What we offer
On this page
Team Reading
Flexible working
Training and development
Inclusion and diversity
Rewards and benefits
Team Reading
The diversity of work we do means that people’s roles are hugely varied. Some staff work directly with customers; others spend their days outdoors; and many roles are office based. But while our roles and responsibilities might be varied, there is one thing that all our staff share: a commitment to working as a team, delivering exceptional services and making a difference to the people of Reading.
“I have built great relationships with my colleagues, some of whom I have worked with since I started with Reading which is testament to the supportive culture of the council.”
In choosing to work for us, alongside the colleagues you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading. You’ll help play a personal part in making Reading, and the council, a successful and vibrant place. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.
Our values
Our Team Reading values guide our actions and decisions. They’re important to us because they shape our workplace culture and ensure we deliver the best possible service to our community.
Work together as one team
We work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
Drive efficiency
We take initiative, adapt to change, and suggest ideas to improve efficiency. We also take responsibility for our learning and reaching our potential.
Be ambitious
We are demanding of our performance, striving to be better. We engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
Make a difference to Reading
We maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Flexible working
We understand the importance of a healthy work-life balance and support our staff to achieve this. Many of our desk-based roles offer the flexibility of working between the office and your own home. We trust our team to manage their time, energy, and resources effectively to fulfil work obligations, while also having time for leisure activities, personal interests, family and friends.
Our 2023 survey showed that 91% of staff feel the positive effect of our flexible working policy
Here at Reading Borough Council, we understand everyone is different and may need more support than others. We ensure our staff are equipped to carry out their work from their own homes and offices.
Flexible working helps us to:
- Have a more motivated, productive, and less pressured workforce
- Make employees feel valued
- Reduce absenteeism
- Be an ‘employer of choice’
- Retain valued employees
- Reduce our carbon footprint
Training and development
We’re committed to creating an environment where everyone can do their best work and thrive in their roles. As one of the largest local employers, our size and scope provides a wealth of opportunities and career pathways for all staff. Our training and support programmes in particular help staff to enhance their professional development by learning new skills, improving overall performance and assisting in career progression.
Opportunities include:
Our organisational development and learning team help to facilitate these programmes, unlocking our team’s potential. The team lead the changes required to deliver service excellence making Reading a sustainable and great place to work.
Apprenticeships
We offer a variety of apprenticeship programmes at all levels, including up to degree and masters level. Apprenticeships are for people of all ages and can be completed by new or existing members of staff alongside their role as a way of gaining a qualification and developing skills.
About our apprenticeships
We embrace diversity
We value the experience and unique skills that our team members bring. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer, and supporter of many more recruitment initiatives. We also have a range of staff groups, designed to help individuals socialise, share experiences and build communities at work.
Inclusion and diversity
Rewards and benefits
Working for the council comes with many different types of rewards and benefits. Here are just a few examples:
Generous holiday allowance
You’ll receive 25 days holiday each year, plus bank holidays. This increases to 33 days after 10 years of service. All staff have the option to buy additional leave each year and we operate a flexi leave scheme.
Reading rewards
Enjoy shopping vouchers and money-saving deals available only to Reading Borough Council staff. Join our Staff Club, which hosts fun events like pub quizzes and theatre trips, creating a vibrant community spirit among colleagues.
Pay and pensions
We offer competitive salaries and have great maternity, adoption, parental and sick pay policies. All members of staff are offered access to the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) which includes Life Assurance benefits as well as many others.
Employee wellbeing
We’re passionate about supporting the physical and mental health of our team. From exploring wellbeing resources on our intranet site to getting free, 24 hour access to trained therapists and legal experts through our Employee Assistance Programme.
Help with your commute
We can provide a season ticket loan to assist with the cost of your rail or bus journey to and from work. Certain job roles also qualify for the relocation scheme, offering up to £8,000 towards the cost of relocating permanently to Reading.
Salary sacrifice schemes
Our salary sacrifice schemes provide many benefits. We offer cycling and car leasing schemes, and Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs), helping you to save for retirement.
Housing rental deposit scheme
High property prices make moving home expensive, especially when you also need to save for a deposit while paying monthly rent. This scheme gives staff the opportunity to borrow up to £3k for a rental deposit, and pay it back from their salary over 12 months. To qualify, staff must have passed their probation and be permanently employed by Reading Borough Council, or have at least 12 months left on a fixed term contract.
Jobs at Reading Borough Council
Browse and apply to current vacancies on our dedicated careers website
Last updated on 14/06/2024
What we offer