Knowsley Council

With more than 7,000 employees across the borough, Knowsley Council is committed to its responsibilities as 'an employer of choice'. Commenting, Debi Hughes, Organisational Development Strategic Advisor, says: "We make it a priority to publicly reward the contribution made by our loyal employees, who provide a wide and diverse range of services across the borough, such as library and leisure facilities through to social care, school meals and environmental services. All are equally important to the role that the Council plays in the community. One of the many initiatives that we operate is that of recognising long service - something we have done since 1982."

From a policy which initially rewarded long service only upon retirement with a gift which, by 2005, had a value up to £104, the initiative has been refined and developed. "We actively welcome feedback from employees on the relevance of such awards, and in 2006 we proactively undertook research which examined our offer compared to other local authorities. As a result we changed the policy to recognise employees who had achieved either 20 or 40 years service, and to issue awards, payable either as a voucher or salary payment, whilst individuals were still employed rather than when they left, as had previously been the case. The purpose of this change was to signal the priority we place upon our people. Having identified staff preferences we changed the reward option to include Love2shop gift vouchers. This change also led to greater efficiencies and cost savings."

"Since then we have monitored the scheme closely and now use Love2shop gift vouchers exclusively as it proved by far and away, to be the most demanded reward in the portfolio. Since February of this year qualifying employees have received their £150 or £250 worth vouchers during the month following their 20 or 40 year anniversary falls, plus they are invited to attend an annual ceremony and lunch with the Mayor, where they again receive public recognition with the presentation of a certificate. These changes have proved extremely popular with everyone. By using Love2shop gift vouchers we benefit from preferential buying rates which we can share across six directorates and schools in the borough. We've cut down on the paper trail and reduced administration, plus our diverse workforce gets the best choice of easily accessible stores in which to spend their award. Everyone wins."

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