Number of staff ... 422
Male/female ratio ... 51/49
Average age ... 43
Staff turnover ... 14%
Earning £35,000+ ... 5%
www.chorley.gov.uk

Practices At Chorley Borough Council in Lancashire, the Chief Executive Awards, which are financed by fees earned by the chief executive for public speaking and external project work, include a long-service award, a council worker/ambassador of the year award and a quality, service and innovation award. An event is held in the town hall, with food and drink provided, when the best in each category receives an award of up to £500.

Listening days are held when all employees have the opportunity to highlight what they think are key achievements and improvements for customers. They also enable each team and directorate to acknowledge and value what others have achieved.

A middle-managers’ forum made up of the top 50 managers meets on a bimonthly basis to encourage networking and share key messages. It provides an opportunity to engage managers, network across the council and update and consult on new and important initiatives.

Related Internet Links

• Best Councils 2008 table

BACKGROUND

• Best council rules

• Special award winners

Strong leaders are the key to motivating staff

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

The staff support the Mayor’s charity fund, taking part in events throughout the year including the annual Mayor’s charity ball, sponsored events such as a swimathon and dog walking, as well as games and competitions including tenpin bowling and cricket.

The council has a room for public hire, the Lancastrian, which is large enough to use for big events and exhibitions, weddings and conferences. Six times a year the Mayor allows local charities of his or her choice to use the room free of charge. The council leader and chief executive introduce the corporate induction programme for all new starters. In addition to introducing themselves and their roles within the council, it gives them the opportunity to explain the mission statement: to be an excellent customer-focused authority that values the contribution of all its employees. It promotes the culture of Chorley as a friendly, can-do council.

During back-to-the-floor days, all chief officers spend time delivering a frontline service to customers. Managers are also able to shadow the chief executive or chief officer, giving them the opportunity to experience what they do at firsthand. They also have the chance to consider whether this is the role to which they would like to progress and what skills and development they would require to plan their career.

A health and wellbeing section is included on the council intranet, featuring information about stress, musculoskeletal disorders, smoking cessation and alcohol and substance misuse. A workplace scheme is being introduced to offer a listening ear to anyone who needs it. A quiet room is also available for prayer or when quiet moments are necessary.

Pay and benefits Flexible working options include job sharing, compressed and reduced hours, flexitime and annualised hours. Chorley also offers flexible retirement options. Physiotherapy, counselling and eyesight testing are available and discounted alternative therapies are offered on site. Discounted gym membership, golf and private healthcare have been negotiated and fresh fruit will soon be provided for everyone.

Return to The Best Councils to Work For table

Times Recommends

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