Staff-Wellbeing-and-Benefits (ID 1174)

• Emotional
  Emotional

  The Pinnacle Learning Trust ensures that the emotional wellbeing of its staff is supported through INSET training and development. The trust has an open door policy for staff to be able to discuss any problems or needs. Please see HR Central Services if you have any concerns.

  The PLT offers a Telephone Counselling Service for staff & their family via an
  independent company (DAS).

  The service will provide the employee (and any members of their immediate family who permanently live with them) with a confidential counselling service over the phone if they are aged 18 or over (or aged between 16 and 18 and in full time employment). This includes, where appropriate, onward referral to relevant voluntary and/or professional services. The counselling service helpline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

• Physical
  Physical

  Oldham Sixth Form College and Hathershaw College have an on-site multi gym that can be used by any trust employee.

  The Pinnacle Learning Trust offers free Flu Vaccinations for all staff from an independent medical team who provide nurses to vaccinate on site. We also offer staff the cost of eye tests and a contribution towards glasses for those who are classified as DSE users.

  Health and safety training is provided through an online training package for all staff in the trust, thus ensuring staff are aware of their responsibilities. The Pinnacle Learning trust also provides role specific training e.g Manual handling, COSHH.

  The Trust works with health organisations to promote Health and Wellbeing, eg NHS, BMI checks and Stop Smoking Services.

• Benefits
  Benefits

  The Pinnacle Learning Trust offers all employees the following benefits whilst they are working for the Trust:

  • Local Government and Teachers’ pension schemes.
  • Support staff have a generous holiday entitlement which increases with service up to 31 days per year, pro rata for part time staff (excluding bank holidays).
  • On site free car parking facilities (subject to availability).
  • Salary sacrifice for Cycle to Work schemes up to £2000 (contact the HR department for further details)
  • Occupational Sickness benefits for both teaching and support staff as per the academy terms and conditions.
  • Supportive return to work interviews.
  • Staged return to work schemes where appropriate and necessary.
  • Excellent working environment which includes catering facilities and staff kitchens.
  • Long service awards after 15 years and 25 years service.
  • Subject to the academy calendar a day may be given as a closure day for staff and at the discretion of the academy.
  • Hospitality at key events.
  • Staff groups to improve wellbeing.
  • Wellbeing day – a range of activities to promote health and wellbeing.

• Work/Organisation
  Work/Organisation

  Staff views are regularly sought via staff consultation, staff satisfaction surveys,
  cross academies surveys and focus groups. The Local and regional Joint Committee meetings offer Union representatives the opportunity to meet regularly with Academies leaders.
  SLT work with middle leaders, unions and the staff groups to consider ways to
  manage workloads and promote a healthy working environment.

  The Work Life Balance Policies across the trust offers the opportunity for staff to balance their working lives with their personal needs and responsibilities.
  The PLT will consider requests for:

  • Flexible working/part time working
  • Job sharing
  • Sabbatical/career break

• Equality and Diversity
  Equality and Diversity

  The diverse nature of The PLT allows for equal opportunities and cultural engagement.
  We recognise religious and spiritual values and beliefs and allow staff to request paid time off work to observe religious festivals. Some of the Academies have quiet rooms available for those that wish to pray or have quiet time during opening hours. There is an open invitation for any member of staff to join the Equality and Diversity consultation groups to consider Equality and Diversity issues and help ensure that each academy celebrates diversity.

• Training and Personal Development
  Training and Personal Development

  New members of staff receive a full induction programme. The PLT supports
  appropriate requests for role specific and personal development training. INSET days focus on the academy priorities and individual development.
  Teaching staff within their first year have a mentor assigned to them for help, guidance and settling in at the academy as well as regular new staff meetings to introduce different aspects of academy life.

  These include:

  Teaching Staff:

  • Lesson observations
  • Progress monitoring, marking and assessment
  • Strategic development and values
  • School Partnership Activities

  Support Staff:

  • In-house Leadership Programmes
  • Specific Training

• Giving Back
  Giving Back

  The Pinnacle Learning Trust strives to make a positive difference to the local community and the lives of all the young people we work with.

  We also ensure to get involved with the regular charity events, supporting a number of organisations, including the following:

  • Dr Kershaw’s Hospice
  • Sands
  • Comic Relief
  • Oldham Foodbank
  • Maggie’s Oldham
  • A Bed Every Night
  • Breast Cancer Now

  Annual and one-off events for community/team building, whilst supporting others is regularly encouraged. Annual cross Trust events include a sponsored 10K run in Manchester and various awareness days (e.g. Pink Day for Breast Cancer awareness).

  Teachers, support staff and students are able to join and help lead some of our fantastic groups, such as:

  • Equality and Diversity
  • LGBT
  • Interfaith Group