Looking after you
People are our most important asset.
Staff care, development and engagement is fundamental to the way Dorset HealthCare works, and we strive to ensure people enjoy working here and feel valued for what they do.
As a member of staff you have access to a wide range of staff benefits including an attractive pension package, learning and development opportunities, flexible working hours, 33 days of annual leave a year (depending on service; excluding bank holidays) and a relocation package of up to £5,000 for hard to recruit vacancies.
Celebrating outstanding achievements
Heroes, our monthly staff recognition scheme, celebrates outstanding achievements by staff across the organisation – as nominated by colleagues and members of the public. And the ‘best of the best’ are shortlisted for our hugely popular annual awards ceremony.
Relocation expenses of up to £5,000
Relocation expenses of up to £5,000 are available to new staff who meet the eligibility criteria and are appointed to posts that have been designated as ‘hard to recruit to’. Contact dhc.hr.admin@nhs.net for further details.
Salary sacrifice schemes
We offer a range of salary sacrifice schemes which will save you money on work-related learning, cars, cycles and home technology equipment, as well as helping you pay for additional annual leave.
Staff discounts
NHS staff enjoy discounts with a wide range of participating organisations, including gym and leisure club membership, accommodation and shopping. And the Bluelight Card offers further savings on days out, fashion, food and drink, and health and beauty.
Employee assistance programme
Our employee assistance programme offers free confidential advice and support on a range of emotional and practical issues. The free-phone helpline is staffed by specially trained advisors, who can be contacted 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
Health and Wellbeing Service
An Occupational Health and Wellbeing Service supports staff with any work-related health issues, such as providing occupational vaccinations and recommending adjustments to your role if you have an underlying condition, impairment or disability.
Learning and development opportunities
We offer a wide range of outstanding learning and development opportunities to help you further your career – from PRINCE 2 certification and project management to the Mental Health Foundation Pathway, and courses delivered via the NHS Leadership Academy.
Preceptorship Programme
For our newly-qualified nurses we offer a structured Preceptorship Programme. We also provide support and training throughout the process of re-validation, ensuring nurses fully understand what is needed to meet a range of requirements.
Flexible working
We are committed to enabling flexible working, wherever possible, to suit personal circumstances and meet the needs of the service. Options could include annualised and condensed hours contracts, job sharing and part-time working.
Hidden Talents Group
We value the lived experience of our staff. Our Hidden Talents Group, made up of people with lived experience of mental health problems, is working to address stigma, share expertise, offer peer support and help managers to support staff facing similar issues.
Physical and emotional wellbeing
We promote a range of activities and opportunities to help people look after their physical and emotional wellbeing, from mindfulness and choral singing to the Trust’s netball team and the Cycle to Work scheme which forms part of our green travel strategy.
Exceptional pension package
The NHS offers an exceptional pension package. It will give you an annual pension and a tax-free lump sum when you retire, plus life assurance, voluntary early retirement, ill health and other benefits. Go to www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk for more details.
OUR STAFF SAY
“Having worked here for 12 years, it is very fair and there are many opportunities to engage and progress with learning and career development.”
“We have lots of meetings, a friendly environment and a great team work. People here work very hard, they are well qualified and we have lots of training all year round.”
“Since joining the leg ulcer service I have regained my passion for nursing. Brilliant dedicated leadership, individualised, compassionate care, wonderful therapeutic relationships.”