Wellbeing & Benefits
If you require any further information relating to anything you have read within this booklet do not hesitate in contacting the HR Central Services - hr@pinnaclelearningtrust.org.uk or further details can be found on the HR site.
The Trust offers a variety of activities/initiatives to help staff to achieve personal and organisational wellbeing.
Physical
Oldham Sixth Form College and Hathershaw College have an on-site multi gym that can be used by any trust employee the times are:
OSFC from 8.30am – 6pm daily Hathershaw from 3.30pm – 9pm daily
Equipment available:
• Cardio vascular machines
• Weight machines
• Free weights
• Resistance weights
• Large spor ts hall to use for team activities/sports
An induction is needed before use. Please see the sports hall receptions for further information.
The PLT offers free Flu Vaccinations for all staff from an independent medical team who provide nurses to vaccinate on site. This usually takes place on an INSET day between September and November.
The PLT also offers 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 on line 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 (see https://quitnow.smokefree.nhs.uk/)
Benefits
Emotional
The Pinnacle LearningTrust 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 the HR if you have any concerns.
The PLT 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).
The Pinnacle Learning offers aTelephone Counselling Service for staff via an independent company (DAS).
• On site free car parking facilities (subject to availability).
Call: 0344 893 9012 (Option 2)
• Salary sacrifice for Cycle to Work schemes up to £2000 (contact the HR department for further details).
Quote: ACT/LEG/000294, your name and the company name (The Pinnacle Learning Trust t/a Oldham Sixth Form College or Werneth or Hathershaw when applicable)
• Occupational Sickness benefits for both teaching and support staff as per the academy terms and conditions.
• Supportive return to work interviews.
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.
• Staged return to work schemes where appropriate and necessary.
• Excellent working environment which includes catering facilities and staff kitchens.
• Long service award after 15 years and 25 years service.
• Subject to the academy calendar a day maybe given as a closure day for staff and at the discretion of the academy
• Hospitality at key events.
• Staff groups to improve staff wellbeing.
• Wellbeing day – a range of activities to promote health and wellbeing.
Work/Organisation
The Pinnacle Learning Trust was established in 2017, to build upon the excellent work of the founding colleges and their shared belief that young people in Oldham and the local area should have access to excellent educational provision. Currently comprising of four academies, Oldham Sixth Form College, Broadfield Primary School, Werneth Primary School and The Hathershaw College have grown to be employers of choice within the local area as well as further afield. There are many former students who have returned as employees to work in both teaching and support roles. Each year a number of staff receive a long service award for 15 & 25
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
Further details and the criteria for requesting these changes can be found in the Work Life Balance Booklet/ Family Leave Policy which also has information relating to Maternity, Paternity, and Adoption and Parental policies.
Equality & 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.
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
