What are the benefits for staff?

There will be benefits for those working for the newly structured, modern council.

Opportunities for professional development

Anyone required to take on new roles will be fully supported and trained to fulfil their responsibilities, and there will certainly be opportunities for people to progress their careers in the new council. As the single largest employer within Northumberland, the new unitary council will set an example to others and be seen as an ‘excellent employer’ or ‘an employer of choice’. 

Fit-for-purpose office accommodation and more flexible ways of working

The new council will build on existing plans to rationalise and modernise the existing property portfolio and to develop modern, fit-for-purpose office accommodation for staff and the public.

A key part of this strategy will be to support and encourage new, more flexible ways of working which will use modern technology to reduce the demand on office accommodation by encouraging staff to make greater use of remote working including mobile and home working.

The new authority will be supported by modern technology and accommodation in keeping with the world-class vision.

Raising the standards of service for communities

Staff road shows have highlighted that providing an excellent service, and being appreciated for the jobs we do by local people is important. The new council will remove duplication and will create savings that mean more money can be spent on services – this in turn means we will improve what we can provide for local communities, and will enhance our relationships with local people. Council services will be easier for residents and customers to access, and the council’s structure will be easier to understand, which will also raise our profile and improve how we work with communities.

Ensuring everyone gets fair treatment and equal opportunity

Everyone in the new council will benefit from the same high standards. This also applies to staff – the draft 'staffing regulations' state that all employees will be protected by the principles of TUPE during the transition, and your current terms and conditions will continue if you transfer to the new council.

Working effectively with partners to achieve shared goals

A unitary council will ensure that Northumberland has one strong, influential voice regionally and nationally, and this will help us to achieve more as an organisation.