Working for us

Why work for us

Here at NHS Oldham we recognise that our biggest strength is the quality and expertise of our workforce.

To make sure we recruit and retain the best employees, we are committed to delivering a range of flexible working practices and providing staff with a range of comprehensive flexible working options such as flexi-time, compressed hours and team-based self-rostering.

We believe that this benefits our staff by giving them the ability to manage both work and home more effectively and encourages a greater sense of empowerment and control over their working life.

Staff benefits and facilities

All of our staff have access to a child and adult care co-ordinator, who acts as an advisor, an advocate and provides support whenever needed.

Information is available on a wide range of Ofsted-registered childcare options in the area, including private day nurseries, out-of-school, holiday care, nannies, childminders, crèches, nurseries and schools.

We are fully committed to the training and development of our staff and provide employees with personal development plans. These help to ensure personal objectives are reached, training is provided where necessary and opportunities exist for meaningful development to take place.

As part of our efforts to build a strong and diverse workforce, we have also established a support network for black and ethnic minority staff (BME). So far, the network has met with management to discuss the specific needs of BME employees, sessions have been held on career development, and training has taken place on understanding and dealing with harassment and bullying.

As an NHS organisation, we offer an excellent final salary pension for employees and pensions advice is available to all our staff.

Finally, there is an occupational health service available for staff, with free podiatry, physiotherapy, counselling services and subsidised holistic treatments offered.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

The Lancaster LifeAssist EAP is a well-established, independent service for our staff.  It aims to help them deal with any problems they may have, whether personal or work-related. The aim of the service is to prevent problems or worries from affecting their well-being.

Two main services are offered:

• Information services, which are staffed by legal consultants.  Available on the phone 24 hours a day, seven days a week, they can help with legal advice and guidance on issues such as debt, finances, credit problems, benefits, tax or social security.
• Counsellor services, designed to provide easy-to-access support with any emotional worries or concerns people may have. Male and female counsellors from a variety of ethnic backgrounds can help with all kinds of issues, including those that arise in the workplace such as harassment or bullying.

There is no limit on the number of times people can call the service and all calls are strictly kept confidential between you and the support team.

Staff involvement

At NHS Oldham we value the contribution of all our staff and are committed to improving communication and increasing staff involvement.

We try to involve staff in the decision-making process in a variety of ways, look to obtain differing views on key subjects and encourage staff to suggest new ideas.

A key part of many employees’ roles is to involve colleagues in any changes and developments taking place. We strongly feel that keeping people informed about organisational change, workshops, events, awards and training is an important part of helping staff feel part of what’s going on and adds to the ‘Improving Working Lives’ philosophy.

Vacancies

All of our jobs are advertised on the NHS Jobs website

For more information on salaries, pay scales and working for the NHS generally, visit the NHS Employers website:
www.nhsemployers.org