Practices: The council’s mission to make Aylesbury Vale “the best possible place to live and work” could be paying off — the average length of staff service is almost 14 years.

The leader and chief executive hold regular informal discussions with staff. Work-life balance solutions include a wellness programme and confidential counselling. Seven women sit on the senior management team and an equal pay review was recently conducted.

Staff can join reserve forces, become retained firefighters, or undertake charitable activities within working hours without losing pay. The council’s recent “Save” campaign encouraged staff to behave as energy reduction champions.

Pay and benefits: The council employs 611 permanent staff. More than half work flexi time while others enjoy job-sharing, home working and compressed hours. Career breaks of up to 156 weeks’ unpaid leave are available for staff with two years’ service. The council runs 70 internal training courses a year and offers further development opportunities through interest-free career development loans and a post-entry training scheme. All staff enjoy discounted private medical cover and over 30s also receive free health screening. Options in the flexible benefits package include life assurance, give as you earn, loans and discounted services.

www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk

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