Staff Counselling Service for confidential help and support, no matter how serious or trivial a problem may seem. Our Occupational Health provider also offers a physiotherapy service and twice yearly well person screening sessions.
Health Week
Once a year we run Health Week, an event aimed at raising employee awareness of health and wellbeing. With a different theme each day, the week covers areas such as diet and physical activity, healthy lifestyle choices and mental health awareness.
Mindful Employer
Mental ill health unfortunately remains an area of fear and stigma for many. For example, 52% of people with a psychiatric history have concealed this fact from their employer for fear of losing their job. By being a Mindful Employer we are demonstrating that we are willing to encourage and enable disclosure of mental ill health to take place without fear of rejection or prejudice. To find out more visit the Mindful Employer website.
Cycle to Work Scheme
As our employee you are encouraged to ditch the car and get on your bike with our superb cycle to work scheme. Under the scheme you can purchase a bicycle to use to travel to and from work through a salary sacrifice scheme, thereby making savings of up to 40% on the purchase price of the cycle and cycle equipment.
Flexible Working
NHS North West is committed to flexible working practices that support the efficient delivery of services alongside the achievement of an effective balance between work and home-life commitments. All employees can apply for flexible working, which could include part-time hours, term-time or working from home.
Vacancies
We have a range of exciting and challenging vacancies available across the organisation. Search the NHS North West area of NHS Jobs.