Number of staff ... 278
Male/female ratio ... 41/59
Average age ... 44
Staff turnover ... 7%
Earning £35,000+ ... 14%
www.rother.gov.uk

Practices Rother District Council in East Sussex has a reward scheme in which the chief executive and senior management express their gratitude to staff for the good work they have done. There is an Ask the Chief facility on the council intranet to enable employees to put questions to anyone they want. The council also provides an environmental learning centre for children in the area.

Staff involvement in corporate plan projects leads to the development of employee skills and encourages teamwork on a large scale.

A training consortium made up of nine local authorities is utilised in order to broaden the scope of opportunities and development for council employees. In addition to this, mentors are provided to support and develop new managers.

Strong leaders are the key to motivating staff

Council supremos help the top five employers to topple last year’s best performers

BACKGROUND

• Best council rules

• Special award winners

Related Internet Links

• Best Councils 2008 table

Pay and benefits Flexible working options available include job sharing, home working, term-time-only and school-hours contracts, staggered hours and flexitime. Subsidised sports facilities and an employee assistance programme are also available.

Return to The Best Councils to Work For table

Times Recommends

• Inspirational leadership
• How to get a new job
• The reluctant CEO