Summary of Staff Benefits
Flexible Working Options
In most cases, the Trust can offer staff flexibility in working arrangements. There is a flexi-time policy and the opportunity, where appropriate, to opt for work start and end times which suit individuals. We also have a Hybrid Working Policy which gives staff the opportunity, where appropriate, to work from home for an agreed number of days in the week.
Generous Annual Leave
Our entry-level annual leave entitlement is 23 days per year for full-time staff compared with the national minimum rate of 20 days. The maximum annual leave entitlement is 32 days. All annual leave is offered on a pro rata basis to part-time employees.
The annual leave entitlement is in addition to eight UK public holidays per year.
Enhanced Sick Pay
During the first year of employment you are entitled to one month’s full pay and, after completing six month’s employment, one month’s half pay. This rises to six months’ full pay and six months’ half pay after five years’ service.
Parental Leave
Unpaid Parental Leave of up to four weeks each year is available for parents of young children or children who are disabled (subject to length of service and any previous parental leave taken with other employers).
Competitive Pension
The Trust offers the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pension scheme to all new employees. Monthly deductions of 3% are made from gross salary (before income tax and National Insurance deductions) and the Trust contributes a further 6% per month. There is no minimum earnings requirement for enrolment.
In addition to the pension entitlement, the Trust offers a Death in Service benefit of two times annual salary.
Mental Health First Aiders
We are committed to supporting good mental health and wellbeing by providing support, resources and information to help people to understand and improve their own mental health and to support others. We have a group of staff who are trained Mental Health First Aiders so they will listen and provide support to employees experiencing stress, a mental health issue or emotional distress, or when they need to talk.
Employee Assistance Programme
Our Employee Assistance Programme gives you unlimited access to a 24-hour free confidential telephone helpline. This service provides free advice on a wide variety of issues such as legal questions, employee-related and personal advice, and, where appropriate, face-to-face counselling.
Eye Tests
If you spend a lot of time looking at a computer display screen you are entitled to £20 towards an eye test.
Salary Sacrifice Schemes
We are pleased to be able to offer two salary sacrifice schemes to employees:
The Childcare Vouchers Scheme allows for the purchase of vouchers to pay for some of the costs of childcare. The purchase is deducted from salaries directly without paying tax on the relevant amount.
The Cycle to Work Scheme enables eligible employees to purchase a new bike and related safety equipment. The cost of purchasing the bike is deducted from salaries before tax is deducted, meaning a saving on the final cost.
Staff Discounts
All members of staff are entitled to the following:
10% discount on purchases made within the shops we manage at any of our sites (excluding exhibition sales).
10% discount on any books published by the Trust.
Free staff entry to Somerset Rural Life Museum.
Free staff entry to talks and events organised and run by the Trust, subject to availability. For talks, up to six seats will be made available to staff who wish to attend. Booking in advance is required to secure places.
A staff discount may be available in the cafés at the Museum of Somerset and Somerset Rural Life Museum. You should contact the managers at each site in advance to find out more details.
Charity Worker Discount Scheme
All staff within the Trust can sign up to the Charity Worker Discount Scheme to access discounts and vouchers codes from lots of retailers. Included are cinema discounts of up to 40% and discounted gym memberships. https://www.charityworkerdiscounts.com/