Flexible ways of working
We offer a range of working arrangements. These are designed to help you to fit work around your other responsibilities, balanced with the specific demands of your role.
These arrangements enable you to enjoy a good work/life balance and include:
- a flexi-time scheme (where service demands allow it)
- job share
- shared parental leave
- family support leave
- career breaks
We give staff the tools and training to work wherever makes most sense – on the go, in partners’ offices, at home, and in our corporate buildings. This allows you to be flexible and work where and when you need to, where the role allows this.
Annual leave
Most Council employees can have up to 26 days annual leave (plus public holidays, and pro rata for part-time). This rises to 31 days after five years’ continuous service.
If you are a JNC Youth and Community worker, your annual leave entitlement is 30 days (plus bank/public holidays, and pro rata for part-time). This rises to 35 days after five years’ continuous service.
You may be able to buy up to 15 days of additional annual leave through our flexible benefits scheme.
Pension scheme
You can join one of the largest public sector pension schemes in the UK which offers attractive employer contributions.
Find out more about pensions.
Learning and development opportunities
Our People Strategy vision is to have “a motivated, engaged and skilled workforce focused on meeting the needs of the citizens of Plymouth”.
We are committed to investing in the continued learning and development of of our employees. We want to make sure they have the right skills and experience to provide and improve services and outcomes for the citizens of Plymouth.
We are recognised nationally for our commitment to developing our staff.
In 2018 we made the national Top 100 Apprenticeship Employer List for the fourth year in a row. We won the national School Leaver’s Top Employer Award 2017.
We offer a range of flexible opportunities and support to help you develop yourself and your career. We expect you to take an active part in your own development by seeking opportunities to learn. You will discuss this with your line manager in regular performance discussions.
Some of the learning and development opportunities you can expect:
Induction Event
Our Welcome Event will introduce you to our Corporate Plan. You will be able to explore how our organisational values relate to you in your role and how you can contribute to the Council’s mission.
Regular performance discussions
We equip our line managers to have discussions with you about your role, performance and career aspirations within the Council.
Workshops and short courses
We offer a range of topics that follow our business plans and organisational priorities.
If you identify a topic that could help you enhance your service to your customers. You can discuss this with your line manager who will consult with our Organisational Development team
Functional skills courses
We offer the opportunity to achieve a nationally recognised qualification in English, Maths and ICT. This is fully funded by Plymouth City Council
E-learning
Access to learning when you want and at your own pace, with over 50 topics including:
- Introduction to Local Government
- Managing yourself and your time
- Personal resilience
- Developing Emotional intelligence
- Project management
- Presentation skills
- Change management
- Team leading and improving performance
Leadership and management development programmes
A bespoke blended learning programme for existing and aspiring managers.
This is delivered over 9 months and allows you to build a strong support network across the Council whilst you learn and put into practice a range of essential management skills, knowledge and behaviours
Coaching
Trained cross-agency coaches will support and develop you to carry out your role more effectively. They will empower you to explore your own options and solutions for moving forwards and improving.
Additional interest roles
There are opportunities to apply for roles you can perform in addition to your usual duties. These include Wellbeing Champions and Green Champions. These roles offer full training and an agreement for you to complete certain activities within your working time.
Volunteering
There is a strong volunteering community in Plymouth. Volunteering can help develop your skills and experience. Improving Lives Plymouth can help you find volunteering opportunities you can do outside your working hours.
We are a diverse organisation. Depending on your role and the area you work in you may also have access to extra development opportunities including:
- job shadowing
- mentoring
- stretch projects or assignments
- secondments
Whatever your learning and career development goals, we will support you to perform at your best and get the most out of working at Plymouth City Council.
Healthy workplace
Our Employee Assistance Programme provides practical information, resources, counselling and advice to help you balance your work, family and personal lives.
This free, confidential and independent service is available to all staff 24 hours a day It covers a range of topics including:
- managing stress and anxiety,
- childcare
- relationships
- consumer rights
- legal, financial and health advice
Location
Plymouth is located in the heart of the South West and boasts affordable living, stunning scenery and historic landmarks. Plymouth hosts major events such as MTV crashes, Armed Forces Day and the National Fireworks Championships.
Britain's Oceans City, Plymouth is a great place to live, work and play.
A re-location package is available where appropriate and agreed. More details are provided if the role is eligible.
Other benefits and rewards
- Cycle to Work scheme. Get a new bike and safety equipment – all tax free!
- Book one of our pool bicycles or cars for business use
- Devon car share scheme
- Have your say with our annual staff survey and influence key issues
- Nominate, or be nominated for our Star Awards – recognition for our employees’ hard work, commitment and dedication
- Join the Give As You Earn scheme - a completely tax-free, simple and flexible way for you to support your favourite charity on a regular basis.
- Continuous service from certain organisations (maximum 7 day break between roles)
Employee discounts
Our online discount benefits portal, iCHOOSE, offers you significant savings on everyday goods and services including:
- weekly shopping
- leisure
- entertainment
- holidays
- motoring
- clothing
- eating out and much, much more
With over 400 suppliers offering year round savings, there is something for everyone.
Wellbeing at work
The Council has been awarded the Silver Level award for Wellbeing at Work.
